Many of the people who access Visionwest’s wraparound support services have no family and limited social networks. Their lives are confined to a small space both geographically and socially.
For many years, community dinners were held at the Glen Eden Baptist Church (GEBC) café as a way to provide people with a nutritious meal and the opportunity to meet others and feel part of a wider, caring community.
It also gave whānau the chance to share their stories and experiences and, where appropriate, they could access Visionwest support services that were relevant to their needs.
When Covid hit and we went into lockdowns, these dinners were one of the earliest casualties, and the isolation felt by many people in our communities increased.
Thankfully, these valuable opportunities for connection and sharing have recently recommenced in the form of a free weekly lunch which we call Te Kapu.
Visionwest’s Pātaka Kai supplies fresh vegetables and other foods that are prepared with love and skill and turned into a delicious lunch (often complete with a home-made pudding!).
Te Kapu is a special time for people to come together, share a great meal, and connect with staff and volunteers from GEBC and Visionwest as well as neighbours and friends from the wider community.