Helping Taupo Organisations Work Smarter, Together

When people work together, they usually achieve better results than an individual acting alone.

The same is true of community organisations and international research has shown collaboration can be a powerful tool.

That’s why BayTrust is supporting the Taupo Council of Social Services (TCOSS) in their efforts to bring local groups together.

The umbrella organisation, formed in 1993, aims to bridge the gap between different agencies tackling social issues like literacy, family violence, budgeting, drug and alcohol addiction, youth employment, and vulnerable children, as well as groups supporting those with health issues such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes and dyslexia.

TCOSS co-ordinator Andrew Lilburn hosts monthly networking meetings between these groups and maintains a local directory of social services for the area.

Andrew Lilburn, Taupo Council of Social Services' co-ordinator
Pictured: TCOSS co-ordinator Andrew Lilburn

“In Taupo there’s something like 80 different social service organisations. There’s an awful lot of people working hard to help the community. We try to link those people together.

“Just knowing what other agencies are doing in town helps. People can be referred directly from one agency to another. Often people are dealing with multiple problems so there’s a big cross-over of clientele.”

Making A Collective Impact

TCOSS’ new initiative, supported by BayTrust, is focused on achieving greater collaboration. Andrew hopes that one day, some social issues like literacy or family violence may be solved for good as a result of people working together.

In January 2015, the first in a series of TCOSS workshops was run by community consultant Barbara MacLennan to help make people consciously aware of how they can work with one another.

“A lot of us are communicating and sharing via our monthly network meetings but most of us aren’t collaborating in an overt way. They’re sharing a few things but not saying ‘let’s do a joint venture.’

“It’s common sense really, it’s a better way to work. Each organisation has its own resources, its own administration. Everyone’s paying for the same things and there’s an opportunity there for some collaboration and sharing of back room resources as well.”

Talking To One Another

Andrew describes the workshops as “an exploratory conversation”. Over 20 people attended the first one and were keen to see that conversation continue.

“It’s going to be an ongoing process. People have to build up trust to work with each other and see how it’s going to benefit their organisation and clients.

“There’s not always an obvious link between these groups – for example, literacy and drug and alcohol services. So we need to explore what’s the best place to put our energy as a community. We’re yet to decide where that place is.”

Problem Solving Dream

Andrew’s ultimate vision is to help Taupo’s different social agencies work together so well that the problems disappear for good.

“Instead of managing those social issues, we actually deal with them so the problem is solved. That’s a big ask but I think it’s possible to do something.

“It’s early days but the potential benefit for the community is huge.”

Andrew, who is a former Thames-Coromandel District councillor, says the support from BayTrust has been invaluable.

“It’s really useful and their help is not just financial. They can bring a lot of other resources to bear and have lots of networks around the place. It’s a really great partnership.”

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