REGARDING the Letters page of the Times of April 20 we were dumbfounded by two letters, the first being about awarding if grants for counselling and the abuse that seemed to be involved within the grant (Urban Therapy).

It really sickened us (£90,000) and the next letter enlightening and acknowledging a brilliant lady, Maureen Kennedy, for all the great work, especially in counselling for now 40 years.

We must admit like others we thought Maureen was automatically backed or supported by the council or some authority, but on checking we discovered no.

The overlap in these two letters should make local authorities question why this lady never has received backing for all the burdens she must take off the NHS and the councils.

She has a professional background regarding the counselling/therapy side and after all she has been available for all crises and more over 40 years. She is not supported financially by the council or NHS so put that lie out of the way.

We all think that this is an anniversary someone in authority should acknowledge (40 years of selfless involvement helping 100s if not 1000s).

Perhaps it may be the fact that because of all the work involved and because she will not be affiliated to any group/clique.

That is the very reason she can become involved in problems and counselling of others.

Hence no one else involved, so confidentiality could and would not be broken. That is the perfect reason, shows why an individual doing this type of work will and is trusted more.

Also the disturbing fact that because she is classed an individual she would not be entitled to local funds or grants.

We we think with the above scandal of £90,000, some of which seems to be maybe lost, on victims who need help/counselling/advice etc, and now we have nowhere to go. Is it not obvious where the financial help should have been given, my god, if only to keep up Maureen's morale. She must be terribly burdened by all the extra work.

Imagine 40 years of this plus all the history and legacy she has and will still be giving the town of Cowdenbeath. But because she is an individual she is not entitled to any funds, it really is laughable.

So can we all state once again to clarify the situation, Maureen is not employed by or funded by any council or authority, please readers note this.

Perhaps realising these facts may make someone out there do something to help the ones who are doing the helping.

We are all so angry for you my dear, honestly we did not know you were not funded.

It was an honour and a joy to speak with you over the phone the other night. I see you can brighten up any worries but also be so practical and down to earth. Thank you for being you.

MR AND MRS G REID,

Cowdenbeath.