St John Caring Callers/ Reo Manaaki
St John as most of us know are responsible for our ambulance service, however they are so much more than that; and this week we are focusing on a service that no many of us know about – I certainly did not know until talking with Rececca and learnt about the Caring Callers.
A caring kōrero (chat) can make a difference.
Caring Caller is a free service where friendly volunteers call lonely people for a catch up, helping them feel less alone. For whānau and friends who do not live close by, this provides comfort that their loved one has support and friendship.
Caring Caller is a programme led by volunteers who offer friendship to individuals with various health and wellbeing needs. There are standards in place to make sure everyone stays safe, and the aim is always to help people in a way that suits them best.
Are there criteria?
Time is the most important thing; this could be just 15min a call or longer if you are finding you are both engaged in conversations.
As part of this service a regular call to your client and at least 12 months to build a genuine connection with the person you are calling
Good communication and caring nature
An appreciation for different cultures will also help you.
You will need to be a NZ Citizen or have a valid NZ work or residence visa
All volunteers are required to have a Police check
As a Caring Caller what will you do?
You can make someone’s day with a friendly korero / chat. Locally St John are looking for people who can give time and make lasting friendships. They make it easier by matching you with someone that has similar interests to you.
As part of this you:
Call on agreed days for a good chat and be a friendly voice
Provide an important community service, to people who need it.
You may even build a lasting friendship with the person you call (this happens often)
Is there training and support?
Yes there is ongoing guidance training and support for all Caring Callers
Where can you learn more?
If you are interested to learn more about the work of St John Caring Callers programme, listen to Volly Voices on Access Radio 104.4fm on Sunday July 21st, at 2pm when Rebecca chats about what is happening at St John and how they support the community and what is involved.
This can also be listened to on the Monday July 22nd on:
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7rgLi5j4mBuS8LcQHs9BXJ
Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/volly-voices/id1712049412
Access Radio website https://www.accessradiotaranaki.com/shows/volly-voices/
Volunteering New Plymouth website https://www.volunteeringnewplymouth.org.nz/news
Who can you contact?
If you curious to learn more about any of the activities and / or you are interested in becoming a volunteer with Hato Hone St John please contact Wendy at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986; E: admin@vnp.nz or Ph / Text: 022 571 4228 to take the next step.
Taranaki Health Foundation – Hardship to Hope
The Taranaki Health Foundation is a charitable organisation founded in 1998 in partnership with the Taranaki District Health Board. The shared vision of the partners is to enable the best possible healthcare via fundraising for key projects that will make a significant difference to our regional community.
Help for kids and their families
Hardship to Hope Fund started as a fund available to families in the region experiencing financial hardship due to acute medical challenges. However, in the eight years it has existed, it has evolved into more than that. The fund also provides the tools for families to keep their newborns safe and to ensure their Tamariki are kept clean and healthy
What your money provides
Alsco provide the region’s hospitality services with a linen rental service. As part of this service, they guarantee the linen they provide is of high quality, natural fibres. When the bedsheets and pillowcases have reached the end of their commercial life, they are delivered to Taranaki Health Foundation to be converted into sheets for baby and children’s beds, Also sheets for the whole whanau with king, queen and single being repurposed
In kind donations like this have an incredible impact on the region. It may not seem like much – a company handing off their sheets that would be going to waste anyway. But so far the sheets supplied by ALSCO have saved over $35K in sheet purchases
If you are interested to learn more about the work of Taranaki Health Foundation and the Hardship to Hope project - listen to Volly Voices on Access Radio 104.4FM on Sunday 7th July,2024 at 2pm and repeated on Sunday 14th July 2024 where Grant & Tasha – chat about what is happening at Hardship to Hope and how they support the community.
This can also be listened to from Monday 8th July 2024 on:
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7rgLi5j4mBuS8LcQHs9BXJ
Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/volly-voices/id1712049412
Access Radio website https://www.accessradiotaranaki.com/shows/volly-voices/
Volunteering New Plymouth website https://www.volunteeringnewplymouth.org.nz/news
If you are curious to learn more about any of the activities and / or you are interested in helping in some way please contact Wendy at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, E: admin@vnp.nz or Ph/Text 022 571 4228 to take the next step.
Women’s Centre New Plymouth
The New Plymouth Women’s Centre was set up in 1975 by a number of caring and perceptive women to meet the needs of women in their community.
To learn more about the Centre's beginnings Elaine Gill wrote a book 'From Carparks to Caring' (1982) which was updated and is 'Herstory' (1985). This is a very interesting read. And is available at the centre.
In addressing the very real needs of the time the basis of what would become New Plymouth Women's Centre was formed as a 'feminist group'. It was named the Women's Action Group with the aim to create "a base for activities that would assist women achieve independence" and initially formed to encourage self-expression.
