​Answers to questions you never thought to ask

Having been working one on one with people for nearly 30 years, it makes sense that over this time I would have accumulated a plethora of information about all sorts of things. I’ve often found when I’m sitting with a client that something of use would float to the surface. It got me thinking: if I was to randomly pick five pieces of information that could be helpful to someone, what might they be? Here’s what I came up with:
  
School uniforms etc:
If a family is struggling to afford school uniforms, BYOD devices, stationery, etc, Work & Income offer a Special Needs loan to anyone who needs it (i.e. the applicant doesn't need to be on a benefit to get the help). One phone call to their 0800 number, some eligibility questions, and a green card wings its way to the applicant, made out to a supplier. The loan is interest free, and can be paid back for as little as $10.00 per week. 
www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/children/school-uniforms-and-stationery.html
 
Legal advice:
If someone needs legal advice, but would struggle to afford the fees, the New Zealand Law Society fund the Community Law Centre Programme which provides free legal advice to applicants. They have an 0800 service, or applicants can simply walk into their local branch. There is also a very helpful online Community Law Manual on their website:   
www.communitylaw.org.nz/our-law-centres
 
 Teens going through stuff:
The parents and caregivers of young people and teenagers who suffer experiences of grief can have a really hard time sourcing appropriate support. There is a programme called "Seasons of Growth" which runs supervisor-led peer support groups to assist young people through these harrowing times:   www.kidslink.co.nz/services-view/seasons-for-growth
 
Family Services Directory:
When help is needed, it can be a bit of a nightmare for people at times trying to work out who does what, and where. The NZ Govt has compiled an online Family Services Directory that can be searched via area, service, and funding. Not surprisingly, it's called the National Family Services Directory: www.familyservices.govt.nz/directory
 
Scholarships:
When considering engaging in study, the opportunity to secure a scholarship provides significant reassurance and assistance towards this goal. A website called "Generosity NZ" has compiled nearly all of the scholarships available in one place, and information pertaining to the necessary application criteria:   www.generosity.org.nz
 
You never know who a list like this might help - so please drop me a line and let me know if it does!