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Young families in the Wairarapa are benefiting from a government programme that gets older Kiwis to pass on their life experience and skills, Wairarapa MP Georgina Beyer said today.
Georgina Beyer said today that the Manawatu-Wanganui region is one of four regions eligible for SAGES funding.
SAGES funds life and home skills coaching for people with young families who may not have older mentors to lean on. The programme, funded through the Ministry of Social Development, sees older people giving one-on-one attention to young families needing practical assistance around the home.
Locally, Supergrans Wairarapa has been allocated about $160,000 over the next four years to provide these support services.
"Older New Zealanders are a valuable resource of experience, wisdom, patience and information for young families. But a number of young families in our region don't have access to supportive older mentors.
"This programme allows Supergrans to get out in the community and work closely with our young families," Georgina Beyer said.
Volunteers provide information, encouragement, practical advice and support to families in areas such as budgeting, nutritious cooking, positive parenting and networking.
The government's 2004 Budget invested $3.2 million over four years to cover training and transport of older volunteers, administration support and capacity building. About 2,000 families are expected to take part in the SAGES programme by 2008.
"I encourage local groups to consider applying for SAGES funding. Our region is home to thousands of older New Zealanders with a wealth of knowledge about a variety ways to better support families," Georgina Beyer said.
Application forms are available on the Family and Community Services website www.familyservices.govt.nz. Applications close on 15 July 2005.
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