Media release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, 4 April 2014

Family violence—ever wondered how you can help?

Want to be part of creating a healthier, safer community? Find out how at the launch of the How can you help? community tool.

UPPER HUTT, Wellington NZ, 4 APR 2014—On Thursday 10 April, guest speakers Frankie Stevens and Sophie Elliott‘s mother, Lesley Elliott, will speak at Expressions on how we can create safer communities and families.

Using the resource that has been primarily created for the It’s not OK campaign, Upper Hutt City Council has developed a digital tool that is easy for community members and leaders to use. TheHow can you help? community tool is a workshop resource that empowers citizens and community leaders with the skills to ask others, who may be experiencing unhealthy situations, if they are OK. The tool also provides some guidelines on how to respond if they need support. Research has demonstrated the importance of reaching out to others, as most victims turn to neighbours, friends, and whānau when they need help, rather than the police or other agencies. The significance of community members being able to ask “Are you OK?” has once again been reiterated by the recent tragedy of Bradley and Ellen Livingstone in Dunedin.

There will be three free events as part of the launch. The first, at 12.00 pm on 10 April is for community groups and organisations, and the second at 6.00 pm on 10 April is for the general public. Both will be held at Expressions. There will be a final public presentation on Saturday 12 April at Upper Hutt City Library at 11.00 am for those unable to attend the weekday opportunities.

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