Facing Challenges Together – Why Community Collaboration is Key

As we await the final decision on the proposed Smithfield plant closure, it’s vital that we think ahead about how nonprofit organisations can come together to support those impacted.  I know some work is already going on in this area. In my view, collaboration between agencies is key to tackling the rising challenges we’re facing, and this has never been more relevant than it is now.

At Age Concern South Canterbury, we see the strain that many older people are under—whether it’s housing issues, financial stress, or access to basic necessities. If the closure goes ahead, these problems are likely to worsen, not just for those older workers nearing or past retirement but for the entire community. While individual organisations can do a lot, collaboration is the most effective way to ensure comprehensive support.

Community collaboration is more than just a buzzword. It’s the backbone of how we need to operate in the face of increasing challenges. The potential closure of Smithfield, underscores the point. If it goes ahead, as seems likely, we will see more families, especially older adults, seeking support. This is where nonprofit organisations must come together. No single agency can address all the needs of these individuals—whether it’s financial assistance, food support, or help navigating housing options.

How could this collaboration look? Could we create a hybrid referral system between nonprofits to make it easier for individuals to access multiple services at once?  For example, if someone comes to Age Concern for advice, we should be able to seamlessly refer them to foodbanks or housing services without requiring them to repeat their story at multiple points. Another idea is coordinating resources—such as sharing volunteers, funding or hosting joint events—so that we maximise our impact while minimising duplication of effort.

We could also beef up regular communication channels between agencies, regular coordinating meetings or shared online platforms, to keep each other informed of changing needs and available resources. By doing this, we can act faster and more effectively to meet the growing demand for our services.

At Age Concern, we work daily to support older adults, but we can’t do it alone. We rely on partnerships with other local organisations to ensure that people don’t fall through the cracks. Working together, we can provide a broader range of services, from immediate foodbank access to longer-term care and support solutions. When we collaborate, we combine our strengths to better serve the whole community.

Mayor Nigel Bowen has rightly emphasised that innovation and collaboration are key to navigating these tough times. By sharing resources and knowledge, we can reduce inefficiencies and create a more effective safety net for those impacted by these economic changes. 

As a community, we’ve faced tough times before, and we’ve come through them by standing together. The likely closure of Smithfield is just the latest challenge, and it’s a reminder that our greatest strength lies in our ability to work as one. Nonprofits, local councils, the government, and community members all have a part to play in building a future where everyone has the support they need to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.