Agencies unite through Safer Whanganui initiatives
Published on 24 October 2019
The Whanganui community through the Safer Whanganui coalition has a number of initiatives underway to make Whanganui a safer place for all says the Chair of Safer Whanganui Mayor-Elect Hamish McDouall.
Safer Whanganui is a coalition of agencies and groups working together to promote community safety and reduce harm in the Whanganui District Council territorial authority area.
“Research tells us that most people living here think Whanganui is a safe place. There’s a more relaxed pace of life, friendlier people and effective policing,” says Mayor-Elect McDouall.
“However, there is work underway to address important issues such as family harm that is happening in all communities across New Zealand.
“In Whanganui there are about 150 agencies working together to make Whanganui a safer place for everyone.
“Over the past eighteen months community representatives have come together to review our community response to family harm and build a new response framework that best meets the needs of whanau in this community.
“Government agencies, non-government agencies, iwi, service providers and community representatives are working together to build a model that puts whanau at the centre of agency and community response to family harm.
“Our community model – ‘FLOW’, while still evolving, provides the foundation for a true community partnership approach to ensure whanau and community wellbeing,” says Mayor-Elect McDouall.
Whanganui District Council Safer Whanganui Manager, Lauren Tamehana, says the Violence Intervention Network (VIN) has 45 agencies that individually or collectively run a number of programmes and community events to increase knowledge and awareness and promote positive relationships.
“They have a comprehensive range of services in place, from prevention through to support programmes for whanau/families who have experienced family harm,” says Lauren Tamehana.
The White Ribbon campaign, which raises awareness to eliminate men’s violence towards women, has good support from the Whanganui community.
“The White Ribbon March on Friday, 22 November is an opportunity to stand up, speak up and say no to violence and there will be agencies on hand if people want to talk to someone.
“I encourage anyone under the threat of violence or worried about someone else to seek help immediately,” says Lauren Tamehana.
The number for the “It’s Not OK” campaign is 0800 456 450. It provides information about services that can help if you are experiencing or witnessing violence, or want to change your own behaviour. It is OK to ask for help.