Neha Concisom
Auckland, October 5, 2018
Social isolation is a challenge faced by refugee and migrant communities who have chosen to make New Zealand their home.
Feeling socially isolated after initially settling in New Zealand often results from language and cultural barriers, especially for older migrants.
St John is supporting migrant and refugee communities by facilitating a Migrant Women’s Coffee Group to foster social connection with the wider community.
Alleviating Challenges
The initiative aims to help alleviate some of the challenges faced by migrant women settling in New Zealand by providing a friendly, welcoming environment in which the women can meet.
The Coffee group provides a support network for these women as they navigate the challenges of settling their new environment, putting them in touch with others in similar situations and members of the wider community who want to help.
Working with Shanti Niwas
St John is working closely with charitable trust Shanti Niwas to assess the need and to co-ordinate these coffee groups across various locations in the Auckland region.
St John Patron Richard Blundell, who attended a recent coffee group said that he enjoyed seeing the St John community come together, connect and share stories.
“It was great to see this room full of happy people wishing to learn more about their new country, while we had the opportunity to hear their stories, their challenges and their experiences.”
Neha Concisom is Communications Intern at St John.
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Photo Caption:
St John at a Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust Coffee Group Meeting
(Picture Supplied)
