A gap fulfilled

In recent years, the Hurunui District has faced multiple challenges from earthquakes and droughts to pandemics, all of which have taken a toll on the wellbeing of the community.

Thanks to the combined efforts of Together Hurunui, the Lottery Grants Board and Hurunui District Council, Community Wellbeing North Canterbury Trust has resourced a family support worker for the Hurunui District.

Social services that were available to Hurunui amid previous challenges, the earthquakes in particular, withdrew once the community was in the recovery stage.

Together Hurunui is a network of social services working in the Hurunui District, including WBNC. As the Chair, Mayor Marie Black said that it was the collaborative nature of the networking forum that highlighted the gap that was left.

“It was clear that there was still a need for these services. It was identified, validated and actioned by members of our community… It was the grassroots saying this is what we need to support our community to be the best that it can be.”

Following these conversations, Community Wellbeing worked endlessly to seek the appropriate funding and service to best fulfil this vision.

“It took a lot of digging to find the source to suit the narrative. We feel very fortunate to have such a strong relationship with Community Wellbeing. Working alongside them has been mutually beneficial for the community,” said Marie.

Along with the District’s family support worker, Community Wellbeing has provided another two social workers to North Canterbury.

Manager of Community Wellbeing Deidre Ryan is thrilled with the outcome and what they can now provide for the community.

“The team we now have working in North Canterbury means that we can call on their different capabilities to meet the needs of individual families who may not have been able to get the support they need.”