19 May 2011

Media release: for immediate release

RSW welcomes Government funding for NGO sector

Relationship Services Whakawhanaungatanga (RSW) welcomes the Government’s decision to continue with its Community Response Fund.

The Community Response Fund was established in May 2009 to help local social services deal with increased demand as a result of the recession.

The Fund was established in response to the extra pressure the recession put on community-based providers of critical social services, including increased demand for services or loss of funding due to financial crisis.

The Fund was due to end on June 30 this year.

“It is very heartening that the Government has listened to NGO concerns and has made the decision to continue with this fund for another year, RSW Chief Executive Jeff Sanders says.

“As Minister Bennett has said, grassroots social services are carrying a heavy workload. This funding will go a long way to relieve that pressure. We thank her for her support.”

RSW has used the CRF funding to provide support for family/whanau, couples and individuals who have been affected by the recession or seeking help as a result of the It’s No Okay campaign or family violence issues.

The fund has allowed RSW to see more than 900 people this financial year.

We are also very pleased the Government recognises that Canterbury people will continue to need trauma counselling as they rebuild their lives in the coming year.

RSW has been funded by Government to provide trauma counselling services for Canterbury people affected by the September and February earthquakes.

“Thousands of people have sought our help and the demand for our support continues. This support will assist Christchurch people as they rebuild their lives and their city,” Mr Sanders says.

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