"We have assessed several options. There are various factors we needed to consider with a temporary premises and the police site was the most appropriate in the short term. It enables us to resume delivering our service to the community as we continue to work on finding a long term site," he said.
Staff have been told about the new base and clients would also be informed about the temporary site, Mr Henderson said.
While it had not been easy for clients who were unable to access case workers since the shootings, people had been very patient and most had been happy to have issues dealt with by phone, he said.
"I understand the closure of the Community Link has inconvenienced some people and in the interim we continue to provide a service support team for Ashburton clients so they can be case managed over the phone, so in most cases they don't need to travel."
Child Youth and Family is working from a base at Ashburton College, but no client meetings are conducted on the school site. The full range of MSD services will be provided from the police station site, with the first cluster moving in, in late November and Child Youth and Family relocating in mid-December.
Clients who need urgent assistance should ring 0800 559 009 for Work and Income, 0508 326 459 for Child, Youth and Family, 0800 552 002 for Senior Services and 0800 88 99 00 for StudyLink.
- Ashburton Guardian