As communities change & evolve the services needed by that community also change. While the services offered have changed to meet current needs the core business has remained the same. Remaining committed to improve the well-being of women in our community and aim to provide support and validation to women who are distressed by events in their life.
The Centre takes a humanist approach and the initiatives are based on the philosophy that meeting people’s basic needs such as food, shelter and a sense of belonging are the starting point for self-sufficiency, growth and emotional wellbeing.
Offering a safe place for women and their children to come when they need support, information, referrals, advocacy & family support. As a first point of contact for many women, staff respond to women expressing grief, anger, fear, anxiety, depression, isolation, financial stress, abuse, loneliness, parenting challenges and homelessness.
The service offers a non-judgmental environment for women to explore their options. Sometimes their situation will require a referral to another agency. With support and advice, it is possible for women to initiate simple changes that have major benefits for themselves and their families.
The Centre has two paid staff and two regular volunteers. The paid staff are integral to the effectiveness of the Centre and are supported by a committee. The Women's Centre operated as a collective for many years but with changes in funding criteria and to better manage the Centre a management committee was formed to oversee the daily operations.
In the past 10 years they have painted, gardened & done small scale renovations both inside and out; the result is a very welcoming and comfortable environment for all.
Currently they are preparing for their 50th Anniversary celebrations of the Centre – being the first Women’s Centre in New Zealand, so a great celebration is certainly in order. If you have time and you are interested in supporting the centre either volunteering for the day to day activities or to help the small sub committee members organise the 4 day event – which is to be held between 5th and 8th March 2025 the TIME IS RIGHT NOW; so
If you are interested to learn more about the work of Women’s Centre New Plymouth listen to Volly Voices on Access Radio 104.4FM on Sunday 30th June,2024 at 2pm where Leanne – chats about what is happening at the Centre and how they support the community.
This can also be listened to on:
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7rgLi5j4mBuS8LcQHs9BXJ
Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/volly-voices/id1712049412
Access Radio website https://www.accessradiotaranaki.com/shows/volly-voices/
Volunteering New Plymouth website https://www.volunteeringnewplymouth.org.nz/newsletters
If you are curious to learn more about any of the activities and / or you are interested in becoming a volunteer with Women’s Centre New Plymouth please contact Wendy at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, E: admin@vnp.nz or Ph/Text 022 571 4228 to take the next step.
St Vincent de Paul in Taranaki
Have you heard of this Organisation??
They are here in New Plymouth, and they are more than their shop in Fitzroy. And in South Taranaki the shop is in High Street, Hawera. These shops are there to help support the amazing work that they do in the community to support those in need – including providing clothing and furniture assistance, providing weekly community meals as well as providing support for individuals and families experiencing hardship.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul is an international Catholic lay organisation inspired by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Their Mission is to work to provide person to person, practical and effective help to those in need, sharing their burdens and joys, sewing seeds of hope and promoting human dignity, justice and self-sufficiency, working in a caring and practical manner to promote human dignity and justice through personal contact with those in need.
When I started my investigation for this column the name of the Founder Frederic Ozanam rang a bell and so checked and yes Ozanam house in Palmerston North was the brainchild of Palmerston North society members who when doing their hospital visits realized that there was a need for a home where relatives of out-of-town patients could stay. So in 1967 they purchased a comfortable four bedroomed home a few meters from the hospital and as we know this is still going – now operated by and independent trust board. However, this shows the compassion the Organisation and its people have for others.
In the words of the Founder Federic Ozanam “In my life I want to become better and do a little good”.
Locally here in Taranaki there has been a conference for over 100 years and are very fortunate to have two op shops operated by St Vincent de Paul Hawera and Fitzroy which are both open Monday – Friday 10am – 3.00pm. The funds raised contribute to the amazing work that is done in the community as well as repurpose items for another life.
The community meal on a Tuesday night at St Joseph’s Hall is another project that St Vincent de Paul provides. This is a project that the younger members of the society, young Vinnies participate in, and you can see them at work in the kitchen and serving.
The amazing team also supports other community organisations who are helping those who need extra support. They are always keen to have new people to join the team and there are a variety of skills to be learnt or to be utilized in the work that these amazing people achieve for our community.
If you are interested to learn more about the work of St Vincent de Paul listen to Volly Voices on Access Radio 104.4FM on April 28th at 2pm and repeated on May 5th also at 2pm where Kevin Hartfield - coordinator chats about their work locally.
This can also be listened to after April 30th, 2024 on:
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7rgLi5j4mBuS8LcQHs9BXJ
Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/volly-voices/id1712049412
Access Radio website https://www.accessradiotaranaki.com/shows/volly-voices/
Volunteering New Plymouth website https://www.volunteeringnewplymouth.org.nz/news
If you are curious to learn more about any of the activities and / or you are interested in becoming a volunteer with St Vincent de Paul please contact Wendy at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, E: admin@vnp.nz or Ph / Text: 022 571 4228 to take the next step.
