Timaru’s Multicultural Hub opens

Timaru groups have settled into the town’s new Multicultural Hub.

The Presbyterian Support South Canterbury (PSSC) Refugee Resettlement Group, Aoraki Migrant Centre and English Language Partners moved into the Sophia St hub yesterday.

While each provides different services to migrants and refugees, the organisations said there was an overlap and they wanted to provide a central location where newcomers could find help settling in.

The hub was opposite the Timaru District Council, which was another benefit, and had a large meeting room where the Aoraki Migrant Centre would continue to host its weekly coffee mornings, spokespeople said.

‘‘We really want it to feel it’s owned by the people we provide services to,’’ PSSC chief executive Carolyn Cooper said.

Fiona Jackson, PSSC refugee resettlement manager, will be managing services such as getting refugees settled into their homes, connected with schools, doctors and into the community.

‘‘We’re looking for positive settlement outcomes and integrating into the community and feeling connected to the community is a huge part of that.’’

The Refugee Resettlement Group is still recruiting for four positions including a volunteer co-ordinator and refugee settlement case worker.

PSSC will also be seeking volunteers for a variety of roles, from working with the families to administration support roles such as sorting donations.

Cooper said it was important that anyone wanting to volunteer came to Presbyterian Support so that there could be a co-ordinated and consistent approach.

Anyone interested in volunteering to help resettle refugees should contact Fiona Jackson through the PSSC website: pssc.org.nz/contact-us.