FEEDBACK - from Benefit Impact an experience of encounter and welcome

Wellington Catholic Social Services, the Parish of Te Awakairangi and the Hutt Valley Benefit Education Service Trust (BEST) are grateful for the support of the Catholic Foundation in enabling the second Archdiocesan Benefit Impact, held at St Bernadette’s church hall in Naenae in the week of 14-17 November.

Approximately 65 households were assisted with their benefits or superannuation over the course of the week. The assistance ranged from matters such as support for housing applications, disability allowance, unsupported child’s benefit and issues with core benefits. Advocates noted that a large number of people asking for assistance were over 65. Work and Income Naenae put on nine extra staff for the week to enable them to respond to the increased workload.

Each day began with Mass at St Bernadette’s church in Naenae. In blessing the Benefit Impact week, Cardinal John Dew said the Archdiocese was holding the event in the lead-up to Pope Francis’s First World Day of the Poor because beneficiary households are among the most vulnerable in New Zealand.

Lisa Beech
Community Organiser and JPD Advisor
Catholic Social Services