Mike King says the Government has declined to give funding to his cash strapped Friday Gumboot initiative, but the Minister of Health has denied the claim, saying there has been a "breakdown of communication".
His initiative initially raised $1.3 million from donations on Gumboot Friday in April, was set up to give the system a break.
It offered anyone 19 years old or younger the chance to get counselling for free and quickly while they waited for access to Government-funded services.
There had been about 120 sessions allocated a month, but a surge of 1700 patients ($940,000 worth of counselling) turning to the fund was approved in September, meaning money ran out faster than expected.
David Clark said there had been a communication breakdown. (Source: Other)
Today Mr King posted on Facebook that he turned to the Ministry of Health for a "top up" after being encouraged to do so by Minister of Health David Clark.
"I didn’t want to but hey it’s for the kids and 100% of funds would go to kids counselling and not us," Mr King wrote on Facebook.
"They politely declined the next day 😂😂😂😂
"I’m not angry or upset, I’m motivated!!!
"So on Friday April 3rd 2020 Let’s try and raise $5,000,000 so our kids can get the free counselling they deserve," his post concluded.
Mike King’s gumboot fund was overwhelmed by people seeking help. (Source: Other)
Health Minister David Clark told 1 NEWS there has been a "breakdown of communication" between the Ministry of Health and Mr King, denying that funding has been declined.
"I’ve asked the Ministry to reach out again to the Key to Life trust to carry on the conversation. We all want the same thing that young people are supported by services when they need them.”
When asked the details of the communication breakdown, Mr Clark said 1 NEWS should go to the Ministry of Health. "As far as I’m concerned the conversation is still open."
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