Meet Wendy Keate - Westfield Local Heroes 2021

A pillar for distressed people

Victim Support Counties Manukau
Empathetic. Compassionate. Professional

Wendy Keate is a dedicated volunteer for Victim Support Counties Manukau, where she helps distressed people build strength and regain control of their life.

Wendy underwent her training in 2020 and has already supported close to 100 clients, many of whom are highly traumatised after an accident, crime or suicide. She travels to wherever she is needed, including to accident scenes, hospitals and courts.

Wendy’s more experienced colleagues recognised her impressive dedication, empathy, heart and professionalism from the start.

Wendy feels a strong affinity for the respectful approach of Victim Support Counties Manukau, which follows Sir Mason Durie’s Te Whare Tapa Whā model. It focuses on four areas: Te Taha Hinengaro (psychological wellbeing), Te Taha Wairua (spiritual wellbeing), Te Taha Tinana (physical wellbeing) and Te Taha Whānau (family wellbeing).

Wendy has lived in Counties Manukau for just over 40 years and feels privileged to be a pillar for her people to lean on.

She’s proud to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero and to be part of the greater good. “I thank the people I have supported so far for allowing me to be part of a time in their lives when they were at their most vulnerable.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Victim Support Counties Manukau will invest in volunteer training and will be able to reimburse volunteers for their travelling costs.

If you need support, contact Victim Support: 0800 842 846

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here