A SUPPORT group for deaf and hard-of-hearing people in Yate is struggling to run much-needed services because of a loss in funding.

Yate-based South Gloucestershire Deaf Association should operate with three full-time workers and provide drop in and home visit services for its 1,067 users each year.

But the association, based in Cranleigh Court, has lost vital National Lottery funding worth £33,000 a year and has had to cut down on its services.

Development officer Alexy Dury is currently the only full-time worker at the association.

"I'm doing three jobs at once which means the centre no longer acts as a drop in service, we are hardly open anymore.

"I'm either too busy sorting benefit claims or out on long-awaited home visits.

"It is very unsettling for some of the users who need help in rebuilding their confidence or guidance on hearing equipment.

"The waiting list for a home visit is a month and growing. It's unacceptable."

The association currently depends on small grants from South Gloucestershire Council and one-off charitable trust donations.

Its financial situation means it is currently struggling to recruit a new administrator because of the low pay it is forced to offer.

Ms Dury said: "Our immediate future may be secure, but for the long-term, I can't see far at this rate.

"We just hope one of our many lottery grant bids will turn out successful in the end or we get a grant from somewhere else.

"Our users need an active group ready to meet their needs, not a group with hands tied behind its back."

Anyone wanting to help the group financially should call 01454 316460.