Busy Xmas for social worker

Ruapehu Bulletin, 14 December 1993, Page 1

Busy Xmas for social worker

Although for most Christmas is the festive season, Waiouru Community Socjal Worker, Denise Lenihan realises it can also be a very stressful and tiring time of the year for families. Therefore Denise is offering her skills and services to all the people of Waiouru, military and civilian alike. Denise is employed by the New Zealand Defence Force but her guidance and resources are extended to the entire Waiouru community, including those without any military connection. Denise is also bound by a professional code of practice and therefore anonymity is offered to all who use her services. In addition to all her prbfessional qualifications Denise has also been a wife and mother and sees this as one of her key assets in assisting families, especially during the Christmas period when financial problems, over excited children and the stress of general family life are all brought to bear. Denise is available not only to give counselling and

advice but also as a point of contact for other services, and simply as someone to talk to, she said. Denise also sees it as imporlant not to close yourself off from the rest of the community. "Don't isolate yourselves, look to your neighbours and realise that you're not along." The Waiouru Community House also falls under Denise' sjurisdiction and she is looking for people to become involved again with the centre following the large loss of helpers hue to postings. There will also be a small part-time position available becoming available at the Community House for a co-ordinator. The centre is a very important resource in Waiouru as it offers a local calling area telephone, baby change and toilet facilities, coffee and tea and a small resource library, as well as being a meeting place for the women Turn to Page 2

Social worker

From Page 1 of Waiouru. Denise hopes to be able to continue running the welcome. to Waiouru morning teas for all newcomers next year and any offers of ideas of assistance would be greatly appreciated. Denise' s services to the Waiouru community are available at all times and she is easily contactable through the military camp phone lines, even after hours, on 38761 1 1 and extension 7019. Despite the fact that Denise is employed full-time many people are not aware that her services are available, this difficulty she believes goes with her job. She deliberately Plaintains a low profile because of the sensitive and confidential environment in which show works.

it ran out of petrol. The thieves vandalised the car, then stole a three-wheel Honda 185cc bike from a farm property nearby. The bike has not yet been recovered. • A Morris Mini was stolen from behind Turoa Lodge on Sunday 1am1 0am, and driven to Marton where it was later recovered by Police. Anyone who can assist the police in this or the other matters are asked to call the Waimarino station, 3858 551.