30 Sep 2014

Chch counselling service to close

5:23 pm on 30 September 2014

A Christchurch counselling service's plea for funding has failed and it is set to close on Friday.

Rata helps many vulnerable people in the South Island city badly affected by recent earthquakes. In June, it said it needed $50,000 to continue.

Despite appeals for more money from community trusts and public funding, it says it is no longer sustainable in today's business and funding environments.

In a recent mental health survey in Christchurch, people reported feeling stressed and anxious, while nearly two-thirds of the population felt tired.

A Rata spokesperson said counsellors are helping 115 clients to plan for the future.