Invaluable asset

It is with some concern that I read in the Mail (June 12) that Nikau House may close. Nikau House has played an invaluable role as a dropin centre for those with mental health issues. There is no other centre in Nelson that quite provides a safe and supporting environment for these people to gather, socialise and gain selfconfidence through its services.

Rather than closing this valuable asset to the community, there should be an effort on the part of its administrators to find out why Nikau has had a drop-off in members in the past few years.

Might it be because its activities programme has been gradually whittled back because of insufficient funding? Nikau once had a much more expansive weekly schedule of activities that provided a stimulating and creative environment for its members. It also offered a pick-up and drop-off service and had longer operating hours. What is needed is recognition of the unique role that Nikau House plays in the community, with its primary goal being the improvement of its members quality of life.

No other agency exists in Nelson that would meet this need. In redefining its purpose, which may necessitate some restructuring, Nikau should be in a better position to attract more funding. Nikau is run by a team of dedicated and qualified staff and Nelson can ill afford to lose this asset, especially given the coming spike in the numbers of people with mental health issues as a result of Covid-19. Doug Mountfort Nelson, June 15