Unite writes to Stormont health minister Robin Swann on jobs threat after end to funding for Nexus

Unite has written to Stormont health minister Robin Swann to seek an urgent meeting following the announcement of the removal of funding for Nexus the charitable agency providing support and counselling services to survivors of sexual abuse. 

The union represents workers employed as counsellors and in administrative positions with the charity. As a result of the decision to end funding, there are major concerns for the future employment of those who provide this service. The decision leaves the charity entirely dependent on donations and charging for access to counselling services.

Addressing the threat, Unite regional equalities and women’s officer, Taryn Trainor said, “This announcement came without warning and was devastating for our members – some of whom have taken up these roles after experiencing sexual abuse themselves. These workers are now fearful for their future employment. There are obvious concerns that the service cannot be sustained by charitable donations or through income derived from charging survivors of sexual abuse for counselling. 

“Nexus gets approximately 200 calls a month; that shows the scale of the problem in our society. What is the executive going to do to meet the needs of survivors of sexual abuse in the future?

“Unite is urgently seeking assurances from the health minister both for our members but also for the survivors of sexual abuse. This is a vital service and needs to be maintained.”