Friday 6 May 2016

Horowhenua Social Sector Trial to become community-led

The successful five year Social Sector Trial in Horowhenua is to transition from being community-influenced to community-led by the end of the year.

Since 2011 the central government-funded Trial in Horowhenua, led by Life to the Max, has made a positive impact on the community, says District Mayor Brendan Duffy, and has been effective in implementing a coordinated approach to social services across issues including offending, school attendance, education/employment and training.

Horowhenua is one of 10 out of the 16 Trial areas that will now be supported by the government to transition to new community-led models and move beyond being a ‘trial’, to adapt and customise programmes and services to meet their local community’s needs.

Social Development Minister Anne Tolley says the Social Sector Trials which have been taking place around the country have provided good information to help design community-led models for better social service results.

Mayor Brendan Duffy says the “Council supports the Government’s thinking”.

“We know the Social Sector Trial in Horowhenua has been extremely successful,” he said.

“It is now time for the trial to transition from a community-influenced model to a community-led model, and this is what we as a community have been working towards for the past five years. This is exciting stuff.

“The coordination and working relationships that have been developed are now embedded and there is considerable local commitment to continuing the good work.

“The focus has always been on the ‘big picture’ and making positive changes long-term for the wellbeing and benefit of our community.”

Mayor Duffy said the key to the Trial’s success had been the connection, collaboration and co-ordination between local organisations and groups

“They’ve shared the vision and proved their ability to be innovative in responding to community needs, and working together towards common goals.”

Initiatives included six new youth coordinators and a second full-time alcohol and other drug counsellor to provide support services to young people in need. A truancy-free zone was established in Levin's central business district and supported by well-over 100 retailers and other businesses, and with most reporting they had noticed a drop in the number of unaccompanied students in the CBD during school hours.

Other programmes included Growing Men of Character courses, learner drivers licence workshops, career options roadshows, basketball and dance workshop. Also, a water drinking fountain was installed at the Levin Skate Park to reduce shoplifting of drinks from nearby stores.

ENDS

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