Tune into 89.0 FreeFM every Monday to listen to the newest episode of Helping Heroes.
Episode 24 – Helping Heroes
Join Kate and Royce for our final episode of 2024. We reflect on what’s been, as well as introduce you to some of the behind-the-scenes team members of the Helping Heroes podcast. We even take a sneak peak of what may lay ahead in 2025. And to wrap things up, we give a big thanks to all the Helping Heroes in our communities wherever they may be in this wonderful country! We look forward to seeing you all again in 2025.
Episode 23 – Salvation Army Parliamentary Unit
Ian from the Salvation Army talks about the popular Salvation Army Bridge Programme. Then he and Bonnie discuss their wider vision of eradicating poverty in New Zealand in their current roles within the Social Policy & Parliamentary Unit of the Salvation Army in Wellington.
Episode 22 – Parkrun
Mike, a passionate photographer, shares his heartwarming journey with parkrun. Discover how this free, weekly event brings individuals and families together Saturday mornings. Parkrun means different things to different people. From volunteering to crossing the finish line, Mike explores the many ways you and your family can participate in this global phenomenon.
Episode 21 – Kainga Aroha
Kane, manager of Kainga Aroha, discusses how he and his team promote empowered community in the Te Awamutu area. Kate is intrigued by the rangatahi summer camp and how they grow leaders. And she is impressed with the range of services offered by this community house with a big heart. Kane talks about perseverence and working collaboratively to overcome intergenerational trauma. And he observes a new generation facing the challenges of a new world.
Episode 20 – ME Respite, part 2
Phil and Wendy continue their discussion of ME Respite, their aims and ambitions. Hear their story of finding strength, purpose, and compassion in the face of adversity. Part two of a two-part story that leaves Kate and Royce deeply moved.
Episode 19 – ME Respite, part 1
Join Phil and Wendy, from ME Respite, in a heart-to-heart conversation with Kate and Royce. Discover how they found strength, purpose, and compassion in the face of adversity. Part 1 of a 2 part conversation that leaves Kate and Royce deeply moved.
Episode 18 – Age Concern
Martin and Vicky, from Age Concern, discuss the ways in which they support, show love, and protect older friends and the vulnerable situations they can find themselves in. Kate and Royce learn they ways in which Age Concern proactively keeps a watchful eye on our community. Learn how you can get involved in volunteering with this precious community agency.
Episode 17 – Level Playing Field
Zane, from Level Playing Field, shares his inspiring mission to make sports accessible to all children in New Zealand. Kate is captivated by the organisation’s straightforward approach and the incredible work of its team. Discover how Level Playing Field is making a positive impact on young lives across the country and how you can contribute.
Episode 16 – Note 2 Self
Andre, from Note2Self, shares inspiring insights from his transformative workshops which focus on overcoming self-limiting beliefs. He explains how these workshops are helping people live into their potential. Kate is impressed with the lived experience Andre brings to his work talking about mental wellbeing. Learn how you can possibly access these incredible workshops through your workplace.
Episode 15 – Prison Care Ministries
Sev and Tony continue their talk about Prison Care Ministries. Kate dives deep into the challenges faced by the organisation, the staff, and those that access their services. Don’t miss this powerful conclusion to our two-part special. Part 2 of 2.
Episode 14 – Prison Care Ministries
Sev and Tony, pastors at Prison Care Ministries, share their uplifting yet often challenging experiences of supporting people in prison and on release. Kate admires their relationship approach to working with people. Royce is moved by their faith. Discover the heart-warming stories and harsh truths of PCM as they work providing hope and care to people facing difficult circumstances. Part 1 of 2.
Episode 13 – Catholic Family Support Services
Renee and Dianne, from CFSS, talk passionately about how they work hard at keeping hope alive by helping people, whanau, and families to take back control of their lives. Learn about their free financial and parenting programmes, and much more. Kate reflects on her experience working as a social worker referring people to CFSS. Royce laments his own money skills and admires Dianne’s financial mentoring and advocacy services.
Episode 12 – Evolve Peer Support
Neroli and Adam, from Evolve Peer Support, share insights into their growing range of services designed to help those experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more. Neroli and Adam speak passionately about their experiences. Adam highlights his inspiring work as a facilitator. Kate reflects on the powerful and unique support that peers offer, and Royce shares his journey of anxiety, depression and peer support.
Episode 11 – Brain Injury Waikato
Colleen and Josiah, from Brain Injury Waikato, discuss brain injuries and how to access information and support that aids recovery.
Royce is taken aback by the stats that highlight this important health topic, and gets excited about the free Peer Support training coming very soon.
Learn how you can become a force for good in the community by accesssing this incredible training.
Episode 10 – Ngaruawahia Volunteer Fire Brigade
Scotty & Denver discuss their incredible roles as Volunteer Fire Fighters in Ngaruawahia. Kate considers joining the Brigade. Royce is surprised by the sheer size of the territory covered. Learn about the different roles you can volunteer for. And Scotty & Denver share their top fire safety tips.
Episode 09 – FreeFM
Phil and Mike, managers of FreeFM, discuss how community radio champions the ideal of a voice by the people for the people. Learn how you can start your own podcast with the support of FreeFM. And Kate speaks from the heart about her gratitude to the entire FreeFM team.
Episode 08 – NZ Blood Service, part 2 of 2
Kate talks about her field trip to the new NZ Blood Service donor centre in Hamilton. Kate and Scott donate some plasma. Dani explains about platelets and their vital importance. And Mikyla shares her thoughts on what it is like to be a recipient and how that inspired her to change her career path. Part 2 of 2.
Episode 07 – NZ Blood Service, part 1 of 2
Scott, Donor Relations Co-ordinator for the NZ Blood Service, reveals the true heroes of the service and how they impact countless lives. Scott also explains the urgent need for plasma donors and Kate makes plans for her contribution to the plasma cause. Part 1 of 2.
Episode 06 – Western Community Centre
Neil, manager of the Western Community Centre, explores the ways in which the centre has fostered connection and support for locals. Something this Hamilton icon has been doing for over four decades.
Episode 05 – Habitat for Humanity
Nic, one of the managers of Habitat for Humanity, discusses op shops, rental housing and home ownership. Hear Nic tell the intriguing story of how and why this international organisation was founded.
Episode 04 – Go Eco
Kelli Pike, one of the managers at Go Eco, talks about the passion and politics that goes into promoting and protecting the environment. Listen to the history and evolution of a remarkable agency making a difference on multiple fronts.
Episode 03 – Glenview Community Centre
Rou and Nei, managers of Glenview Community Centre, talk about how food and culture play a large part in bringing a diverse neighbourhood closer than ever before. Hear how this community centre at the gateway to Hamilton is collaborating with other agencies to bring services to one of the fastest growing parts of Hamilton.
Episode 02 – Waimarie Community House
Rob, manager of Waimarie Community House, talks about the challenges and triumphs of running a community house in heart of Hamilton East. Hear how their mission to promote manaakitanga is central to all that they do and the amazing impacts this has on those who go there.
Episode 01 – Pivot Bail House
Psalms, manager of Pivot Bail House, talks about the challenges and triumphs of running a bail house with a focus on Pasifika culture. Hear stories of those who reside there and their journeys of hope.
