A Community Health Liaison and Network Group has formed in Tauranga to assist people in the Bay of Plenty with health needs who might fall through the cracks.

The group’s chairwoman, Robyn Paterson, said the Community Health Liaison and Network Group (CHLNG) had been established on the strong foundation of many years of dedicated grassroots work by various support services in the BoP region.

“Our group’s members bring extensive experience and in-depth knowledge, representing a wide array of organisations,” Paterson said.

These include mental health support, disability services, senior assistance groups, heart health organisations, Hato Hone St John, diabetes support, Plunket, brain injury services, hearing and vision disability groups, Parkinson’s support, osteoporosis services, Rural Women, Grey Power, Age Concern, Māori health organisations, multicultural groups, Alzheimer’s support, osteomyelitis advocates and many more.

Amplifying impact

“A Te Whatu Ora Bay of Plenty consumer engagement representative also sits on the group, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with hospital services and connecting the group to other health and community resources.”

Meeting every two months, the group would provide a regular forum for sharing challenges, networking and collaborating to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the BoP.

“Its purpose is to amplify the collective impact of these organisations and serve as a practical, supportive network. Many residents are not aware of the wide range of services available to them, and the group aims to bridge that gap,” said Paterson, adding that the group would support those who need it most. This included individuals discharged from hospital without a clear follow-up plan or families who were facing a new diagnosis and unsure where to find help, Paterson said.

More welcome

The group invited anyone working in community health, who is committed to helping people thrive, to join CHLNG.

“The Community Health Liaison and Network Group encourages more support organisations in the BoP to join our efforts,” said Paterson, who noted that most support provided by the groups involved was free of charge.

For more information, contact Robyn Paterson 0274 987 482 or Berenice Langson on 027 252 7156.