Awanui Angels
Volunteers for what, you ask??
We would like to give back to the community by helping keep Awanui Cemetery in tip-top condition. We are looking for some Angels who are interested in looking to help support the Council staff by doing some of the tasks that are not part of their everyday duties.
This project will be very different to the volunteer work done at Te Henui Cemetery as Awanui is a limited-lawn cemetery. We’d like volunteers for year-round weeding, trimming, deadheading, pruning, plant maintenance and if there is a group who would like to become involved, then perhaps mulching, planting & dividing, and transplanting plants.
We will have specific areas that we are working on only - currently the Angels meet once a month on a Wednesday (weather dependent) during Autumn / Winter and in Spring/ Summer twice a month also on a Wednesday. The number of hours per session are between 2 and 4 depending on the numbers and who is available. The current team are hoping to have a few younger people will join them as it can be a little hard on the backs if you are not young. Do you know anyone who would be keen to help on an occasional basis – not on a regular basis – that would be good too – and really helpful.
There will be site safety processes and an induction for each event. We are looking for all of you who are interested in being part of this project and particularly people with horticultural knowledge, it is not vital that you have this knowledge, however.
We have an awesome Project Lead for this project, and she would appreciate another person being with her to be available if she wants to go away from time to time.
This has been a project for almost one year now and the volunteers who are involved would love to have others join them to increase what they are able to achieve. Because this is relatively new, we will work with all those who offer their time and try and make it work for everyone and ensure that we are able to work with NPDC staff who enable this unique project to happen.
For all new volunteers we will have a first meeting onsite with Council staff to inspect the site and the areas we will be working on. No date is confirmed yet as that’s dependent on those of you who put your hand up and what day would best suit. It does need to be during the working week Monday – Friday, however.
Those who are interested in being part of this Awanui Angels Project: it is preferable that you bring your own hand tools – due to Health & Safety there will be no power tools or spraying allowed by volunteers.
If you are interested in looking into this further please give Wendy at Volunteering New Plymouth a call on 06 758 8986 or Ph/Text 022 571 4228 or E: admin@vnp.nz so that she can help you get started.
KidSafe Taranaki Trust – Technicians
KidSafe Taranaki is a charitable trust formed in 1994 to reduce unintentional injuries to children/tamariki in Taranaki.
Trust membership currently includes Taranaki District Health Board, ACC, Plunket, Tui Ora, New Plymouth District Council and community volunteers.
KidSafe is also a partner in the New Plymouth injury Safe (NPiS) Trust which is responsible for New Plymouth District’s International Safe Community accreditation programme.
KidSafe uses local child injury data to plan and co-ordinate community projects on priority injury issues
GOAL: Reduce the incidence and severity of unintentional injuries to children/tamariki in Taranaki.
OBJECTIVES:
**To raise community awareness about the incidence, severity, causes, costs and preventative strategies associated with unintentional injuries
**To identify priority areas for the reduction of child unintentional injuries
** To undertake intervention activities to reduce the incidence and severity of unintentional injuries to children
**To liaise with and support other agencies/initiatives with similar objectives both locally and nationally
** To undertake the above objectives in a manner that is appropriate to the cultures in our community.
There are many activities that they facilitate within the Community they include continuing to support and facilitate Hapu Wananga falls prevention korero to whanau who are hapu (with child). Hapū wananga within Taranaki continues to be active and present actively engaging both North and South Taranaki whānau.
Currently we are working to support the recruitment of new technicians to relieve the amazing Gabrielle and her team of volunteers and add to the pool of people free to be able to attend the clinics that are held on a rotation of monthly in each centre. It would be fantastic if we were able to have volunteers who could be available in each of the five centres – so it would be a shift once a month.
So, are you interested in the safety of your children or grandchildren or perhaps your nieces of nephews and or interested in supporting this great and much needed service? Do you have a few hours a week or a month that you could spare to help ensure that children/tamariki who are near and dear to you and riding around in cars are protected?
KidSafe Taranaki provides an amazing service to our community by offering a safety check of children’s car seats. This is a FREE service - NO APPOINTMENTS NEEDED. They are in the following areas:
KidSafe car seat clinics held around the Mounga:
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1st Thursday of every month |
New Plymouth 9am – 12 pm Bell Block 1.30pm – 3.30pm
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2nd Thursday of every month |
Stratford 10am – 12 pm Hawera 1.30pm – 3.30pm
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3rd Thursday of every month |
Waitara 10am – 12pm
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So if these voluntary positions sound like something that you would like more information about and if you think you may like to check one or more of these opportunities out then please contact Wendy at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, M: 022 571 4228 or E: admin@vnp.nz to take that next step, and discuss with her your skills and the potential options, she is keen to hear from you.