New counsellors in town
Starfish Social Services definitely did not make the wrong decision when selecting its two new counsellors.
The enthusiastic pair, Aaron Haworth and Hannah Lee, joined the team at the start of February and have already fitted right in.
They both finished studying a Bachelor of Social Science at Wintec last year and will be working at Starfish two days a week – Mr Haworth on Thursday and Friday and Ms Lee on Tuesday and Wednesday – as youth and family counsellors.
‘‘We are looking forward to being a part of the team here, getting to know the community of Matamata and strengthening Starfish’s relationship with other organisations in Matamata,’’ Mr Haworth said.
Starfish founder and counsellor Jo Mcnaughton said they brought a lot of strengths to the team which would benefit the youth in town.
‘‘ They bring freshness, a youth, new ides and they are very well trained,’’ she said.
‘‘Aaron brings a lot of cross cultural experi- ence and work with children and Hannah has worked with families.’’
Mr Haworth travelled the world working as an engineer for five years before taking up counselling after he did mission work in a number of countries including Nigeria and Cambodia.
‘‘Those trips opened my eyes to the needs of this world. I grew up in a small town, so seeing the contrast of lifestyle and how much some people need, really touched me,’’ he said.
‘‘I wanted to get into an area of work that had purpose and meaning. You can fix machines all you want but they will only break down again but helping people is an honour. It is so cool to be a part of someone’s journey.’’
He has worked in youth and family counselling with Barnardos here in Matamata and at Cambridge Life Skills.
Ms Lee completed work experience at Fraser High School in Hamilton working with youth and later with single parent families.
‘‘It is my passion to see youth meet their full potential.
‘‘Youth face a lot of challenges these days so I want to get alongside the youth here and help them to overcome the things they are going said.
‘‘It was my own life experiences that got me into counselling and gave me a heart for this type of work.’’
She said she had a huge respect for people who came in to chat to counsellors because it took a lot of bravery to walk through the door.
But that is what Mr Haworth and Ms Lee are here for.
If anyone needs someone to talk to, they can call into the Starfish centre on Arawa St.
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