People HELPING PEOPLE - The best day ever! - Presbyterian Support Upper South Island
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People
HELPING PEOPLE
The magazine of Presbyterian Support
Upper South Island
ISSUE 11
Spring/Summer 2021/22
The best Moving One proud Mana Seasons
day ever! Day Mama enhancing for growth
essential to
Kaiāwhina
Presbyterian Support Upper South Island is a non-profit
social service charity serving the West Coast, Mid and
North Canterbury, Christchurch, Marlborough and Nelson.
Partnerships
Through our service groups, Family Works and Enliven, we support children,
young people, whānau, families and older people to be safe, strong and connected.
It is our mission for a just, compassionate and inclusive society in Te Waipounamu.
To learn more or to find a service centre,
key to growing
go to www.psuppersouth.org.nz. strength and resilience
Like us on Facebook.
Finding ways to support people who N
face incredible challenges that arise
from poverty, poor health, a lack of
resources and cultural shortcomings Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou,
is something we do every day. ka ora ai te iwi
With your food basket and
The stories we tell are often confronting but they
shine a light on how difficult life can be for some my food basket the people
people in our communities.
will thrive
In this edition of People Helping People many of
our stories show how effective partnerships can be
when helping people who may be struggling with
financial barriers (page 6), language barriers (page 7)
© Presbyterian Support Upper South Island, September 2021 or cultural barriers (page 12).
Ngā mihi
People Helping People is published 2 times per year. A partnership between a social worker in a school, a
To subscribe for free go to www.psuppersouth.org.nz/php. child and his or her whānau can be complex but very
rewarding. On page 2 our story about Dillon and his
Presbyterian Support Upper South Island whānau (in particular, his father), spans many years
44 Bealey Ave, PO Box 13 171, Christchurch 8141, Freephone: 0800 477 874, email: ps@psusi.org.nz and follows the struggles and tragedies that beset
Dillon. But despite the heartbreak and trauma, Dillon is Barry Helem
Subscribe or update your details reaping the rewards of a strong partnership with two of Chief Executive,
If you wish to be added to our mailing list, or your contact details have changed, our social workers, even describing receiving birthday Presbyterian Support
please get in touch on 0800 477 874 or email ps@psusi.org.nz. presents as the best day ever! Upper South Island
Our services
PS. In the last edition of our newsletter, Connect, I talked about the new Enliven East Christchurch Kaumātua/Older
"Ka mahi tahi tatou mō
People service. The service is now full steam ahead and we’ve included a story about its success on page 4.
te oranga o te katoa. "
People Helping People 01
The
In 2016 Dillon* was a 6-year- father understand his parenting
responsibilities, make sure that The grief and trauma
old pupil very quickly falling Dillon was dealing with
Dillon was fed and bathed regularly,
off the rails. Dillon was were a lot for the young boy.
attend school and encourage his
heading towards a life of
best
father to ensure he had a good
violence, crime with mental night’s sleep. Dillon had a very low While progress was being made, it
health issues. To make opinion of himself so Tracey worked wasn’t always linear or straight forward
matters worse, his mother simultaneously to improve his self- and given his early years, this was not
had not been part of his life esteem and resilience. With other unexpected.
day
since he was three months agencies helping provide Dillon
with extra-curricular activities What was unexpected, however, was
old and his contact with her and the whānau also receiving an event that would be hard for anyone
was limited. Dillon’s father much-needed food parcels, the to cope with, let alone a young child
also struggled to be an who was already having to deal with so
ever!
collaboration and interventions
active and caring father. were having a positive impact on much pain and hurt during his young
this whānau. life. Dillon was the victim of a hit and
It was at this time that Presbyterian run, suffering physical injuries, being
Support started working with Unfortunately that was about to hospitalised and unable to go to
Dillon (and his father). The change when, in 2020, Dillon’s school for several weeks.
challenges were immense, not just father was diagnosed with terminal
in school, but in their home. Dillon cancer. Just days before Dillon The new trauma compounded the
What are the chances of desperately needed a routine, he turned 10, his father passed away. existing trauma and Dillon’s progress
was immediately in jeopardy. But again,
an 11-year-old boy, born into needed to feel secure and safe at
Presbyterian Support were not about
poverty, family violence, home, to attend school regularly It’s fair to say that Dillon’s to give up and Kendal persevered.
