Your article on charities closing focused on those with drug issues and the homeless (Most vulnerable will suffer as charity cash dries up, March 17). But all are under threat, including those that support people with mental illness. The care of mental illness is the area that receives the least attention and therefore the least funding - yet many in mental distress will frequently turn to illegal drugs and alcohol to relieve their anguish if there is no other option available.

I have witnessed enough over the years to know that the reality is that charities now have no option but to use a large percentage of their time, energy and resources to find funding. The fact is that our charities are fighting for survival and their staff are fighting for their very jobs. All this is at a cost to those needing help.

Our leaders and planners promote care in the community as being progressive, constructive and the way forward. But if that care is not available through lack of resources, inevitably it is the vulnerable who will suffer. There is a real risk that the end result of this cost-cutting could be these very people needing inpatient care. Not only monstrously unfair and inhumane for those who deserve better but, budgetwise, in the long term, it will be costly and may prove to be very poor housekeeping indeed.

Jean Johnston, West Dhuhill Drive, Helensburgh.