A little stress is good for us. It creates a sense of urgency to get things done. A lot of stress however is quite the reverse. The damaging, negative effects of excessive stress are well documented for virtually all of us- Covid-19 has bought unwelcome stress to everyday life.
Businesses damaged or even destroyed, long-lasting health issues and deeply personal distress are just a few of the effects we have all been subject to in one form or another.
The first reaction to stress is often to assume we are the only person feeling it. Everyone else seems to be coping and as we try to “soldier on” this impression grows more severe. We can then feel more isolated and finally unable to cope. This is when stress becomes a serious threat and needs to be dealt with.
This is where Citizens Advice Bureau Helensville comes into its own. Available to all from Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm, staff and volunteers offer a free, confidential and non-judgmental service. It starts with a “listening ear” where issues are identified through confidential discussion with a trained volunteer, followed by potential options being identified so the client can be empowered to provide their own solution.
Your local CAB has its own data-base of information collected and updated through experience over many decades of service to the community.
CAB Helensville manager Rani Timoti says it has been a busy start to the year with client enquiries so far including help with a CV and digital literacy support; dealing with neighbours; relationship and marital issues; business and financial struggles; immigration matters and complaints about banks, companies and organisations.
“It’s wonderful to have our volunteers listen, support and help clients professionally with such a wide range of issues. Our face-to-face, online and phone enquiries have all been quickly actioned after our holiday break and we expect some traditional patterns, including the after-effects of Covid cautiousness, to reveal themselves in the next few months.”
Our strong relationship with our JPs, who are often also CAB interviewers, has seen an influx of clients being looked after with their specific needs.
“So don’t feel like you’re the only one going through something- we may have the torch for the light at the end of the tunnel,” Rani says.
Come visit our friendly volunteers Monday to Friday at 16 Commercial Rd. Other options include by phone 09 420 7162 or email: helensville@cab.org.nz or go to https://www.cab.org.nz/ for our national website.
