Two community organisations have come together to produce a much-needed booklet for residents.
Citizens Advice Bureau manager Anne-Marie Chapman said the booklet was a resource for people in the community, which contained all of the free and self-referral organisations and services in South Canterbury.
She said the bureau was granted financial support for publication of the booklets by Community Trust Mid and South Canterbury.
There were 3000 booklets already in the community and more were still available for collection.
Community trust chief executive Tim Barnett said information was collated by a ‘‘reputable organisation’’.
‘‘Many people come into the Community House and the answer to their question is in this book,’’ Mr Barnett said.
‘‘I think there is nothing more practical than a booklet.’’
Mrs Chapman said while it was also accessible on the internet, printed copies allowed residents the option to jot names and notes down next to entries.
The directory covered everything from cultural groups to early childhood services and LGBTQI+ rainbow support.
Mrs Chapman said booklet had already helped one local family, whose teenager had recently come out.
She said it was a mammoth effort collating the information, and she was thankful to volunteer Sandra Caulter for the time and energy she poured into it.
‘‘She is very organised, and good at organising others. She has a heart of gold, and kept us all on track.’’
Each entry in the booklet had a KB code beside it, which allowed organisations to access their entry online and make updates to it as changes occurred.
Booklets could be collected from the Community House, or residents could call up and organise for a booklet to be put aside for them.
