A PLAYGROUP facing closure after 40 years of provision is appealing for help. Registered charity Gweek Seals has been providing a safe and fun play environment in Gweek Village Hall for four decades, welcoming children up to the age of five and accompanying adults twice a week.

However, the group is struggling to stay afloat due to the cost-of-living crisis, and the managing committee recently launched a fundraising drive to try and secure its future.

“We had a crisis meeting as our bank balance is at zero and we don’t have the funds to even pay our playgroup leaders their minimum-wage salary this month,” said treasurer and local GP Dr Sarah Hyde.

“The playgroup was a lifeline for me when I had my own children, as it wasn’t easy having twins and a toddler. When my youngest started school, I had the chance to give something back and have volunteered for the last six years.

“We’ve been very lucky to secure grants in the past, especially from the Goonhilly Windfarm Community Fund, but as costs have risen, our funding gap grows ever wider. We want to keep this fantastic community resource affordable for all, including offering discounted attendance for those in need, and we would love to welcome more users.”

Regular attendee Jessie Atkinson added: “Seals is a welcoming and inclusive community which is fantastic for me and my son. The prospect of it closing is devastating, particularly with everyone involved working so hard to keep it going.”

A Just Giving page has been set up and the playgroup is hosting fundraising events of which details can be found on its Facebook page.

Parents of small children are invited to attend sessions on Mondays and Thursdays from 9.30am to noon at Gweek Village Hall.