Community Connector Service
The Community Connector Service was established in December 2021, when people with COVID-19 were required to self-isolate under the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic light system). Since that time, the service has been expanded to ensure that tangata and whānau who have had COVID-19 are able to access the support and services that are offered across multiple government agencies and service providers.
The Te Pā Community Connector Service is underpinned by kaupapa Māori principles and values. Our Community Connectors provide 24/7 support to tangata and whānau to access appropriate services and/or resources that will assist them with impacts that are a direct result of COVID-19.
SCOPE OF SUPPORT
The Community Connector Service is available to anyone who does not receive a benefit from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) as their main source of income. Some examples of the ways in which we can provide support are:
- Assistance with accessing income entitlements and funding to address immediate hardship (especially where someone may not be entitled to receive Work and Income support).
- Assistance with accessing wider services, such as housing, education and employment.
- Access to food and other essential items during self-isolation.
- Access to health and safety programmes, including mental health, addiction and/or healing through a holistic lens.
- Strengthening integration between community and government organisations.
To learn more about the Community Connector Service or to apply for assistance, please contact Nikita Safole, Service Coordinator, on 021 507 099 or nikitas@tepaa.nz.