Region rallies to help

Community groups and volunteers throughout the region have rallied to help the elderly, isolated and vulnerable during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Whether it’s shopping, picking up prescriptions or providing moral support and counselling, there are a range of groups trying to ensure that no one suffers or misses out during the quarantine period.

The main ones for each area are listed below – if you know of others, please let us know by emailing gm@localmatters.co.nz or calling/texting 021 263 4423

Warkworth (plus Snells Beach, Matakana, Point Wells, Omaha and Leigh)

• Mahurangi Caremongers – dedicated shopping days at New World on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for those who cannot shop for themselves, plus a network of more than 80 neighbourhood volunteers. Call Peter Henderson on 027 477 6519, Murray Chapman on 027 496 6550 or Grant Henderson on 027 403 9918, or email caremongers@freerangemedia.co.nz, or see Mahurangi Caremongers on Facebook.
• Homebuilders – Continuing to provide support and assistance with parenting, relationships, advocacy with WINZ, etc. Call 09 425 7048 or 0800 211211, or email homebuildersfs@gmail.com
• Women’s Centre Rodney – Continuing to offer support and counselling, plus food parcels for women and their families. Call 08002dropin (0800 237 674) or 09 425 7261

Puhoi

Help with shopping, deliveries, food, etc. for Puhoi residents. Call Liz McClaren on 021 154 0368

Wellsford

Wellsford Volunteer Group: Help with shopping, deliveries or medical items. Call or text Joelene and Darren MacGillivray on 027 352 0081

Kaiwaka

Kate’s Place Community House, assistance with food shopping and prescriptions, plus continued counselling, support and financial help. Call 09 431 2661 or 029 773 9085, or email kirstie.katesplace@gmail.com or message via Kates Place – Community House on Facebook

Mangawhai

Te Whai Community Trust Mangawhai: Collaborating with Civil Defence and St Johns community response group to provide comprehensive and co-ordinated assistance for anyone who needs it. Help includes a Caring Caller phone support network, shopping and medical needs, and emergency food parcels. Call 021 0247 8003, email info@tewhaicommunitytrust.co.nz or message via Te Whai Community Trust on Facebook

Maungaturoto

Otamatea Community Services: Caring Caller phone support network, help with shopping or prescriptions, food parcels, plus continuing counselling, support and advice over the phone. Call 021 251 0225, visit www.otamateacs.org.nz or visit Otamatea Community Services on Facebook