The University of Otago has an annual event called Community Contact Week, which sees their 3rd year medical students undertake a learning project about the health needs of various communities. On August the 23rd and the 24th it was the turn of Budgeting Services North Canterbury (BSNC) to host the students. This year it was able to be done in person which provided a much more interactive session with the students.
In the presentation provided by our team at BSNC the students learned how long the service had been active in the Waimakariri and Hurunui communities (since 1980), and the various services we provide. The students were especially interested to learn about Kiwisaver and how a young person starting out might make the best use of Kiwisaver to help their financial independence. The students were provided with information sheets which detailed the various services provided by BSNC e.g. preparing budgets, debt schedules and cashflow documents; advocacy with other agencies; negotiating with creditors; assisting with insolvency procedures; and preparing applications for Kiwisaver financial hardship. The students also learned about the particular emotional challenges faced by clients who experience financial hardship.
Many of the students were unaware of the range of issues that smaller communities face – such as:
- Lack of transportation, fewer employment opportunities and geographic isolation.
- The smaller range of specialist community support services available (e.g. alcohol and drug addiction services, mental healthcare services).
- Access to specialist healthcare and/or outpatient services which are often only available in larger towns.
On the plus side for smaller communities, the service’s ability to be well connected with all social service providers in Waimakariri and the Hurunui is much easier. There are many well established networking groups which meet on a regular basis to discuss the emerging trends and how best to address the issues being faced. One example is the work done to ensure that vulnerable families have access to sufficient food for their families. The many food banks in both districts work closely together to make contact with families to make sure they have enough and to check any other needs they might have. They then make referrals to those services as appropriate. BSNC is an active member of local networking groups and so is able to respond to clients’ needs as required.
All BSNC services are free and confidential. To work with a Financial Mentor, contact our Service Manager, Sharon Grant, on 03 313 3505 or servicemanager@bsnc.org.nz