A Richmond charity threatened with service cutbacks has been given a three-month reprieve as a solution is sought to its funding crisis.

The Addiction Support and Care Agency (ASCA) will receive £32,500 in emergency cash from Richmond upon Thames Council and the Richmond and Twickenham Primary Care Trust (PCT).

The Lower Mortlake Road agency was recently forced to seek financial help to manage changes in funding and service delivery target for day services and staff warned people would die if a solution was not found. The agency helps individuals and families in the borough overcome alcohol and drug misuse.

The charity currently receives funding from a number of external agencies, including the Substance Misuse Joint Commissioning Group, which consists of representatives from the council and PCT.

At a meeting on Monday, July 10, the group agreed the interim package to protect services over the next three months and to work closely with ASCA to review the charity's spending and services.

Following the review, the group will make a decision regarding ASCA's service provision to be commissioned by the council and the PCT.

Ranjit Dhillon, chief executive of ASCA, welcomed the news, saying: "The interim plan to review our funding, service provision and activity levels over the next three months shows that the PCT and the council value the services we provide.

"The funding agreed means ASCA will not be making any staffing cuts or reducing working hours during this period. This has been an anxious time for staff and clients and we would like to thank the council and the PCT for their support."

Councillor Denise Carr, cabinet member for health, said: "ASCA provides a range of very valuable services and the recent uncertainty around the future of the day service provision for people suffering from alcohol addiction has caused grave concern for clients and their families.

"I hope the next three months will provide a vital breathing space for the charity and the review will clarify the day services to be commissioned for both drug and alcohol users to meet local needs."

Joan Mager, chief executive of the Richmond and Twickenham PCT, added: "The review will give the PCT and the Council time to work with ASCA to determine clearly the services to be provided, funding and activity levels to ensure we are meeting the needs of the population."