by Emma Grove

A group of mums is campaigning to save a much-loved support group from closure.

The PALS (play and learn scheme) which runs from Seashells Children and Families’ Centre in Sheerness is facing closure after funding was pulled by the NSPCC.

The parent and baby group runs from the centre in Rose Street, Sheerness, every Thursday afternoon and is for babies up to 18 months.

The NSPCC has decided to stop funding the group so it can concentrate on the other services it offers around the country.

PALS offers activities and soft play for the children and the workers also carry out home visits for the families.

Sam King, of Invicta Road, Sheerness, uses the group and, along with a number of other mums, has started a petition to try to save the group.

She said: “We want to save it because it’s so valued.

“The workers go out on home visits and spend time playing with the children which gives parents a break as well as educating them.

“It’s more than just a group.

“The biggest thing will be the loss of the home visits.”

Miss King, 32, added that she wanted any families who used the service, or who had used the service in the past, to sign the petition.

She is also encouraging them to write a letter explaining why they value the service so much and the benefits they receive from it.

Letters can then be handed into reception at Seashells.

The centre manager at Seashells, Pat Bacon, said: “We are also very disappointed about the NSPCC decision.

“These frontline services in Sheerness have been highly valued and hugely successful to families over the last 10 years and more.

“We share the disappointment with the families and will be meeting with the NSPCC soon to find out more about what is happening.”

PALS is still running on Thursdays and will continue to do so until March next year.

If you wish to sign a petition, they are being held at Richmond Primary School and Nursery and Children’s World in Broadway, Sheerness.