Welfare Agencies’ Work Increasing

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31440, 5 August 1967, Page 16

Welfare Agencies’ Work Increasing

There had been a steady rise in the number of people seeking assistance from welfare agencies in Christchurch since a central index was started by a committee of nine welfare agencies on July 6, Mr F. Gunn, who is acting as index officer, said yesterday.

A total of 605 persons had sought assistance between July 6 and yesterday, he said. In the first seven days the average number seeking help was 14; but it had risen to 24.

By August 3, material assistance worth $2455 had been distributed through the agencies, he said. This, however, was only part of the as-

sistance provided. The help given included counselling, efforts to find jobs, and other services.

Asked if any persons sought assistance from more than one agency, Mr Gunn said one person was known to have approached six of the nine agencies, but al] save a few cases were genuine.

The purpose of the index was to discover whether a central relief agency was required. It appeared none was necessary at'present, Mr Gunn said.

Mr Gunn, who is managersecretary of the Anglican Diocesan Social Services Council, said that although over-all figures for last year were not available from all the agencies, the City Mission was now handling three times the amount of work it handled last year. The City Mission’s work had also greatly increased over the last two months, he said. Between June 7 and August 2 the mission had dealt with 221 cases, compared with 91 in the previous two months.

The mission provided clothing to 78, grocery orders to 114, and fares, meals and payment of heat and light bills for others. It also provided 12 pairs of boots and 29 blankets for men going to work for the North Canterbury Nassella Tussock Board.