Strengthening community connections by sharing information and ideas is the focus of the established Community Support Networking Group.
The collective of organisations, agencies, initiatives and individuals from South Kaipara and neighbouring areas meets monthly on the first Tuesday at Citizens Advice Bureau Helensville’s office, 16 Commercial Road from 11am.
The group initially started in the early 1990s when a public health nurse gathered a group of like-minded people in the health professions together- like counsellors and social workers.
It then flourished attracting a mix of non-government organisations (NGOs) and government organisations.
Today the range of like-minded people spreads “a contagion of positivity” says Jo Chiswell, a child health social worker from Health NZ Te Whatu Ora, based at the Helensville District Health Trust’s strategic health site in Commercial Road. Jo shares the chairperson role with counsellor and Peacemakers trustee Andrew Connolly.
CAB Helensville’s manager Rani Timoti hosts the group and is the new secretary.
“Knowing and growing connections with local groups, organisations and agencies helps our volunteers unlock a good service,” she says. “The more familiar we are with what’s out there, the easier it is to direct clients and newcomers to the area.”
There are a number of regular groups represented but there are always new ones popping up or individuals surprising the meeting with their innovation and talent.
At this month’s meeting there were 21 participants representing 16 organisations with a variety of news, updates, coming events and activities. Rani says the beauty of COMSUP is its uniqueness in South Kaipara and the diverse ways in which it serves its people with plenty of knowledge and resource sharing.
“It’s a privilege for our CAB to work alongside our community collaborators. We are supporting each other to help our locals so it’s a cycle of comradeship,” says Rani, who always provides manaakitanga with fresh home-baking to sweeten the visit.
*The CAB provides a light at the end of the tunnel for clients. We help them know and understand their rights and obligations and how to use this information to get the best outcomes, provide people with the confidence and support they need to take action, and work for positive social change within communities and wider society. We provide a free and independent service to all.
Sharing our Strengths: The Community Support Networking Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at Citizens Advice Bureau Helensville from 1pm.
