Young and old are invited to join together for the launch of the Harakeke Hubs concept in Marlborough next week.

Council’s Community Partnerships Support Natalie Lawler says the new Harakeke Hubs are all about community connectedness – getting out, meeting new people, having a chat over a cuppa, and finding out more about the many services and interest groups in the Marlborough community, and how to access them.

A Marlborough community led project, in conjunction with Council’s Positive Ageing and Welcoming Communities programmes, the new hubs will also involve Marlborough Youth Trust, Volunteer Marlborough, Marlborough CAB, Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, and a variety of local organisations who support the concept. “Everyone is welcome – this is an intergenerational concept,” Natalie said.

“Studies have shown that connecting people to groups and organisations can help with overall health and improve loneliness and isolation. Living better and feeling better starts with one simple step: connecting,” she said.

“We know there are people who are lonely in our community and this project aims to help them make connections and get support to access the Marlborough Community Directory, a one-stop shop for local services, community groups and organisations’ information, including health care and support services.”

Each hub will be hosted by at least one trained, community-minded volunteer Hub Host and will be held in libraries, cafes, community rooms, youth centres and rural community hubs. Host and signposter training will be undertaken by Volunteer Marlborough.

“Harakeke Signposters are people in our community who direct people to the hubs and give information about the Marlborough Community Directory. Whether you're at the supermarket, at work, out for a walk, or with family and friends, you can help spread the word,” Natalie said.

“Being a Signposter or Hub Host is a great way to give back to the community and help people connect and help others feel a sense of community involvement, participation and inclusion in our community.”

Join a Harakeke Hub during launch week at any of the venues and times below:

Pelorus Community Lounge
(behind Havelock Takeaways, Main Road)
Tuesday 14 November
3 - 4.30pm

Te Kahu o Waipuna Blenheim Library
Wednesday 15 November
4 - 5.30pm

Waitohi Whare Matauranga Picton Library (part of the Company Cafe)
Thursday 16 November
10.30am - 12pm

Crossroads
2 Redwood Street, Blenheim
Thursday 16 November
10 - 11.30am

For more information go to www.marlborough.govt.nz/our-community/harakeke

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