and be properly cared for by his world came crashing down
drug use and neglect? father. Not an easy thing to achieve. once again but we weren’t
While the whole experience caused
considerable distress for the whānau,
What kind of future might The effects of years of ill-treatment going to give up on him. Kendal visited Dillon at home,
he face? Bleak would be and neglect had to be slowly providing him with home-based
an understatement but reversed and Dillon’s father needed At this time Dillon began working learning activities. Kendal also
encouraged Dillon to return to school
parenting support to aid in this with a new SWiS social worker,
when Presbyterian Support whānau’s slow recovery. Slow it Kendal*. Because Dillon’s father once he’d recovered from his injuries,
came on the scene, the might have been, but it came. passed away during the Covid-19 helping him to overcome his anxiety
lockdown, the support for Dillon of public spaces.
future looked For Social Worker in School (SWiS) and his grandmother (now his
a little brighter. Tracey* her initial mahi was two- guardian) came via the phone. It
Kendal continues to work with Dillon,
fold. Help Dillon’s meeting him every week so he’s able
wasn’t ideal but it was, by far, better
to talk about his feelings and develop
than not having any help.
social skills and make new friends.
Following the end of the lockdown
Dillon has a small but important
Dillon was able to receive grief
network of people around him who are
counselling and Kendal continued
supporting and encouraging him to
to support him to develop his
be the best version of himself. Dillon is
emotional intelligence and
now 11 years old and has seen far too
regulation. Other agencies also
much violence, grief and sorrow for
continued to help Dillon.
such a young person but the help he
desperately needed is a game-changer.
For his birthday, Dillon and his
grandmother received a birthday cake
and gifts, making it, in Dillon’s words,
“the best day ever”.
*Names and photos have been changed to protect privacy
02 Spring/Summer 2021/22 People Helping People 03
Moving day Enliven East
Moving day is often not without its challenges, but for 80-year-old
Ngaire*, those challenges were almost a bridge too far. Enter Enliven
Christchurch
East Christchurch Kaumātua Service social worker Immy! Kaumatua/Older
Ngaire had lived in her rental kāinga/home for 14 years.
She was well settled, liked living in the area, had strong
It soon became apparent that Ngaire enjoyed the
company and security she got from her neighbour Ernie*
Immy’s determination to help Ngaire
secure a new kāinga is just one of
People service
community ties and was close to the amenities she and some effort was made to see if adjoining properties the practical ways our social workers This new service was launched a few months ago in
frequently used. But when Ngaire was told her unit could be found for the pair. The prospect didn’t look help people in need. Immy has also response to a gap being identified for social services
(and her neighbour’s unit) were to be torn down so too good but Immy was working hard with Ngaire been able to successfully encourage in the eastern suburbs of Christchurch. The service
new townhouses could be built, she was forced to look to find something suitable in the area. Ngaire to purchase a cell phone which aims to support the independence, social inclusion,
health and wellbeing of kaumātua/older people
for a new home, something she struggled to do. is helping her connect with the wider
Demand for rental properties is high and with a limited and their whānau/family.
world.
The 80-year-old has no computer and no internet and as budget, the search proved difficult but Immy and
The team of three social workers and one psychologist
rental accommodation is more often than not advertised Ngaire weren’t going to let that hinder them! Ngaire and Ernie will move together, will provide free services including:
online, the monumental task of finding a new kāinga Eventually a suitable unit was found. It was knowing that their new kāinga
was going to be all but impossible. warm, cosy, close to Ngaire’s GP and the will provide everything they need,
supermarket and, even better, a neighbouring including the all-important sense of
Ngaire has a strong sense of independence and is reluctant to
unit was also being vacated, making it a community and belonging.
ask for help but the task of finding a new kāinga was going to
perfect new kāinga for Ernie!
test her resolve. Fortunately, she reached out to Presbyterian
Support and our new Enliven East Christchurch Kaumātua/ ADVOCACY Psychology
Older People service social worker Immy was there to help.
Immy was conscious of giving Ngaire as much assistance
as she needed whilst bolstering Ngaire’s confidence
and helping her secure a new kāinga.
WhAnau COUNSELLING
support
For more information about this service visit
www.enlivenuppersouth.org.nz/east-
christchurch-kaumatua.
*Names and photo have been
changed to protect privacy
04 Spring/Summer 2021/22 People Helping People 05
Support
Partnership
ONE PROUD MAMMA!
