Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback as a part of our review of community access of the Remembrance Path on the grounds of St John of God Halswell. Thank you for all you do for our work in attending community events that support residents as well as our wonderful volunteers who provide such enrichment in the lives of many.

The path was first established as a place of quiet reflection for family members of residents who have died in our service. The decision to close access was not taken lightly and we understand many in the local area have enjoyed using it.

We support people living with physical and neurological disability. Many have long-term care needs and some will live in our service for the remainder of their life. As a result, their loved ones often develop a special affinity for the service as a place and with the people who work there. Establishing the Remembrance Path is just one of the ways we try to help people to sustain their memory in the lives of their loved ones.

As the population of Aidanfield and Halswell has steadily increased, so too have instances of security concerns. Individuals crossing over into the grounds which is a place of residence for 65 people, making them feel unsafe and unsettled in their own back yard. In recent weeks we have had instances of people helping themselves to fruit and vegetables in the tunnel house, food which is used by our food services team.

This has been exacerbated by the current COVID-19 Pandemic and our requirements with the Ministry of Health to keep our residents isolated and secure. Instances of people walking around the grounds has continued during the lockdown and we are now faced with erecting gates and additional fencing.

The track closure will be evaluated further into 2020 once we are in a more settled stage of COVID-19 Alert Levels. Your feedback is greatly welcomed and will be considered as part of this process.

Data is being collected by George Anderson (National Manager Fundraising and Marketing) who is available to answer any questions on george.anderson@sjog.org.nz or 021 244 9274.