Redundancies and possible closure is imminent at a mental health charity supporting nearly 2,000 men in Derry following the loss of government funding, it has emerged.
Men's Action Network, a charity that has been operating in the city for nearly 30 years, is facing closure once its cash reserves run out.
The news comes after the Department of Health wrote to applicants to its 'core grant scheme' to announce the funding has been suspended.
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Permanent Secretary Peter May, writing to applicants, cited the worsening budget situation for the decision.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Men's Action Network co-ordinator Chris Kerr said: "As far as I'm aware, this is final. Unless something happens within the next week in terms of funding, we go into our reserves - which are minimal to say the least. We could get, possibly, another month.
"What we will have to do during that month is wind down the service for the people that are with us. Hopefully they will find another service but everybody is stretched as it is."
The charity announced the situation it is finding itself in a statement on Twitter. A spokesperson, referring to Mr May's announcement on the core grant scheme, said: "Another blow to our sector. Funding isn't forthcoming and all avenues are being exhausted. Redundancies imminent for many."
And in a statement to Belfast Live, Men's Action Network service director Michael Lynch said: "If our charity closes, the burden of providing services may fall on other charities or non-profit organisations in the community.
"MAN currently see over 1900 men per year on average referred from PSNI, GP services, Social Work teams, emergency services, CV sector. Where would these men go?"
He continued: "Our closure would add additional strain to the resources of other organisations and limit their ability to effectively serve their own mission statement.
"The closure of MAN would result in the loss of jobs for our current staff and loss of years of experience and knowledge, which would have a ripple effect on the local economy and the local knowledge base."
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