Refuge service for Ruapehu

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 511, 9 November 1993, Page 3

Refuge service for Ruapehu

by Shelly Shearsby Taumarunui Women' s Refuge and Support Centre has been approved by the local community funding agency to extend their refuge services intc the districts of Raetihi. Ohakune, Waiouru and Taihape. Spokespersons for the refuge, Maori co-ordina-tor Miriama Te Wano, and acting non-Maori coordinator Jenny Harland, said since moving into the four districts three weeks ago they have met with local police, social workers, doctors, hospital staff and members of the Maungarongo Marae, Mo Te Whanau Kohanga Reo and members of the community. "Refuge is a response to violence in the home and immediate emergency safe-house accommodation is available now for women and children, victims of violence in all its forms" said Mrs Te Wano. Refuge members will be available on a weekly basis in all four respective areas to provide advocacy services for all women, local organisa-

tions and agencies. "We have a 24-hour free-phone number available on 0800-800-723, this number links you directly to an on-duty worker," Mrs Te Wano said. Acting . co-ordinator Jenny Harland, said the ideal is to gauge interest from women in all four^ areas who believe in and support the work of Women's Refuge and have spare time on their hands, who may consider being volunteer support workers in their respective areas. The role of the volunteer is to be the first point of contact for agencies, organisations and women requiring information and assistance. Full basic-refuge training will be given on a regular basis for all interested women. Volunteer job descriptions are available on request. For further information call the free-phone number 0800-800-723. Refuge operations will be monitored regularly and all administration will be processed at the Taumarunui branch.