Vulnerable Persons Support Register
Supporting our community when it matters most
The Vulnerable Persons Support Register is a practical, community-based initiative designed to help ensure that people who may be more vulnerable during an emergency are not forgotten.
The register provides a way for people to voluntarily and confidentially identify themselves as someone who may benefit from a welfare check during an emergency or significant local disruption.
Who is it for?
The register may be particularly helpful for people who:
Live alone or may become isolated.
Have limited mobility or a disability.
Are elderly or have health-related support needs.
Have limited family or support networks nearby.
May have difficulty caring for themselves during an emergency.
Being on the register does not mean that a person is guaranteed rescue, transport, medical treatment or ongoing care. Its purpose is simply to help the community identify where a welfare check may be appropriate.
How the register works
The register is:
Voluntary and opt-in — people choose whether to participate.
Privacy-focused — only information needed to support a welfare check is collected.
Securely held — information is restricted to authorised people.
Reviewed regularly — participants are encouraged to keep their details up to date, with an annual review.
For emergencies only — information is only used or shared when there is a significant welfare concern or emergency requiring a response.
The register is held securely by Pahiatua Pharmacy, with support from appropriate local Civil Defence and welfare volunteers when required.
Protecting dignity and privacy
Respect, dignity and privacy are central to the initiative.
Information will only be accessed by authorised people and, when necessary, shared with appropriate emergency, welfare or health responders. Only the minimum information necessary to support a welfare response will be provided.
The register is not a medical database and will not be used for marketing or unrelated purposes.
Electronic Register
This register is for people in the community who would like someone to check on them during an emergency.
These may include:
• earthquakes
• flooding
• storms
• extended power outages
Some people may choose to join this register because they:
• live alone
• have health or mobility concerns
• feel vulnerable during emergencies
• do not have nearby friends or family support
Privacy Your information will:
• be kept securely
• only be accessed by authorised people
• only be shared during emergencies or welfare incidents where support may be needed
• only be used for community welfare purposes
In an EMERGENCY your information may be shared with:
• Civil Defence welfare coordinators
• authorised community welfare volunteers
• emergency services if required
The goal is simply to help ensure someone checks that you are safe during an emergency and helps assess any needs you may have. This electronic form will be sent straight sent straight to
pahiatuapharmacy@gmail.com
Community volunteers
During an emergency, trained or approved welfare volunteers may be asked to conduct welfare checks.
Their role is to:
Visit assigned addresses respectfully and safely.
Confirm that people are safe and have their immediate basic needs met.
Identify concerns that may require further assistance.
Report urgent concerns through the appropriate welfare or emergency response channels.
Maintain confidentiality at all times.
Volunteers are not medical responders and are not expected to provide medical care, enter homes without invitation, handle medication, or make promises about assistance that cannot be guaranteed.
