SUPPORT GROUPS

Dear Aunt Agatha,

Where can I go to find out where to get support with/for my condition?

JK Wellington (abridged)

Dear JK,

While a web search for your particular condition was not successful in locating a NZ support group with an on-line presence, this is usually a useful tool to find such groups. Remember to select 'NZ Pages' when searching. Have a look on the Charity Gazette website (www.charitygazette.co.nz) to see if there is a support group listed (either national or local) and also at Web4U's sister site www.not-for-profit.org.nz. Try phoning your local Citizen's Advice Bureau to find a local group and ask your doctor if (s)he knows of one. Try entering the search term into the search box at www.whitepages.co.nz (though many smaller groups operate from home-offices of the office bearers and may not have a phone number listed it is worth a shot) and then follow any likely looking leads you get. (I have separately listed some results for you)

Good Luck, and Best wishes

AA

VOLUNTEER WORK

Dear Agatha

I've got some free time and want to use it usefully. I am an older person but still have vitality and we can't all run websites; in any case I want (need!) to get out a bit. Where can I find out about volunteering opportunities?

RL
Auckland

Dear RL,

Volunteering is often a 2-way exchange. The volunteer gets to expend some energy in a good cause, gets an interest, gets to use and/or develop skills and knowledge in a useful way and often has the opportunity to meet new people. The organisation is the beneficiary of the above and of course can also provide a sense of belonging. It is therefore important that the volunteer and the organisation are appropriately matched. The main museums in Auckland utilise volunteers as guides (docents). The maritime museum in Auckland is one of these and some of my older friends volunteer there. There is a good variety of volunteering opportunities there and one advantage of this museum is that you do not necessarily need specialist knowledge. They have guides (docents who take tour groups through the museum), hosts (folk who are there to assist visitors) as well as researchers, boat maintainers and vessel crews. MOTAT has a similar arrangement. Other organisations such as the Auckland Airport and hospitals also use volunteers to assist visitors.

One of the Web4U 'family' is the International Sailors Society who are a partner in the Auckland International Seafarers Centre. They need volunteers to help run the centre (in Quay street, Auckland City) . Contact them through www.iss.org.nz

Volunteering should not be entered into lightly. The organisation has a responsibility to you not to exploit you, to ensure a healthy and safe environment etc but you have a responsibility of care also, and must be reliable, punctual honest etc.

If you see an organisation that you feel some affinity towards you can approach them direct (the MM, for example, has a staff member dedicated to managing volunteers). Your local CAB will probably have a list of organisations looking for volunteers. There are also volunteer centres in various towns/cities who aim to out volunteers and those seeking their services in contact. This on-line pamphlet provides contact details and also looks at the Mature Employment service. Then of course, clubs like PROBUS, University of the Third Age often need volunteers to help run their programmes.

A Google search of the NZ pages using 'volunteers' turns up a lot of useful links.

I hope you can find an organisation that needs the services of a public minded citizen like yourself!

Best wishes

Agatha

SETTING UP A CHARITY

Dear Aunt Agatha

Some friends and I wish to set up a charity. What legal steps do we have to take?

Raymond
Greymouth (abridged)

Dear Raymond,

As I understand it there are several ways that you can achieve your aims (thank you for the information, the cause looks to be particularly worthy) - incorporated society, charitable trust etc. Have a look at the FAQ on the not-for-profit site which may give you some ideas and pointers. However, I do suggest that you should consult a lawyer to determine which course would be the best in your circumstances ... especially as the situation has changed with the new Charities Bill coming into force.

I look forward to hearing of your progress

Sincerely

Aunt Agatha