Community Service

The fish, once used as a symbol by the early Christians, is now being used as a symbol by groups of volunteers in Welling ton and overseas who want to give practical help in their community. 4000 households in the area bounded by The Terrace, the Basin Reserve and Mount Victoria, have received bright red fish-shaped telephone book markers bearing the legend "For practical help in emergency—telephone FISH 552.500".

In Wellington FISH commenced offering help in August 1972 with three volunteers manning the telephone six days a week and over 100 helpers. A large proportion of the FISH helpers are students who are so aware of social needs Many students help on Saturdays cleaning up gardens whose owners have become too frail to cope, or with housework or laundry for old people who have lived in inner Wellington thirty years or more and have seen the buildings around them pulled down or fallen into dis-repair and their neighbours disappear. On week days calls come from solo parents who may need a baby sitter urgently or from a doctor whose patients, old and alone cannot get out to collect prescriptions or shop for themselves. Many outpatients have difficulty in travelling for treatment. FISH helpers with cars provide transport. FISH does not offer advice or counselling.

FISH has been receiving a steady flow of calls for help and every month helpers make 50 visits or more. Quite a number of homes have weekly visits from FISH helpers, all free of charge. More helpers are constantly needed. Other areas of Welling ton have similar schemes. If you would like to know more or would like to help them please "Telephone FISH 552.500".