New manager Shelley Loader wants more organisations to benefit from Community House Whanganui's services

Manager Shelley Loader (left) and office person Michaela O'Brien are the new team at Community House Whanganui.

Community House Whanganui's new manager Shelley Loader aims to get more community organisations using its services.

Loader, who has worked in the office at Community House for three-and-a-half years, has been appointed manager following the retirement of long-time manager Jan Dunphy. She has an honours degree in psychology and previous management experience in a contact centre and in her own hospitality businesses.

"Our goal is to increase the profile of Community House Whanganui, both out in the community at community events and online and on social media," Loader said.

"We want to improve and better promote our services to benefit more community organisations.

"Community House has become a hub as the first port of call for many people looking for assistance. There's become more of a wrap-around approach by the organisations in Community House, which enables the client to get the right help quicker."

Michaela O'Brien, who comes from a design, media and retail management background, has been employed in Loader's former office person role.

Loader said that O'Brien's background would benefit the organisation but her appointment was more about finding the right person.

"We wanted someone who would fit in and someone kind," she said.

"The most important thing for us is to be kind and approachable.

"We regularly provide assistance in directing vulnerable people, often in emergency situations, to appropriate organisations, as well as answer database and other inquiries from the community."

Community House in Ridgway St is a base for 15 not-for-profit organisations and works on the principle of collaboration, working towards a healthy, vibrant and inclusive community, sharing resources and supporting each other.

As well as providing services for the member groups, Community House Whanganui also provides support to other organisations, their clients and members, and the community.

Administration services include accounts, payroll and help with funding applications, and stationery and services such as photocopying, laminating and binding are available at reasonable rates to community organisations. A mobile eftpos machine can be used by community organisations during fundraising events or to collect subscriptions.

Community House Whanganui maintains a database of about 925 community organisations, clubs, schools and other groups. It distributes, mainly via email, a community newsletter, Com.Chat, to about 865 readers. The www.communityhouse.org.nz website has links to all the member organisations and the searchable community database. The newsletter is shared via the Community House Whanganui Facebook page.

The building has conference, training and counselling/interview rooms for hire.