Hauraki RSA is set to host a meet and greet at its Ngātea hall on October 14 in order to provide returned service personnel with information about their entitlements.
Secretary Di Elliott-Birchall told The Profile the idea for the event came from reading news within the RSA sector, as well as from one of its members who asked about RSA support services.
“Some of the [returned service personnel] might not be aware of what services are available to them, which might be having a housekeeper come in if they’re in their own homes and no longer able to clean the windows or bathrooms,” she said.
“There’s also home help outside, like if they’re no longer able to do their lawns. There’s also medical and financial things available.”
The event will include information about how the RSA recognised the rigours of domestic and overseas service, and how it advocated on veterans’ behalf for government recognition, assistance and redress.
Di said the event, led by RSA Waikato District support advisor Allan Plaisted, was also about catering for all abilities through face to face communication.
“For some of our mature veterans, it may be a matter of technology that scares them away from [seeking assistance] because a lot of things are done online,” she said. “In a way [the event] is taking that scare factor out of it. They can come along, sit and listen, and not have to worry about technology. Someone’s going to be there with a pen and paper and it’s really just touching base.”
DETAILS: Hauraki RSA Meet and Greet, 14 Pipiroa Rd Ngātea, October 14, from 3:30pm. Bar opens at 4:30pm, light meals available from 5:30pm. Non-RSA members can attend the event, contact Trevor Birchall: 021 701 466 for transport. To find out more visit: www.rsa.org.nz/support or phone Di Elliott-Birchall: 021 672 112.
Newly-elected Hauraki RSA president Trevor Birchall has been instrumental in publicising the club over the past 12 months. Photo: TERESA RAMSEY
