Social Work is often behind the scenes, working with those who feel unseen or who society chooses not to see. This is where the joy, and the challenge is.

Being a member of the digital community is taken for granted by most New Zealanders and having both a stable Internet connection and an accessible device is so much a part of our world that we often forget they are there.

One of the main ways that poverty manifests is through food insecurity. Many households in New Zealand do not have the means to provide food for themselves, or their families. As food is crucial for healthy development, and providing the energy to pursue an active and productive life, it is vital to address this issue as one of urgency. If an individual does not have the basic means necessary to pursue opportunities, it is unlikely that they will be able to escape poverty.

Pregnancy Assistance is one of the many free, professional support services the team at St Vincent de Paul Society in Wellington offers. Started in the early 2000s, it continues to provide an invaluable service to Wellington mothers and their babies.

In recent weeks we have been confronted with disturbing images of people – men, women and children sleeping in cars, garages and on the streets...