Media Release

Professional development for Community Workers

The Annual CWTAS Forum, set for Thursday lunchtime, will tackle the issue of professional development for Community Workers.
 
CWTAS (Community Workers Training and Support) has been operating in Nelson since the 1980s, and has held an annual forum for the past six years. CWTAS co-chair Penny Molnar says there is a lot of interest in the topic to be put to a panel on Thursday.
 
“Community Workers are at the front line, many of them work in isolation, and they face major issues in times of rapid change like the present,” she said. “It’s a sector that operates on a very tight budget without the opportunities for training on the job or in formal settings enjoyed by other sectors.”
 
The forum will look training needs, and present some grassroots solutions from local groups, as well as hearing from experts.
 
The panellists are Sarah Fraser, NMIT social work programme co-ordinator, Jude McNabb from Volunteer Nelson, Jac Lynch and Karin Brown from Kaiawhina Ahumani Social Services ITO, with Kath Inwood, NCC community services manager as the facilitator.
 
Those attending have been asked to bring along their own solutions to issues such as setting boundaries, relating with other agencies, working collaboratively and employment compliance.
 
The CWTAS forum is at noon on 24 September at the NMIT Student Lounge in Hardy St.
 
Anyone interested is welcome to attend this free community event. Lunch will be provided thanks to Fresh Choice Collingwood St and Victory Fruit & Veges.  
 
 
Ends