The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has asked the Welsh Assembly Government's Health Minister to support counselling services in Porthcawl.
Mr Black has requested that the Minister funds Porthcawl Counselling Service. Porthcawl Counselling Service is a voluntary organisation of qualified Counsellors working with patients from Bridgend, Neath, Port Talbot and the Vale of Glamorgan. The only funding that they have received is a one of grant of £6,450 from Bridgend Local Health Board.
"While I do not wish to attempt to make the issue political, the recent spate of suicides in the Bridgend area underlines the importance of mental health services." said Mr Black. "Porthcawl Counselling Service provides an important facility for the local community that is greatly needed in South Wales. Their clients come from as far as Neath, Port Talbot, Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan."
"I hope that the Minister looks at funding this service. Those who work there do so as volunteers, something that we should be encouraging and supporting. They are asking for funds so as to secure premises and maintain proper administration. It is not a great deal of cash in the context of the Assembly's overall budget but it is vital for the Bridgend area. Accordingly, I have written to the Minister and asked her to look into providing funding so we can ensure this community service survives and flourishes."
