Navigator will help newcomers

Newcomers to the Nelson and Richmond area such as former refugees and other migrants don’t always know where or how to access health and social support services, nor what services are available.

In an effort to fill that gap, Victory Community Centre, English Language Partners and Nelson Multicultural Council have worked together to create a community navigator role to support people as they integrate.

Community centre chairwoman Helen Watson said the new job would be 20 hours a week, with recruitment likely in November. The goal was to have the successful applicant start in the new year.

Ra¯ ta¯ Foundation is expected to provide a grant for the first year, while Nelson City Council has allocated Community Investment Funding of $30,000 a year in a three-year agreement.

The development comes as organisations such as English Language Partners pick up this pastoral care.

Manager Tony Fitzwater said English Language Partners was the first point of contact for some newcomers who might want help with other matters such as health, accessing services and housing. ‘‘It’s not our core role, but we take care of them.’’

Some home tutors were also doing extra work such as taking people to appointments or helping them find housing, he said.

Watson said the navigator was expected to offer three layers of support: providing information, providing information and making referrals, and direct support, which might mean going with someone to access a service.

He said anyone interested in finding out more about the new role could contact any of the organisations involved.