Last month Christian World Service met with the Muslim Well-being team, part of the Purapura Whetu Trust, a community-based Kaupapa Maori health and social services provider in Otautahi Christchurch. CWS has been looking for the best way to use the remaining money donated after the March 15 attack at Christchurch mosques and are grateful to Purapura Whetu for their assistance.

“When CWS launched the appeal for those affected by the attacks, we committed to find a way to help that was in keeping with our development approach. This proved more challenging than we thought for the remaining donations. This grant will enable a community-based group to assist people carrying the pain of the brutal attacks,” says Murray Overton, National Director.

After the Mosque attacks a team from Kaupapa Māori in Tamaki Makaurau Auckland came to assist the Muslim community in Christchurch. Members found their approach very helpful. The District Health Board recommended establishing a local service within Purapura Whetu to continue to support them. After much discussion, the Trust set up the special team, now lead by psychologist Aamina Ali.

“Everyone was affected by March 15. Our services are available to all Muslims. It is a privilege and a blessing to be under a Kaupapa Maori service,” says Aamina.

The team works with individuals and families of all ages. Staff include social workers, psychologists, health coaches, spiritual advisers, youth workers and community workers who are based at health centres and work in the city. The service is free and has the resources and networks to seek additional support or refer people to other services. Together the staff speak seven languages.

CWS looks forward to a continued relationship with Purapura Whetu and wishes them well as they take on many responsibilities including the new task of resettling refugees in the city.