Community strength during Covid-19: Helensville Women and Family Centre.
Many charities and community organisations have seen a huge increase in demand for their sevices due to Covid-19; like the Helensville Women and Family Centre.
“Operating in a rapidly growing rural community, the demand on our service continues to increase every year."
"We’ve also noticed Covid-19 causing heightened levels of anxiety for adults, youth and children - leaving people to feel more vulnerable, isolated and at-risk,” says Clinical Manager Nelene de Beer.
However one key issue that emerged during lockdown has been access to food and essential supplies for the elderly, at-risk and vulnerable, and families facing increasing financial stress.
With demand for foodbanks across the country rising, and recognising the pressures facing its community, Helensville Women and Family Centre was quick to respond to find a way of supporting those in need.
The Kai Collective is a collaboration between Helensville Women and Family Centre and local social agencies including Kia Tīmata Anō Women’s Refuge, Te Ha Oranga, South Kaipara Men’s Centre, Outwest Youth and representatives from local schools as well as police.
Thanks to funding, including a grant from Auckland Foundation’s Covid-19 Community Response Fund, the initiative got off the ground almost immediately - and in the first month delivered more than 145 food parcels to 68 homes, helping 149 adults and 129 children.
A Kai Collective client says the food parcels were invaluable to the family during lockdown.
“You have no idea how much these food parcels mean to us!"
"With the lockdown I had no work and then we found out that my partner has cancer so we have had a lot of extra expenses going to appointments etc. We would not have been able to do it without the food parcels. We really appreciate all that you have done for us and knowing that we can come to you for other support is awesome.”
Tracey Roberts, a social worker at Kaipara College who helped pack and deliver parcels, adds, “We’re so lucky in this community to have so many agencies willing to work together to ensure we help build up a person’s mana and help them get back on their feet.”
The groups involved are aiming to keep the Kai Collective running for at least another six months to continue supporting those in need post-lockdown.
The effects of Covid-19 will continue to impact Auckland's communities as they recover and rebuild resilience in the months ahead. If you are able to help, please consider making a donation to the Covid-19 Community Response Fund.
Photo supplied by Helensville Women and Family Centre.
