Reaching out to people something anyone can do

A "grassroots" initiative set up to meet needs in the community is calling for more volunteers to assist with increasing workload.

Streetworks, now driven by a team of more than 30 people, several churches and organisations, has formed a charitable trust working together in their faith to serve Hamilton.

Every year Streetworks runs a few major events accompanied by several ongoing projects such as community family fun days, "backyard blitz" operations, firewood chop and delivery, and cooked meals for those in need.

Streetworks network liaison and active core team member Jono Nesdale said Streetworks is "bringing about exposure and awareness around the needs in our community".

"I think that people are often somewhat oblivious to the desperate needs that present themselves down the quiet streets and behind closed doors of our city. I believe that understandably, we all experience times of weakness or defeat, whether it be physically, emotionally, mentally or even spiritually."

Mr Nesdale said Streetworks is optimistic about encouraging everyone in the community to get involved, to "help open their minds and hearts to discovering ways that they can help contribute towards creating a better future for our community".

"With everyone bringing together their tools and equipment, materials, produce, skills, expertise, open eyes, open ears, open minds and passionate hearts, we can work as one to serve our community and help make life become just that bit better for everyone; creating a place for people to feel like they belong, that they are wanted and that they are needed, loved and cared for," said Mr Nesdale.

"To me that encompasses so much of what life is all about. I believe that life is a gift, something to be treasured and not taken for granted."

Administrator and project leader Alice Denne said the Christian aspect of the organisation maybe a deterrent for some but said "there's no requirements" for lending a hand.

"There's a perception that Streetworks is a churchy thing. It is faith based, but we are all just people reaching out to other people."

Miss Denne said Streetworks operates through ideas generated by the core team although their events are strongly guided by referrals.

For more information on how to gain a referral to services or on becoming a volunteer visit Streetworks' website www.streetworks.org.nz.