Advice meeting

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 412, 12 November 1991, Page 9

Advice meeting

Ihe Annual General Meetings of the Waimarino Community Advice Service (C.A.S) and Waimarino Budget Service (W.B.S) were held jointly on Thursday 31 October at the Waimarino Club. Both organisations are run by volunteers who freely donate their time to those persons and families who need assistance. Maintaining confidentiality of their clients is of the utmost importance to both groups. Whilst both organisations offer different services they are most compatible, as in many cases referrals are made between the two. The Community Advice Service acts as a listening post and offers guidance to people who have problems. In addition, they will refer people to other appropriate organisations who can assist. Last year a total of 163 enquiries were made consisting of: Education and Training (7), Employment / Unemployment (1), Financial and Budgeting (59), Health and Welfare (4), Housing, Tenancy, Property and Land (4), Legal (5), Local and General (43), Personal and Family (17), Transport, Travel

and Immigration (6). The Waimarino Budget Service acts as a financial advisor to persons and families who are experiencing financial difficulties. During the last 12 months a total of 90 cases have been handled, representing a total debt of $102,000, which with guidance was reduced to $84,250. With the clients' permission W.B.S will liaise with creditors to set up repayment prograi.imes and monitor individual and family budgets. W.B.S is funded by the government through the Federation of Family Budget Services Fund, administered by the Social Welfare Department, which makes an annual grant based on the number of cases W.B.S handles. The services of both organisations is free and totally confidential. Officers elected to C.A.S: President, J. Mosen; Secretary/treasurer, D. Bryers; Committee, three active volunteers. Officers elected to W.B.S: President, B. Anderson; Secretary/treasurer, T. Bennett; Committee, five active volunteers.