IT helps hundreds of dementia sufferers in the area and has only just expanded into Greenwich, but a "lifesaver" care service is now closing its facilities.

Going for 22 years, the Crossroads Care service holds a self-referral scheme in Lewisham along with a memory cafe. It opened a similar service in Eltham just last October.

But now the charity has announced it is closing its services in both boroughs, citing financial problems.

When News Shopper visited last year, it was described by June Forde, whose husband John gets regular support for his Parkinson's and dementia, as "an absolute lifesaver"

After the closures were announced, Mrs Forde, 72, said: "I don't think there are any organisations at all that can fill the gap. It's a very different service.

"They care for people with problems but their objective is to relieve the carers - that's the difference.

"I can't tell you the help and support I've had from them."

With money tight for adult social care services, Mrs Forde fears the worst.

She said: "We've worked all our lives and it's the first time we've really taken anything from the system. But it's just not there anymore."

Chief executive Anne Thompson said: "We have faced a number of financial difficulties and it has become clear that we are not in a position to continue providing a service to carers.

"After extensive discussions, the board of trustees has taken the decision to close the scheme by the end of June.

"Staff are now working closely with neighbouring Crossroads Care schemes about how they may be able to provide services to those affected by this closure. They are also in discussion with the London Boroughs of Lewisham and Greenwich to ensure an orderly handover to any new service provider."