Mental Health Foundation faces staff cuts due to government funding – PSA

The PSA says that in a mental health crisis it is appalling that one of the main government-funded agencies is proposing to lay off a fifth of its staff.

The Mental Health Foundation is considering laying off 10 staff because government funding has not kept pace with inflation.

“How can this happen when we know we are facing a mental health crisis, when this government has made it a priority to tackle this problem by appointing the first dedicated Minister for Mental Health?” said Kerry Davies, national secretary of the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

“Just two weeks ago we heard that government cuts had resulted in the proposed dissolution of the Suicide Prevention Office, operating from the Department of Health – thankfully this has been reversed for the time being, although the PSA still has no clear idea whether it will be fully will continue to exist. staffed and fully financed.

“The Mental Health Foundation provides support and resources to those facing job loss, so it is wrong for this to happen in the week that the Government is adding another 1,000 jobs to its cuts.

“The PSA calls on the government to stop its reckless cuts that are penetrating so much wider and deeper into the community.

Stuff reports that other charities that support food banks, alcohol advice, elderly support and other crucial community services are also struggling to secure funding for the next financial year to cover cost increases.

“If the Government is serious about frontline services, including services delivered in communities through charities, we need to see a commitment to increased funding at at least the rate of inflation and a commitment to long-term investment in these agencies.

“The PSA says the Government can end the uncertainty for these charities today – providing a guarantee now before next month’s budget.

“How can $15 billion in tax cuts for landlords and others be a priority over properly funding charities that do such vital work? This government’s priorities are all wrong,” said Kerry Davies.