Agencies take next step to support wellbeing
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Community collaboration has led to an online resource to help people tackle mental health issues.
Social Services Waimakariri, Together Hurunui and the Waimakariri and Hurunui district councils have joined forces to create the nextsteps.org.nz website, which brings together information about North Canterbury’s social services.
Waimakariri District Council community development facilitator Rachel Thornton said the new online resource came out of the Covid-19
experience.
The website built on the Ministry for Social Development funded community connector service, known locally as the next steps facilitator service, she said.
‘‘After Covid there were a number of vulnerable people and the challenge we had was how do we get information out to them.’’
The website allowed people to help themselves to take the next steps to improve their mental wellbeing.
‘‘Those of us who work in the social service sector, we know who the counsellors are, but the general public doesn’t necessarily know, so how do we make it easy for them?’’
Social Services Waimakariri facilitator Nicki Carter said the website showcased all of the social service and community organisations serving the North Canterbury area.
It was designed to avoid duplication and to use resources more efficiently.
‘‘In the Waimakariri we are national leaders in this space, so it is definitely a concept which might get picked up elsewhere in the country.’’
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said the new website was a great resource for the community.
‘‘While the initial shock of Covid-19 is gone we know this will not be the last event our country faces and it is important we learn from previous events.
"Having all this information in one place, with support specific to North Canterbury, is a fantastic resource and I applaud all our communities’ providers for working together to make this happen.
‘‘The information is non-threatening, accessible and provided in an empowering way that will connect with a lot of our residents when they need support.’’
The website posed questions to direct people to the help they needed and was entirely online and anonymous, Thornton said.
It begins by asking if you are in immediate danger (call 111) or just need to talk (call / text 1737).
The website has sections including physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, economic and business, and family and social.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.2% Yes
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33.4% No
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2.4% Other - I'll share below
Childs trike
Have 4 yr old boy stopping for 9 days at xmas. Has anyone got a small bike or scooter l could borrow or buy at good price as probably wont b used again ! He has two older sisters who might share.
Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
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