New Waiouru social worker

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 411, 5 November 1991, Page 4

New Waiouru social worker

BY

JO

HOWE

Denise Lenihan is Waiouru's new social worker. She comes from Wellington and has had over 12 years experience in social work in this region. Denise originally trained as a psychiatric nurse at Porirua Hospital and then completed her certificate of social studies at Victoria University while raising 3 children. She has worked for various agencies and has gained a broad experience in social welfare work, which includes: two years in alcohol and drug abuse centres; she has completed the sexual abuse counselling course; has been involved in problem adolescence units; and fam-

ily and couple counselling. Before her appointment in Waiouru, Denise was the social worker for Rimutaka Prison in Trentham. At the prison she dealt with the inmates and families, and staff stress management. She said although the circumstances are very different, she can see similar problems in both communities associated with husbands being away from home. Denise said she is looking forward to meeting and working with members of the community. "I hope everyone will feel comfortable to drop in and have a chat about anything. I'm not only

here for a crisis, but sometimes a friendly ear is all that's needed to get over a rough patch,"

Denise said. "I'm also a resource person. If anyone needs information and is un-

sure where to go, who to see or what to do, I will find out whatever they need to know."