8 June 2015
MEDIA STATEMENT
Attn: News Editors/Chief Reporters
Budget 2015/16 – Increased Social Impact Funds to help the most Vulnerable
Minister for Internal Affairs announces increased funding to the Social Impact Fund to help the most vulnerable.
Minister for Internal Affairs, the Honourable Albert Nicholas, outlined that the Government will provide an ongoing annual increase to the Social Impact Fund of $60,000 from 1 July 2015.
Minister Nicholas pointed out the areas of great need. “These funds will be specifically dedicated to assist with the provision of services by NGO’s in the Pa Enua, particularly in the areas of mental health and disabilities.”
Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Bredina Drollet, welcomed the increased resources. Drollet pointed out that whilst there has been a steady increase in the effort to address mental health and disability issues in Rarotonga, there was a need to reach out to communities in the Pa Enua who face the challenges which present in looking after family with disabilities or mental health issues.
The Social Impact Fund is a joint fund supported by the Cook Islands Government and the New Zealand Aid programme. Established in 2012, it provides contestable financial grant funding to nongovernmental organisations for the delivery of services in social priority areas identified by Government including disabilities, women and domestic violence.
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