Ghent City Backs TEJO Following €400,000 Subsidy Loss

Ghent (Eurotoday) – Government funding cuts have hit mental health organizations hard, leaving Ghent’s vzw TEJO short by 400,000 euros. The city has stepped in with 30,000 euros, but more support is urgently needed.

Initially, the government had pledged 3 million euros annually to support youth mental health initiatives in major cities — a subsidy program meant to last through the end of 2025. However, the plan was abruptly cut short, ending one year early. As a result, mental health organizations in Ghent, including vzw TEJO, have lost significant financial backing — more than 400,000 euros in TEJO’s case.

vzw TEJO provides crucial mental health support to young people through a team of dedicated volunteers. However, officials say the loss of government funding means they can no longer afford to pay the coordinators who manage these volunteers — a critical role in keeping the organization running smoothly and effectively.

How Will Ghent’s TEJO and Similar Organizations Navigate the Cuts?

The city of Ghent has contributed 30,000 euros to support vzw TEJO, providing temporary relief to help sustain staffing and operations. Still, the amount falls far short of replacing the full sum that was withdrawn by the federal government. Now, TEJO and other local youth mental health organizations are left grappling with a serious shortfall and an uncertain future.

TEJO specializes in offering free, accessible therapy services for children and teens. They provide walk-in sessions, making it easy for young people to seek help without long waits or bureaucratic hurdles. The organization operates after school hours and on weekends to better meet the needs of its clients.

Each year, TEJO supports around 284 new young clients. Officials stress that the group plays a vital role in reaching youth who might otherwise slip through the cracks. However, the sudden loss of federal subsidies has put their operations at risk.

“Half of the supply was in danger of disappearing due to the loss of federal support,”

said Alderman Astrid De Brucker (For Ghent).

“We are intervening; the mental well-being of young people is a huge social challenge,”

she added, underlining the importance of municipal action.

But the funding crisis doesn’t stop with TEJO. Other local organizations like Touché and OverKop, which also provide vital mental health services to young people, are facing similar difficulties. Larger institutions, such as CAW and OCMW, are reportedly being forced to revise their strategies due to the financial strain.

The city of Ghent is actively engaging with federal authorities in an effort to restore or replace the lost subsidies. Local officials emphasize that continued and adequate funding is essential to ensuring these organizations can keep serving the mental health needs of Ghent’s youth.