One of Northern Ireland's busiest substance abuse and mental health support groups has been forced to suspend all services due to financial problems.
FASA (Forum for Action on Substance Abuse) said it was with "overwhelming sadness" that it announced it is facing "terminal financial insolvency".
The group said it had demonstrated its commitment to address financial and governance issues and is now seeking urgent meetings with funders and politicians.
Sources say there is no suggestion of financial wrongdoing, but the organisation has fallen foul of a campaign by loyalists linked to the UVF, who have been lobbying for funding for treatment programmes to be channelled through the recently-formed Loyalist Communities Council (LCC).
The LCC was launched last year with the support of former Downing Street chief of staff Jonathan Powell and said it would work to move paramilitaries away from criminality and into civic society roles.
The Irish News understands that loyalists have been arguing that they are best placed to provide treatment for mental health and abuse issues in loyalist areas and have been lobbying for funding to be directed through the new body.
Fasa, while originally based in loyalist areas, provides treatment services to both sides of the community.
A meeting was held with staff and volunteers yesterday.
In a statement the board said it was still "deeply committed to the vital services which Fasa provides to needy and vulnerable individuals and we are seeking urgent meetings with funders and with political representatives at the highest level to avert this crisis and to enable the continuation of these essential support services".
Set up 20 years ago, the organisation has won several awards for its work with people affected by mental health, self harm and substance abuse problems.
It employs 60 people and has around 70 part-time volunteers.
"The Fasa board is committed, as far as possible in the circumstances, to seeing the delivery of these services continued and is actively exploring potential models which would enable that outcome," the statement said.
"We have demonstrated our commitment to addressing financial and governance issues which have developed over recent years and to creating a sustainable way forward in the interests of service users.
"FASA has delivered cross-community services at the point of need in communities across Northern Ireland, breaking many cultural and religious barriers."
* Anyone seeking support can contact Lifeline on 0800 8088000 or the Samaritans on 116 123.
