Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Experienced community sector a vital resource

Experienced community sector a vital resource in wake of Canterbury earthquake

New Zealand’s community sector is playing a key role in supporting the vulnerable following the Canterbury earthquake, says ComVoices, an independent network of Tangata Whenua, and community and voluntary sector organisations.

Marion Blake, CEO of Platform, the national collaboration of community organisations that provides mental health and addiction services, said there would be a long term impact both on people with experience of mental illness and the general mental health of the community.

“Fortunately, New Zealand has a skilled and experienced community sector that is already playing a major support role and can be increasingly utilised,” she said.

Tim Burns, Executive Director of Volunteering New Zealand, said the role of the Sector and volunteers in supporting people severely traumatised by the experience would continue for weeks and months to come.

“Volunteers have already contributed significantly in many different ways, both formally through the emergency response teams and informally through helping others in their neighbourhoods,” he said.

“As the rebuilding starts, there is a need for volunteers with building and constructions skills and equally those who can offer specialist counselling and other support services to those who have lost much and suffered trauma.”

Christchurch-based Stepping Stones Trust is a psychiatric recovery service, provides beds for up to 88 people and supports a further 300 in their own homes.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Trust CEO Glen Dodson said they were planning to increase the number of respite beds in the Christchurch area, “just so people have somewhere to stay”.

Mr Dodson said the organisation’s houses and flats had been without any facilities for most of Saturday but staff had worked tirelessly to make sure it could still run at capacity.

“There are a lot of very tired staff and stressed consumers,” he said. “But we are yet to see the full impact of the weekend’s events. That will be felt for many weeks and months to come,” he said.

Kath Fox, CEO of Richmond New Zealand, the Christchurch-based national provider of community mental health and support services, said staff had been worked tirelessly to support clients.

“It is a very traumatic time and the psychological aftermath will be challenging. They have been working extraordinary hours in a situation where they are concerned for their own families and personal circumstances as well,” she said.

Two of ComVoices’ members: Ros Rice, Executive Officer of the New Zealand Council of Social Services and Trevor McGlinchey, Executive Officer of the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services will tomorrow attend a Ministry of Social Development-organised event in Christchurch with social service providers to discuss the impact of the earthquake.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.