Keeping people in their community safe is behind the development of a wellbeing steering group hoping to make a difference, where it counts.
Wellbeing Opuke, which covers a rural area from Dorie to Methven and the foothills to Mt Somers, was started by a group of individuals with connections to different organisations, schools, medical practices and agencies in the area.
It is hoped the unique approach to community wellbeing would join the dots on the welfare of the community.
Steering group facilitator Richard Fitzgerald said the Opuke community recognised people were facing challenges and wanted to help in a preventive way.
"It started off (talking about) being mentally well but broadened into general wellbeing, and how we want Mid Canterbury to be a place where people actually feel safe and well and have a good lifestyle."
He said a group of around 10 people from a range of organisations, agencies and groups in the Opuke area were on the steering committee, set up a year ago, and got to talking about the best way to help people.
"It was how do we actually keep people safe, rather than put the ambulance at the bottom of the hill so to speak."
Work began on how community organisations could be helped in their roles, be better equipped to see some of the warning signs of unwellness, and to have consistent messages and support in the way they do their normal activities.
"That would go a long way to keeping our people safe," he said.
It warranted employing a part-time connector, being advertised online via SEEK, who will cover the Opuke area and work with other organisations such as sports groups, churches or scouting groups to see what they needed and direct them to training or upskilling around wellbeing and how to integrate it into practice.
The information will help identify gaps, develop resources and information so organisations can work with their own people.
The connector is not a professional clinical worker but would put people in touch with the right people to help.
"It’s someone who is a connector between the different organisations and groups, who can provide guidance and direction to individuals who might be concerned about someone, whether it’s family or friends."
It’s about building a network of contacts within the area, knowing about the community and how it works, he said.
Mr Fitzgerald likened it to being the conductor of an orchestra getting everything in the district working together in harmony for the same cause.
It was hoped the connector would be on board from early April.
