Funds help launch health group

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 35, 17 February 1987, Page 1

Funds help launch health group

The recently formed Waimarino Stand-by Group is one of the organisations in the area to benefit from the Community Organisation Grants Scheme . A grant of $5,000 has been made to help launch the group which was formed in response to the community's health needs. lt will service the Waimarino area including Pipiriki and Karioi. "Assistance will be available to people in a nonmedical way before medical help is needed", says spokesman Don Allomes. It will help prevent problem situations from becoming worse, he said. The aims of the stand-by committee will be to coordinate community support and identify the community's needs through advertising, referral of groups or individuals by health-related specialistsand committee members as well as through self-referral. The service will cater for Maori and Pacific Islanders, women and socially disadvantaged people in the community, especially the elderly and the unemployed. Also included are children, disabled people and post operative patients. "lt is designed to prevent, overcome and diminish health problems," says Mr Allomes. A mother under pressure, overtired with a youngchild

is an example of someone who might need Stand-by's help, says Mr Allomes. If they, a relation or a neighbour phone in requiring help, paid volunteers will assist in alleviating any problems they may face. Eventually the Stand-by group hopes to be self sufficient, setting itself up with the grant made to them. When the scheme gets underway it is planned that people who have used the service will contribute so as to help others. The Waimarino Community Health Watch Committee will act as the governing body of the Stand-by Support Group. Another organisation to benefit from the C.O.G.S. allocation of funds is the Waimarino Resource Centre in Raetihi. Established in July last year, a twenty week programme is currently operating teaching its ten students a wide variety of Office and Administration Skills. These include office and telephone etiquette, communication skills as well as many other activities. Co-ordinator Stella Mills says it's hoped to have three more modules up and running by April 1st. With the $2000 grant it is proposed to set up a music programme teaching students to read and make music. The Waimarino Campus Life in Raetihi has also received a grant of $250 from the Community Organisation Grants Scheme.