Tears and anger at Youthline’s Christmas staff cuts
YOUTHLINE is preparing to slash staff numbers as it struggles to stay afloat in the face of funding cuts.
Chief executive Stephen Bell broke the news to workers and volunteers at the youth support service at a meeting on Friday.
‘‘We shed tears. There was anger, and a sense of being stunned.’’
Bell can’t confirm how many will lose their jobs, but promises there will be support for young people over the summer holidays.
‘‘I don’t think it will be at the capacity we’d like it to be, but we will certainly be maintaining a 24-hour service.’’
Youthline is contacted by up to 800 people each week. Bell said staff would do their best to support them all, and anyone who didn’t get through on the first attempt should keep trying.
Greens social development spokesperson Jan Logie has previously volunteered for Youthline, and said cutbacks were a growing issue.
‘‘I think young people have come to rely on the organisation for core support, and it’s really gutting to hear that they’re having to cut staff,’’ she said.
Bell said some Youthline staff had offered to volunteer if paid positions were axed, but acknowledged that was not a long- term solution.
‘‘It’s sad that an organisation like Youthline that has been around for almost 50 years has to struggle so much at a core level,’’ he said.
Peter Galvin, general manager of community outcomes for the Ministry of Social Development, confirmed there has been a reduction in funding for Youthline for the remainder of this financial year.