LINK HOUSE AND BIRTHRIGHT WAIKATO MERGE INTO SINGLE PARENT SERVICES
Birthright Waikato, operating in the Waikato for over sixty-two years and Link House for over thirty-eight years has finally merged Trusts to become Link House Birthright Waikato Trust trading as Single Parent Services.
A spokesperson for the agency said that the reason for the merger is that both agencies were doing similar work and it made sense to join forces to focus on each agency’s strengths. The primary aim of the new agency is to build a community in which families led by one parent can thrive as powerfully as any other.
Back in the 1950’s, the form of assistance provided by Birthright to hard-pressed widows and their children was mentoring and moral, rather that financial, support. As many as 100 children at a time were taken away for a ten-day holiday. One former child remembers being put on a rail car, by herself, at the age of ten and sent to a farm far away.
Now the Counselling & Advisory Service offers specialised counselling services for youth and adults to address life issues including anxiety, depression, parenting, sexual abuse and violence. They also offer practical short courses in, for example, self-esteem and cooking on a budget.
The social workers work through issues or barriers faced by their clients to jointly come up with practical solutions.
All counsellors and social workers are fully qualified and registered with their specific professional bodies. Funding is provided by the Ministry of Social Development, Oranga Tamariki, Accident Compensation Corporation and community grants.
Check out their website on spsw.org.nz... or call on 0800 457 146.for further information
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.6% Yes
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22.1% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Have you come across many roadworks sites recently?
The frustration of seeing a detour sign partway through your journey on the main highways possibly the new way forward when it comes to roadworks.
One of the latest areas to have a section of the road blocked off is State Highway 1 between Putāruru to Tokoroa as part of a massive renewal project that extends down to Waiouru.
Have you come across many roadworks sites recently?