Social Wellbeing Policy

Social Wellbeing Policy Review 2009 – 2010

Council is one of many organisations working towards improving social wellbeing in Nelson. Social wellbeing can mean different things to different people, but generally it relates to the aspects of life that are important for a person’s happiness, quality of life and welfare. These aspects include being healthy, having access to education, paid work, recreation and leisure opportunities, being connected to neighbours, friends and the wider community, and living in an environment that is safe and meets the needs of the community.

To help guide Council’s work in this area, a Social Wellbeing Policy was developed and adopted in 2003. This focused on five key areas: deprivation, employment & economy, education, affordable housing and community cohesion.

Download the Social Wellbeing Policy (PDF @167K)

This policy is now under review, and the aim is to create a policy that focuses on wellbeing at a community level, has flexibility to respond to community needs and provides clarity on Council’s role. As part of the review, Council will also be reviewing its Positive Ageing Policy and developing a Youth Policy.

Assessment report reviews our progress

Part of the initial review work has assessed the extent to which Council implemented the 2003 policy.

Download the Social Wellbeing assessment report (PDF @ 142K)

Policy review timeline

A timeline for the policy review has been developed, which brings together the consultation stages for the Social Wellbeing Policy, Positive Ageing Policy and development of the Youth Policy.

View the policy review timeline

Policy background

For further information, including background to the policy development and identification of key social wellbeing issues for Nelson, read the background Information on Social Wellbeing Policy Review.

How you can be involved

There will be several opportunities to have input to the policy review, starting with an early input stage running until early 2010. As part of this, Council will be holding a workshop in partnership with the Community Whanau network on Monday 7 December 2009, to find out what community organisations think are the social wellbeing issues facing Nelson, and what Council’s role is in addressing these. This workshop is open to all community sector organisations that have an interest in social wellbeing.

Download the workshop invitation (PDF @ 80K).

Council will also be talking to organisations and agencies to seek input to the review and will be seeking specific input on youth and ageing issues.

Further opportunities to comment on policy options as they are being drafted will occur in early 2010, and this will be followed by a full public consultation on the draft policy in mid-2010.

Downloads

Download the Social Wellbeing Policy (PDF @167K)

Download the Social Wellbeing assessment report (PDF @ 142K)

Find out more

For more information contact Community Policy and Planning Adviser - Social Development, on +64 3 545 8742.