Women’s movement for adequate housing

Press, 28 November 1988, Page 10

Women’s movement for adequate housing

Lack of adequate housing affects people’s health — emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually — and puts future generations at risk, says the Housing for Women Trust. The Christchurch group, which has been meeting for two years, formed itself into a trust in May this year. Its aim is to empower women by enabling them to choose alternative, viable housing options. They plan to buy, rent or lease suitable properties and act as prime tenant, sub-letting to women with housing problems. They also want to become a resource group for women interested in co-operative living arrangements. From talking to women, who come to the Women’s Drop In Centre, the group has identified the greatest need for housing in women over 40 on a sickness or unemployment benefit. These are women without dependant children, who often end up in boarding houses with male alcoholics, which puts them at risk. Other women badly needing housing help are those leaving prison, those on drug and alcohol programmes and those with disabilities, they say. The trust is calling a public meeting to discuss women’s housing issues and options on Friday, December 2. This will be in the Stringleman Room of the Canterbury Public Library, starting at 7.30

p.m. There is lift access for disabled people. All those with housing needs or housing initiatives are invited. There will be a panel to answer questions. A donation to help with expenses would be appreciated. Consumer health action With an Area Health Board being set up in Canterbury, consumer action in health is a topical issue. The Consumer Health Forum of Australia was set up in 1986 to increase consumer and community participation in health policy. Marie Louise Sylvan, the co-ordinator of the forum, will speak on the Australian experience of consumer action at a public meeting this Wednesday. This will be at the Aged People’s Welfare Council Rooms, 60 Cashel Street, from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. The meeting has been arranged by the Public Health Association. Marie’s talk will be followed by discussion on how to promote the consumer voice here in Canterbury. The chairwoman will be Jill Nuthall. For more information, contact Anthea Bowden at 556-089, or Tor Wainwright at 650-119. Pathfinder books Pathfinder publishes the speeches and writings of revolutionary leaders such as Che Guevara, Nelson Mandela, Fidel Castro and Malcolm X. A meeting to celebrate.

Pathfinder Publications’ contribution to the world revolutionary movement will be held at 7.30 p.m. on Saturday, December 3. This will be at the Pilot Bookcentre, 593 A Colombo Street. The $3 admission includes supper. Community education forum In tomorrow’s schools, communities will be able to express their views on educational matters through community education forums. A public meeting to discuss the setting up of a Christchurch community education forum will be held this Wednesday at Hagley High School Hall, starting at 7.30 p.m. The meeting has been called by the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Association of Continuing and Community Education. Anyone interested is welcome. Papanui health meeting Next April, the Canterbury Hospital Board and the Department of Health here will hand over their responsibilities to the Canterbury Area Health Board. Papanui residents are invited to a community meeting tonight to find out how they will be affected by the changes and how best to communicate their needs to the board. This will be at the Paparoa Street School library at 7.30 p.m. The meeting has been organised by the Papanui Community Health Group.