Staff Reporter –
info@indiannewslink.co.nz
The increasing number of charitable projects undertaken by organisations established, operated and managed by people of Indian origin has been receiving recognition and appreciation by former political leaders and prominent people in the New Zealand society.
Roopa Aur Aap Charitable (RAA) Trust was the organisation of pride at a get-together held at its premises located at 1193B, Dominion Road in Mount Roskill on December 22, 2016.
The programme was organised by Trust Chairperson Roshni Chadha and Project & Operations Manager Roopa Suchdev.
Growing demand
“RAA Trust has been fortunate to have the support of a number of organisations and the opening of our office five months ago was an indication of the growing demand for our services. We hope to establish our presence throughout Auckland depending on the needs of the resident communities and the support received from various government and non-governmental agencies,” Ms Chadha said.
Ms Suchdev said that among the highlights of the Trust’s activities for 2016 was the support provided to Mt Roskill Police in encouraging victims of family violence and those witnessing its occurrence either to the Trust or to the Police.
“Our Counselling Services have been an important source of comfort and solace to the victims (mostly women) of family violence. I am confident that we will be able to minimise the incidence of family violence as we work with the Police and the community and create greater awareness. Clients seeking our intervention and counselling are assured of confidentiality and sincere efforts to resolve their problems,” she said.
Prominent Guests
Former Auckland Deputy Mayor and Patron of the Trust, former Member of Parliament and current member of the Otara Papatoetoe Local Board (Papatoetoe Sub-Division) Dr Ashraf Choudhary, Member of Parliament Michael Wood (elected on December 3, 2016), Auckland City District Police Asian Liaison Officer Jessica Phuang, Trustee Ami Chand and Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust Chairman Jeet Suchdev were among the main guests at the event.
Strategic Partnership
As reported in our October 1, 2016 issue, RAA Trust works in partnership with other organisations and provides specialist services to minority groups.
“This focus enables us to provide a high quality, committed, dedicated service that does help women turn their lives around,” Ms Suchdev said.
Although the primary activity of the organisation is associated with domestic violence victim assistance and support, it also actively provides help and advice to people suffering difficulties and hurdles in life. These include families suffering unexpected tragedies, migrants and international students who face problems and challenges.
Specialist Services
“Our counsellors specialise in controlling anger, depression, decision-making, grief and loss, stress, anxiety, trauma, relationships, conflict resolution, parenting, and self-esteem. RAA Trust provides free professional and culturally appropriate supportive services,” Ms Suchdev said.
Bruce Hucker, Roshni Chadha, Roopa Suchdev, Michael Wood and Jeet Suchdev with others at the Christmas Party
Roshni Chadha, Roopa Suchdev, Kulwant Kaur, Gayatri Khatri, Kal Kullar, Smita Biswas and Taniya Halder at the event
