Addictions counselling charity in Highlands disappointed with its level of funding
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Highland charity Addictions Counselling Inverness (ACI) is facing another year with the same level of funding – which they fear is not enough.
Last month ACI wrote an open letter to NHS Highland (NHSH), who had not yet provided its usual funding contract, forcing the charity to close to new clients.
Now, NHSH has offered an extension of the usual contract which will be in effect until April 2023.
The funding that has been secured has remained at the same level for five years, which staff at ACI say is a decision they “feared the most”.
At an emergency board meeting prompted by the funding issue, members discussed financial matters.
ACI chairman David Cameron said: “The board had a further emergency meeting to consider our serious financial position on the evening of March 9.
“All trustees welcomed the fact that our open letter had triggered communication from NHS Highland on our funding position.
“However, the offer at present is for around half of the funding required – a funding level held constant for over five years despite rising activity levels and running costs – and an indication that the charity should make a bid to the Highlands Drugs and Alcohol Partnership for the remaining amount.
“We have submitted the bid and await the outcome.
“The board are therefore still have no certainty on our ability to financially sustain our operations for the coming year.
“The board expressed their deep frustration that once again we have been offered a partial, short-term option for support of our work to help deal with a significant and sadly permanent societal problem.
“However, the trustees are committed to their charity and its service provision for our clients, of which we already have 27 on our waiting list.
“The board therefore agreed on the basis of at least receiving positive communications that we will temporarily restart services to new clients. However, this will be reviewed again before the end of March, given the ongoing uncertainties.”
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