Birthright short of volunteer counsellors

Press, 16 February 1982, Page 7

Birthright short of volunteer counsellors

A shortage of volunteer counsellors has made Birthright Christchurch reluctant to take more families into its care, The president of the organisation (Mr M. T. Hannifin) said that the position was "embarrassing." ; r -7 : ‘‘\Ve are not spreading our wings as far as we could." he said. / The organisation had about 120 volunteers to visit 300 one-parent families in Christchurch. 7 ' ; A full-time social worker has started working with Birthright under the Project Employment Programme but the organisation still had to restrict its activities. .• "We haven't pushed Birthright recently becausewe just wouldn't be able to cope with a rush." said Mr Hannifin. The volunteers visit oneparent families and offer support and guidance to ensure "the kids gdt everything a child with two parents would get. We are in it for the kids really." he said. Birthright, had had "fewer; and fewer" volunteers, to work with' during the last few years. r . .• •.-■- "It’s not surprising really. It’s totally on a volunteer basis. It is not cheap to run a. car and visit someone al the drop of a hat." said Mr Hannifin; From Auckland the Press Association reports-that the organisation's national secretary (Mrs Sue Laurenson) said ?Aiiat -volunteers were

being sought for most of its 35 branches in New Zealand. "We are not looking for experts. We simply want people with good sound common sense. with a few hours to spare every month, who believe that all New Zealand children are entitled to every possible chance they can get;.' she said Birthright did not inflict its views or opinions "ohf anybody and families were only visited when they might need practical help or advice. •-• "Our only objective is to make sure children get the best possible chance in life." Mrs Laurenson said. Anyone wishing to offer their’ services should telephone their. Tocal-branch of Birthright.”'. _ ~