Seniors get a boon at Shanti Niwas third branch

Venkat Raman

Senior citizens and others members of the wider South Asian communities residing in South Auckland now have the facility of accessing the services and facilities of Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust Inc with the opening of its third branch.

The leading charitable organisation sought and received the support and assistance of the Counties Manukau District Police and the officials of the Takanini based Sri Kalgidhar Gurdwara in establishing the branch.

A formal inaugural ceremony was held on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at a Hall located at 202 Great South Road in Manurewa, a facility donated by Manjinder Bassi.

Growing popularity

Shanti Niwas Project Manager Nilima Venkat said that the South Auckland branch will be a boon to seniors living in the area.

“More than 100 senior citizens attended the opening ceremony along with police officers of the Counties Manukau District Police and community leaders. The facility has already outgrown its capacity, seeing which Mr Massi has allowed us to use it all days of the week. We are grateful to him and to Sergeant Gurpreet Arora who mustered support of his superiors and colleagues,” she said.

She said that Shanti Niwas in Manurewa will cater to residents of Papatoetoe, Manurewa, Mangere, Takanini, Papakura, Pukekohe, Bombay Hills and other neighbouring areas.

“Apart from running the programme once a week, our Social Worker will visit once a week to enable seniors to access our various services and seek help with elder abuse and other issues of their concern,” she said.

Shanti Niwas has a dedicated and passionate team of social workers, diversional therapist and other professionals who provide services and information to the seniors.

Varied Services

Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust Inc provides social support services to senior citizens of Indian and South Asian Origin, help accessing any age related services and help them integrate into New Zealand society for the betterment of the quality of life of seniors and their families.

Established in 1994, Shanti Niwas has several achievements to its credit, the most significant of which is the comfort and care that it offers to the senior members of the society. Men and women, who often feel the pinch of solitude and sometime neglect, find this organisation a good avenue to meet, read, engage in conversation and play meaningful games.

Counselling and Advocacy

“We deliver Positive Ageing Day Programmes for older people including people with special needs in the Auckland region. Among the facilities available are Counselling, Advocacy, Translation Services, help to access health-related practical assistance to help our elders integrate into the New Zealand society, improve their quality of life and enjoy peace and harmony,” Ms Venkat said.

Among the other services of Shanti Niwas are ‘Khushi,’ (Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services) ‘SNEH,’ an acronym for Shanti Niwas Emergency Home for Seniors, ‘Dosti’ (Volunteer Visiting Services) and ‘Sakhi,’ a Prison Visiting Service.

The Trust is located at 14 Spring Street (Next to Dolphin Theatre) in Onehunga, Auckland. Further details can be obtained on (09) 6221010 Email: shantiniwas@xtra.co.nz Website: www.shantiniwas.org.nz

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