A Whitelion ambassador holds deep concerns that the state's most at-risk youth could be forgotten, following news the national service provider will cease its Tasmanian operations next month.
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Northern Tasmanian radio personality Rob Fairs has been a Whitelion ambassador for more than a decade, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars through the annual Bailout Bash.
Despite assurances from Whitelion that existing clients would be referred to established quality providers, Mr Fairs said he feared some would slip through.
"It's important to make sure there is a clear direction to help these kids," he said.
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"This is the biggest concern for me - making sure the participants that were with Whitelion are looked after.
"My biggest worry is that these kids will be forgotten.
"That they will fall through the cracks and we could end up with a situation where there is no hope for them."
Whitelion's decision to close its Tasmanian operations forms part of an impact plan aimed at ensuring the organisation's future financial sustainability.
But chief executive Hang Vo said all money raised by Tasmanians would stay in the state.
"Unfortunately, the Tasmanian office has been running at a deficit for several years, despite the best efforts of all involved," she said.
"Any money raised by the Tasmanian community including the recent Bail Out, along with national funds, have been used to support the Tasmanian office."
Whitelion Tasmania has been operating since 2002, with offices in Launceston, Hobart, Burnie and St Helens to close by September 30.
Mr Fairs said he was shattered by news of its closure.
"I knew they were struggling, but I didn't know it was this bad," he said.
"Charities aren't any different to any other business. They've got to do what needs to be done to stay afloat.
"But being an ambassador with them for so long, it is a bitter pill to swallow in many ways."
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Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
