A CLUB for people with mental health issues and learning disabilities could be forced to close after more than 16 years because Bournemouth council has cut off its funding.

Pokesdown Club, at Wesley Church Hall in Southbourne Road, is run by Dorset Mind and is the only one in the area offering a range of sport exercises as well as social contact and support.

Among the activities on offer at the twice-a-week sessions are badminton, table tennis, soft volleyball, indoor hockey and a range of pub and board games.

Members recently returned from the 4 Nations Disabled Badminton Championships in Manchester with three gold and one silver medals. Some are hoping for places at the 2012 Special Olympics.

“If we close, it would really affect their chances,” said club facilitator Derek Parker.

“The church is very supportive, but we need to raise around £6,000 a year to keep it going.

“The members are worried and upset. The council would probably say they can go to the Littledown Centre, but people with mental health difficulties don’t feel they fit in with that type of environment.”

One member, Jon Bevan, said: “I started playing badminton here five or six weeks ago and love it. It’s really therapeutic.

“This is a unique venue. To me, it’s been a lifesaver over this slightly unwell patch.”

Joyce, who has been going to the club every week for 10 years, said: “I really love coming here. Without it I would just stay at home and listen to the radio.”

Scott said: “I suffer from paranoia and since coming here, the club has changed my life completely.”

Trevor Sumbler said: “I can’t go to other clubs because I have epileptic fits.”

David Palmer, senior joint commissioning manager for Bournemouth Borough Council and NHS Bournemouth and Poole, said the council, Dorset HealthCare Trust and Dorset Mind were working to help members access other recreational facilities.

“Dorset Mind had previously approached the council to fund an alternative project and it was agreed between the organisations that the money invested within the Pokesdown club would be provided to fund this new initiative,” he said.