Project Details
Raglan Naturally has hosted events like Neighbours Day, Youth Week support, and well-being workshops to strengthen community connections. Through surveys and discussions, we’ve identified priorities for future collaboration, engaging over 650 participants. These events fostered community building, education, and planning for a more connected future.
Feedback
“The CWC is fully transforming and synergising existing local well-being initiatives. Connections, networks, enthusiasm, hope, and people empowerment are stirring in a way not present before this role was created and funded. It’s a life-changer for our community.”
Community Wellbeing
Covid Community Response & Community Wellbeing Connector
Community Aspiration
- Raglan has a community wellbeing hub fostering connectedness and access to wellbeing services.
- Raglan is recognised as a safe, caring, and age-friendly community.
- The community celebrates and respects cultural diversity.
- A strong focus on mental health support and wellbeing.
- Strengthened relationships with Whānau, hapū, and Iwi, working towards a true partnership as per Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Objective
Addressing the challenges of Covid-19: Growing community-led resilience.
- Raglan Naturally coordinated and supported the Raglan Covid-19 Community Response Group (RCCRG), which was formed by key community leaders before the Covid-19 pandemic. The RCCRG quickly mobilised and connected resources to meet the emerging needs of the community. This included schools and hapū mobilising support within their own communities and working across geographic boundaries.
The RCCRG also created a vital volunteer workforce, known as ‘wellness warriors’, who provided trusted support, especially around testing and vaccination. - The appointment of the Community Wellbeing Connector (CWC) in September 2022 supported the ongoing community-led development and wellbeing efforts. The CWC focused on helping individuals and whānau experiencing hardship due to Covid-19 and connected them to essential services. This role also oversaw the allocation of a discretionary fund and worked on addressing longer-term community needs.
- Some initiatives included supporting the Suicide Awareness Group, working on events such as the Hikoi for Hauora and Matariki Hapori Hauora Day, supporting marae health clinics, Hato St John 3 Steps for Life training, and purchasing community resilience resources.
Who Participated or Benefitted:
What Was Achieved: