THEY are the valuable clubs which help elderly people tackle loneliness and social isolation.

But now vital funding for dozens of Brendoncare Clubs in Hampshire has been cut, leaving them in “crisis”.

Brendoncare Clubs previously received £108,000 from Hampshire County Council, around 20 per cent of their costs.

But this year funding has been cut, which charity bosses say is the first time this has happened since the start of the clubs’ service in 2002.

Brendoncare have 69 clubs in Hampshire with more than 1,200 members, and since the cuts were brought in the spring six have been forced to close in Romsey and Winchester which has affected around 50 elderly users.

And organisers say they are battling to save other clubs and some may be forced to merge. It comes after Brendoncare clubs were among the top 30 charities to have been shortlisted from more than 700 entries for the Guardian Charity Awards.

Explaining the importance of the clubs a Brendoncare spokesman said: “Imagine having no-one to talk to day after day? For many of our members, their Brendoncare club is the only source of company and friendship they have in a week. One of our Gosport club members recently told us: ‘I’ve got nowhere else to go.’”

The cuts also mean reduced funds to back transport for members and the amount of money available to each club, meaning fewer activities and money for outings. While Hampshire County Council made this cut it has also asked the charity to start discussions about providing alternative day care provision.

Head of club services for Brendoncare Edwin Ingleton said: “We received no notice about the withdrawal of funding from Hampshire County Council.

“Furthermore, Hampshire County Council has approached us about running other services on its behalf, but, without our core service being supported, we are sadly unable to dedicate resources to any new projects without this impacting on our existing club members.”

Across the UK more than a million older people say they are lonely. One study recently found loneliness to be more damaging 15 cigarettes a day.

Liberal Democrat councillor for Winchester and also member of the Adult Health Select Committee Martin Tod believes the cut could cost the county council and the NHS much more in the long run.

Cllr Tod said: “The clubs help the consequences of isolation. The core thing is because of the cuts forced through by Conservative MPs mainly in Westminster. We are seeing the disappearance of preventative things like this that help people avoid situations reaching crisis point where they get much more expensive to deal with.”

Liberal Democrat councillor Malcolm Wade also described the cuts as a “false economy”.

Hampshire County Council says it is in negotiations with Brendoncare to find a way forward.

Executive member for adult social care Liz Fairhurst said: “The county council is committed to supporting older people within local communities. Lunch clubs and associated activities could be part of this support and we recognise the valuable role they play in maintaining physical and mental wellbeing.

“We continue to have positive discussions with Brendoncare about how we can work with them to develop new ways of delivering support services. This involves looking at potential funding options, as well as cost effective ways of providing a range of activities and maintaining and developing the service they currently provide.”

Brendoncare Clubs is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Brendoncare Foundation and the Countess of Wessex is the patron of the whole organisation, including the clubs, recently she was seen in Hampshire marking the start of construction of a new Brendoncare care home at Otterbourne Hill. When asked about the cuts, her office told the Daily Echo she was unable to comment.

Any individual or organisation interested in providing financial support to the charity or in sponsoring their local club to get in touch by emailing fundraising@brendoncare.org.uk or phoning 01962 852133.

More information about Brendoncare Clubs can be found at brendoncare.org.uk/clubs.

To many elderly people the clubs run by Brendoncare are a lifeline.

They a create new friendships and a vital social life that many pensioners may otherwise never have.

In a large room at Lymington leisure centre a group of around 20 people aged 60 - 90 - are flexing their limbs in an aerobics lesson to the songs of yesteryear.

Using everything from weights to scarves as props, participants are encouraged to sing along, stretching every muscle in their jaw and face as professional instructor Roni Nutcott gets them shouting and miaowing to keep their vocal chords supple.

But it’s not just about fitness - after an hour of varied physical exercise it’s time for a chocolate biscuit, cup of coffee and a chat.

Friends grab a chair to have a natter or stand around in groups catching up with the week’s news.

“It’s been a lifeline,” said Mary Lewis, a 70 year old widower whose six hip replacements have left her dependent on a power chair for mobility. She had used crutches for so long that her shoulders have given up on her and the metal rod in her leg has made getting around almost impossible.

“My husband died eight years ago and my cat has been run over.

“After my husband died my son moved to Australia and it was getting to be very lonely.

“I have a daughter nearby but it is very difficult when you live alone - especially as my husband was my carer.

“I started coming to the group about two years ago and I come every week as long as long it’s not pouring with rain. I was recommended through a friend as I was getting to be a bit miserable. So I came in just to look. It was fantastic and I was made to feel very welcome.

“I’m very slow in the morning but it makes me get up and out every Wednesday and I’ve made some lovely friends. I’m much more enthusiastic about doing other things now as well - I go to craft groups and I’ve joined the WI.

“We come along and have a good singsong and a shout and it makes you feel so much better. It gets me out and I’m a lot more cheerful now. If it wasn’t for the group I’d have to stay indoors - I wouldn’t get any exercise at all and I wouldn’t want to get up in the morning.

“It’s an effort, but it’s a good effort. My husband used to say come on girl life is for living - so that’s what I try to do now.”

June Adams, 89, from Kington Park in Lymington agrees.

She said: “It really keeps me going.

“I get problems in my hips and it keeps me mobile. It just proves its open to everyone - it’s a really great club. And our instructor doesn’t make you do things you’re not up to.”