There’s no time for hibernation at Community Networks/LINK, where new initiatives are up and running this month alongside the organisation’s usual support and connection offerings.

A year on from integrating its social services and community development brands, services and activities available at Community Networks/LINK represent the full community wellbeing spectrum. 

Each month a different area of activity is highlighted: June’s focus was on food resilience and July’s is mid-winter practical support.

The organisation has recently debuted a community kitchen programme, highlighted community gardening in a new video storytelling series, and launched its family support programme. 

Community Kitchen

The Community Kitchen offers locals a space to connect and cook together biweekly. 

It is open to anyone looking to meet new people or learn new skills in the kitchen, and is offered in partnership with the Food Security Network. 

“Community kitchens have been successful elsewhere in New Zealand; we are excited to trial it here for the next three months, with an emphasis on bringing people together”, Community Networks/LINK food security coordinator Daisy Watford said. 

There is no cost to attend, and anyone interested can email [email protected] to book a space.

Video story-telling

Community Networks/LINK has also filmed its first video storytelling piece, sharing multiple community garden programmes throughout the Upper Clutha. 

“We hope to bring to life some of the amazing community-led projects that are happening around the region,” LINK manager Kathy Dedo said. 

“Video is a great medium for showcasing the people and effort behind these initiatives.”

Family support programme

“The Family Support Programme is the result of a long-term community conversation about supporting parents who could do with some help – perhaps raising young children isolated from their extended whānau, solo parents, migrants new to the community,” Kathy said. 

The programme matches volunteers with parents of preschoolers, providing companionship along with household support. 

Both volunteers and families are welcome to get in touch by emailing [email protected] .

The best way to access services is through Community Networks/LINK’s new website.

“We’ve worked hard to make the website the comprehensive digital home for all our services, activities, resources, events, forms, and news,” Kathy said. “This reflects our identity as the Upper Clutha’s one-stop community support and connection centre.”

PHOTO: Supplied