Community Networks/LINK (the Upper Clutha’s one-stop community support and connection centre) is reviewing its offer of financial support for counselling because of a lack of sustainable funding. 

The mental health element of the organisation’s Community Support Fund provided up to six subsidised sessions with local counsellors (not publicly funded). 

This funding has been available to the Upper Clutha community largely thanks to one of Community Networks/LINK’s contracts with the Ministry for Social Development (MSD), which was established as part of the Covid-19 response and is not guaranteed to continue. 

The Alpine Community Development Trust (Community Networks/LINK’s governing body) met in early February and decided to place a hold on all Community Support Fund referrals for subsidised counselling for two months from February 15, with an outcome to be agreed in mid-April.

The review does not affect the financial support available for one-off household and living costs. 

The Darryl Fairburn Memorial Fund, which offers grief counselling for children and their families, is also unaffected.  

Community Networks/LINK manager Kate Murray said she recognised the news may cause uncertainty over the next two months, and welcomed feedback about the fund as it went under internal review. 

“We have been fortunate to be able to offer this financial support to our community, and we do not take this decision lightly, but we now need to pause, reassess, and find the best way forward,” she said.

Kate asked if anyone is able to help sponsor the fund to come forward.

“We are funded by grants, but also rely on support from community organisations, businesses, and individuals.

“We are very grateful to all who have donated or fundraised for the Community Support Fund over the years, including The Fit Collective; Sky City; local Rotary clubs; Music on the Lawn and the Red Bridge Riverpark Trust.

“If anyone in the community is in a position to help us keep this support going, we’d love to hear from you. Please give us a call on 03 443 7799, contact us through our website communitynetworks.co.nz,  or email [email protected].”

Community Networks will continue to offer short-term direct help and referrals for additional support through social worker Heather Clay. 

If people are struggling there is useful information on the Community Networks website, including free mental health resources, information on the Brief Intervention Service and Health Improvement Practitioner, and a list of local counsellors and mental health professionals.