The ‘lifeline’ services which could close this month after losing council cash

Liaqat Ali is a carer for his disabled wife. Both born in Pakistan, the couple who live in Whalley Range rely on the support of the city's South Asian community.

LMCP, a non-profit organisation based in Moss Side, has been supporting this community since the 1960s, helping hundreds of families navigate the health and social care, benefits and housing systems through a Citizens Advice-style service. But now, the group's future is under threat after losing council funding.

More than 150 organisations found out that they failed to secure funding from Manchester council this year – and many will not survive without it. It follows a 50 pc increase in applications for the three-year funding pot worth £7.2m.

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Most of the 212 eligible applicants for the Our Manchester Voluntary and Community Sector Funding Programme were applying for the first time. But, some unsuccessful organisations who have been directly funded by the local authority for decades will see their main source of income end this month.

Manchester council has been warned that some of these 'lifeline' services will have to close their doors within weeks. Town hall bosses are in talks with these endangered groups and some have secured funding through other sources.

But for others, it is the end of the road. Stroke support groups across the city have been holding their final meetings this month after losing out on funding.

Jill White first joined the Wythenshawe group when doctors said her husband had a stroke. It turned out he actually had a brain tumour – but 15 years later, she is still involved in the group which supports people affected by strokes.

Around 20 to 30 stroke survivors