Wellington COSS

St Mary's Catholic Church and Majestic Tower	Te Papa National Museum	Chafers Marina & Oriental Bay

In 1952, providing relief to families affected by WWII was the main concern of many non-government welfare groups in Wellington.  At that time a highly discretionary Government Supplementary Benefit was introduced.   Non-government welfare groups throughout the country were asked by the Department of Social Security to help monitor who was eligible to receive the benefit.  The result was Wellington's first meeting of representatives from non-government welfare agencies and Government Department officials known as the Wellington District Welfare Committee.

Wellington agencies soon realised the value of coming together and began working on issues of their own, such as the well-being of the elderly, many of whom were in sub-standard housing and isolated.  Other activities included the first directory of social welfare groups which was up-dated regularly.

By the end of the 1960s, the original purpose for groups getting together had vanished.  Central Government was re-organising welfare provision and contact with local government was becoming more important.  The present Wellington Council of Social Services (WELCOSS) became an incorporated body in 1974.

Today Wellington Council of Social services (WELCOSS) is an umbrella organisation for around 200 not for profit community groups in and around Wellington. The services we provide our members are 10 monthly newsletters per year (February to November) which advertise community events, funding availability, job vacancies, courses for community groups and individuals. We also hold 4 forums per year on topical subjects; we meet the Mayor four times a year to discuss issues our members may have with local government policy. Our executive committee has representatives from 17 social service organisations from around Wellington. When necessary we make submissions on issues which may affect Wellington social services and community groups. And on national issues, with the assistance of NZCOSS, we try to keep our members up to date with government policy changes which may impact them.

Welcoss Executive Committee 2011-2012

What does WELCOSS membership offer?

Support and networking among groups by:

• sharing information about issues, happenings and events
• raise issues of concern and mutual interest
• help to implement change
• provide mutual support

WELCOSS provides a focus point for the sector as:

• a voice - supporting and advocating for groups, when appropriate
• an avenue to help strengthen the sector
• an information-gathering and co-ordinating organisation
• exploring training opportunities in partnership with other organisations
• maintaining links with local and central government departments

Documents

2007 Chair's Report (Format: PDF, File size: 46 KB)
Report from the Chair presented at the 2007 WELCOSS AGM.

2008 Chair's report (Format: PDF, File size: 46 KB)
Report from the Chair presented at the 2008 WELCOSS AGM

2009 Chair and Executive report (Format: PDF, File size: 61KB)
Annual Report from the Chair and Executive committee from 2009 AGM

2010 Annual Report from the Chair (Format: PDF, File size: 35KB)

2011 Annual Report from the Chair (Format: PDF, File size: 33KB)

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