(1 February 2019)
Media release

NPDC funding supports vital work of Taranaki Retreat

Ongoing support from NPDC is providing vital support for people dealing with tragedy or life challenges, Taranaki Retreat’s Jamie and Suzy Allen say.

NPDC invests about $730,000 each year in the community and a recent funding partnership from the Community Investment Fund will give the Retreat Trust $25,000 over the next five years.

The money will go to the Retreat’s Support Team and follows $20,000 in NPDC funding in 2017 and $5,000 in 2015.

“The Taranaki Retreat does fantastic work in our community and NPDC is delighted to be able to support it over the next five years,” says NPDC Chief Operating Officer Kelvin Wright.

“Our community is what it is thanks to the tireless work of charities and groups who go above and beyond to help those in need. We’re happy to play a part in supporting their work through grants and funding each year.”

Taranaki Retreat was set up by the Allens in 2015 following the death of their daughter Carrie in 2012. The family stayed in Ronald McDonald house while she battled cancer. That stay inspired the couple to create a space for individuals or families dealing with tragedy and life-challenges.

“Many, many people in our community are finding the pace and challenges of modern life are impacting their mental health. It is a hallmark of any region how it offers healing and sanctuary. Taranaki Retreat is unique to our province, and an expression of aroha and compassion of which we should all be proud – the community itself provides this sanctuary, through its generosity and aroha,” says Jamie Allen.

“In the Retreat’s first 18 months of operation, more than 2500 requests for support have been received and responded to. Of course, this requires many resources, at every level. NPDC’s community funding support is literally a lifeline, and one that we know reflects the heart of Taranaki. Thank you!”

In August the Allens received a NPDC Citizens’ Award recognising the significant contribution they have made to the district.

The $25,000 for the Retreat is part of the Community Investment Fund recently announced by NPDC. This also includes funding for the North Taranaki Neighbourhood Support Trust, Taranaki Futures, the New Plymouth Operatic Society and New Plymouth Mountain Bikers.

Each year NPDC invests around $730,000 in the New Plymouth District with money going to a diverse range of groups and individuals from helping to train young surf lifesavers clubs to the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust. For more information, head to http://www.newplymouthnz.com/Council/Community-Partnerships/Funding-and-Grants/

How you can support the Taranaki Retreat
• Sign up to help at working bees.
• Donate your expertise or professional skills to the Taranaki Retreat Trust.
• Visit www.taranakiretreat.org.nz for more information and details about how to donate.

Where to get help
• Taranaki Retreat (open 24/7) – 06-215 0993
• Lifeline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 354
• Depression Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 111 757
• Healthline (open 24/7) - 0800 611 116
• Samaritans (open 24/7) - 0800 726 666
• Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
• Youthline (open 24/7) - 0800 376 633. You can also text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email talk@youthline.co.nz
• 0800 WHATSUP children's helpline - phone 0800 9428 787 between 1pm and 10pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 10pm on weekends. Online chat is available from 7pm to 10pm every day at www.whatsup.co.nz.
• Kidsline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 754. This service is for children aged 5 to 18. Those who ring between 4pm and 9pm on weekdays will speak to a Kidsline buddy. These are specially trained teenage telephone counsellors.
• Your local Rural Support Trust - 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP)
• Alcohol Drug Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 787 797. You can also text 8691 for free.
• For further information, contact the Mental Health Foundation's free Resource and Information Service (09 623 4812).
-ends-

© Scoop Media