Meals on Wheels

ON WEDNESDAY, April 1, a group of dedicated locals gathered at the Stratford branch of the Red Cross to chat about the Meals on Wheels service around Central Taranaki.
"The purpose of the meeting was to acknowledge the work of volunteer organisations who deliver meals on wheels in Stratford," said Red Cross Area manager, Karen Lawson, "as well as exchange feedback between the different organisations."
Taranaki District Health Board (TDHB) oversees Stratford's Meals on Wheels service, while Age Care Central is contracted to provide the service.
New Zealand Red Cross co-ordinates the driver organisations, and it is the charitable work of the driver organisations that get meals to those who request them.
"It was important that everybody involved had the chance to discuss issues with the service in Central Taranaki to ensure the service continues to operate at the highest standards for those who benefit from it."
Present at the meeting were representatives from Age Care Central, Taranaki District Health Board Home Support Unit, New Zealand Red Cross, Rural Women and the Anglican, Catholic, Presbyterian and Salvation Army churches.
"We had an extremely positive meeting where great ideas were exchanged," she said.
One of the ongoing issues that the Red Cross faces nationally is the recruitment of volunteers to continue meals and wheels services.Last year New Zealand Red Cross helped the meals on wheels programme deliver 750,000 hot meals to the doorsteps of those who needed them most.
The service allows elderly and disabled people, and those recovering from illness or hospital treatment, to remain?independent. Additionally, it provides these people with positive social contact.
"If anybody is interested in volunteering, they should contact the Taranaki Red Cross service centre in New Plymouth on 06 759 4967 or the national hotline 0800 RED CROSS (0800 733 276)," said Karen.