SuperGrans sought

SuperGran Ruth Rivett-Cuthbert at her East Taieri home. Photo by Gregor Richardson.
SuperGran Ruth Rivett-Cuthbert at her East Taieri home. Photo by Gregor Richardson.
A SuperGran shortage has sparked an appeal by a volunteer to people with experience to step up and help others navigate life.

Ruth Rivett-Cuthbert (71), of Mosgiel, said she had been a SuperGran for nearly four years and had two clients.

Ideally, each SuperGran would have just one client to focus on but there was a shortage and several people were on a waiting list, she said.

''More SuperGrans would be great.''

SuperGrans is a free service for anyone wanting practical assistance and support in learning the basics of home management and life skills.

The specialty skills shared during the weekly home-based one-on-one sessions with clients include budgeting, gardening and the creation of household routines.

The work was rewarding.

''Helping a young person turn their life around and manage to cope with their situation.''

SuperGrans Dunedin manager Marie Sutherland said SuperGrans had been based in Taieri since the service began in Dunedin in 2003.

Most volunteers were retired.

Skills they shared included menu planning, budgeting, knitting, sewing and advocating at Government agencies such as Housing NZ and Work and Income.

''It makes a huge difference if a SuperGran goes along and supports them. Things turn out quite differently,'' Ms Sutherland said.

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