Donations needed to help warm up Tauranga's most vulnerable

A hot water bottle and a warm blanket.

These are basic items that many of us take for granted, but for some in the community, they have the potential to save lives.

A drop in temperature has seen workers at Te Tuinga Whānau Support Services Trust jump into "crisis mode".

Tommy Wilson, director of the trust, said there had been a spike in "critical behaviour" which he believed was related to the quick change in the weather.

Over the past week, two people known to the service had attempted to take their own lives.

"The reality is some people might not have anywhere to sleep this winter and that's a traumatic horizon to face," Wilson said.

This is why the trust is looking for donations or a koha to help provide people living on the streets with a hot water bottle and a blanket.

Peter Williams, a social worker at the trust, said this year's low temperatures felt a lot cooler compared to previous years.

"Rather than wait, we're putting the call out early to help some people who are really struggling," he said.

According to MetService, temperatures as low as 3.6C had been recorded at Tauranga Airport this week, a sharp change to the warmth the region had experienced at the beginning of the month.

Pikiteora Russell, social services manager at Te Tuinga Whanau, said it was important that people in need of help made contact and engaged with the service.

This was why the service was asking for donations of blankets - so homeless people were encouraged to liaise directly with support staff.

Russell said this was an opportunity for the community to be a part of the initiative which would help get warmth to people living on the streets of Tauranga.

Want to get involved?

If you would like to donate towards a warm blanket and a hot water bottle please get in touch with Te Tuinga Whanau Services Trust on 07 571 0875

IF YOU NEED HELP:

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
Or if you need to talk to someone else:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (Mon-Fri 1pm to 10pm. Sat-Sun 3pm-10pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666