The Tokomairiro Community Hub is one of the latest recipients of Pulse Energy’s Community Grant programme.
The bub is frequently the first port of call for residents of Milton and its surrounding areas when they need a helping hand.
From guidance on legal matters, to having a problem with a mobile phone, to needing a top-up in groceries for the week, people use the services available at the hub for a wide variety of needs.
A recent funding boost from local energy retailer, Pulse Energy, contributed to funding the hub co-ordinator role, which is becoming increasingly broad, due to the range of services the hub is involved in and how many people are accessing its services.
Milton Community Health Trust’s nurse manager and overall manager for the hub Dale Wyber said the help provided ranged from pointing someone in the right direction for firewood to referring for access to mental health assistance, information on health or disability services, or even helping find a cot for a baby.
"Money we receive through grants, like the one through Pulse Energy, help fund the hub co-ordinator role and any donations also help fund the operating costs of the social assistance which sees those in need receive petrol vouchers or even phone card top ups," Mrs Wyber said.
"Grant funding is crucial for sustaining our work.
"The grant assists in enabling services to remain accessible to the community without charge."
The hub sees more than 4000 clients and service providers through its doors every year.