Anti-cuts round up

Occupation in Greenwich

A group of students have occupied the reception area of the King William building at the University of Greenwich in protest at plans to cut the single honours philosophy course there. The occupation started on Tuesday - more about their campaign here.

ESOL Protest in Plumstead

Last month (3 March) 150 students and staff at Greenwich Community College held a protest at the Plumstead centre against cuts to English language courses. Ironically with David Cameron making a big deal about migrants learning English, funding for courses across the country has been slashed.



Lewisham CAMHS Protest Next Week

Lewisham Unison and Unite union branches have called a protest next week against cuts to Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). They say:

'Initial budget cuts totalling almost £500,000 this year are proposed for Lewisham Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. This follows budget reductions to CAMHS made by Lewisham Council and NHS Lewisham (formerly Lewisham Primary Care Trust). More cuts are planned for the next 2 years. Services affected include the Schools Service, CAMHS social workers, forensic services, refugee and asylum seekers and looked after children. A number of longstanding and very experienced staff will have to leave the service.

This is a reduction of almost a quarter of the whole Lewisham CAMHS service and will lead to fewer front line workers and longer waiting lists for children and young people. This is an essential service which has been commended in various government inspections.

This attack comes after the government has promised to protect front line health services and when only last month the ‘No Health Without Mental Health’ government mental health strategy highlighted the need for local and accessible child mental health services.

Protest on TUESDAY 26TH APRIL, 12-2PM, KALEIDOSCOPE CHILREN’S CENTRE, 32 Rushey Green, Catford, SE6. Speakers and Songs from 12.30'