Workers try to launch new relationships service

Les Simmonds

Bay support workers hope to launch a new service in the region to support clients caught out by the closure of Relationships Aotearoa.

Relationships Aotearoa received most of its funding from the Ministry of Social Development but funding negotiations with the Government to keep the service open fell through last month. Relationships Aotearoa told the Government it was struggling to stay afloat and required a funding boost or it would be forced to close its doors.

Relationships Aotearoa Bay of Plenty want to continue supporting clients who still need help.

Bay of Plenty clinical leader Les Simmonds said there was a huge need for the service in the Bay.

He had reached out to local MPs and the Ministry of Social Development in a bid to gain support, and funding, to continue relationship services in the region. "The important thing is that families are the fabric of our community.

"We have people from all parts of the community at all different levels facing different issues who come to our service." he said.

Relationships Aotearoa had helped at least 3500 people over the past 12 months in Tauranga.

If there is a gap in providing support services to families, there could be "real problems," Mr Simmonds said.