Community Worker
Presbyterian Support Enliven’s Partnership
Community Workers (PCWs) are funded
by Pegasus Health. They form a network
of supportive professionals across
Canterbury. PCWs work together with GPs
and perseverance pays off and local communities to help remove the
barriers that some people face in accessing
Fifty-year-old single Unfortunately the house sale was not Thanks also to Trish’s expertise,
health care. PWCs may work with you or a
straightforward and the additional Michael has been put in contact with For many of us, accessing medical help is something we can happily
man Michael*, came to bills were taking a toll on Michael, Work & Income and is applying for an rely on but for others, barriers exist, particularly if English isn't your loved one if:
Presbyterian Support in a his financial situation, his health
and wellbeing.
accommodation supplement and any
other assistance they can provide.
first language. Communication can often be fraught and easily • you or a loved one feels vulnerable,
misinterpreted. socially isolated or distanced for any
distressed state, not sure Such was the case for a young Filipino man, Alberto*, who was reason from a support network
At this point Michael reached out to Michael wasn't eating well so Trish gave
who he could turn to Presbyterian Support budget mentor him a small food and grocery parcel with attempting to enrol into a medical centre, only to be told by two
• you or a loved one has unmet health
practices that they were not enrolling new patients. That was, in
for help. Trish* who immediately took action. additional supermarket vouchers to
fact, incorrect, leaving the young man in a predicament. Without
needs including physical and/or mental
ensure he maintained good health.
“Michael looked unwell and I professional support, it was highly likely he may have seen the barriers health problems
Michael’s world had been turned upside
down when events conspired against gently enquired about his eating “He looked at the bar of soap in to accessing medical care to be too significant. If this was to happen, Enliven’s professionally registered staff and
him, leading him to experience crippling and sleeping routines. He was his parcel and struggled to keep then what would the consequences be if he needed medical assistance? PCWs know and understand the health
financial hardship. not eating well as he couldn’t his composure as he told me A visit to the Emergency Department? Becoming more unwell because service and national support networks.
afford food after paying his own how much a little thing like that early intervention was unable to be sought? At the very least, the young They’ll:
Michael had lost a good job and while man may have lost confidence in himself and in his ability to seek
expenses and his mother’s bills. means to him. He broke down
he had gained new employment, it was help when needed, having a detrimental impact on his health and • listen to your concerns
He was also adjusting to being a and then hugged and thanked me.
part-time and on minimum wage. If that wellbeing.
wasn’t enough, his mother had moved night shift worker at his new job.” Sometimes it’s the little things that • respect your cultural needs
into a rest home so Michael took over make a big difference.” Fortunately, that wasn’t the case for Alberto. Presbyterian Support’s
Over the weeks, as Michael and Trish • help you to identify your health and
paying some of the bills – rates, insurance Partnership Community Worker (PCW) Sue Amtman was able to step
tweaked his budget and contacted his Michael and Trish are still working wellbeing needs, and;
and other expenses – until the sale of her in and help him.
creditors, he mentioned that he was together, but he is slowly taking control • put you in touch with the right support
house was complete. afraid to tell his mother as he felt so of his finances and learning new “Alberto had actually tried to enrol in three practices without
success so I met with him, contacted the nearest medical service
ashamed and he didn’t want to worry her. budgeting skills. He has applied for more
practice to where he lives and made an appointment for later
hours at work and he is hoping to get
“Eventually, he did pluck up that afternoon. To make sure he would be eligible to become an
by without his mother’s help as soon as enrolled patient, Alberto needed to have his visas, proof
the courage to tell his mother possible. In the meantime, the buyer is of address, passport and other documents. We went
about his difficulties and she almost ready to settle on his mother’s to the practice together 15 minutes before his
immediately took over her own house and soon she won’t have to pay scheduled appointment to complete the necessary
payments and offered to help with the house expenses. enrolment paperwork. Our PCW service funded
others so that Michael would not his appointment using a Pegasus Health
be forced to go into insolvency.” healthcare voucher and Alberto is now an
enrolled patient of the medical centre.”
Michael still has a long way to go but he “Helping Michael is going “Unfortunately, this is the case for other
will negotiate with some of his creditors to help his mother too as people who face barriers to accessing
to reduce weekly repayments and he she watches him recover medical help and when they aren’t
and his mother are working together supported, many will give up. Because the
and become financially
to help each other out. PCW service is about working with other
capable, not going into health providers, it is incredibly valuable
any more unnecessary for people like Alberto.”
debt. She is going to be
one proud mamma.” *Name and photo have been changed
*Names and photos have been
- Trish. to protect privacy
changed to protect privacy
06 Spring/Summer 2021/22 People Helping People 07
Crossword ACROSS
Kindness
3. Feeling worried
7. Māori word for child
11. One proud ....
at the heart of
12. A plan for money
13. A mighty NZ tree
15. Celsius/Centigrade or ____________
volunteering
16. A food to help bind other ingredients
17. Muriel's surname
18. One of the services provided by the
East Christchurch Kaumātua service
19. Name of church in Greymouth
DOWN
1. Event to celebrate Youth Week in Blenheim
2. A person who gives money to charities
4. Social Workers in Schools abbrev
5. Blenheim is the 'capital' of this region
6. Māori word for older person
8. Footwear worn by Fred Dagg
9. The fruit for the Upside Down Cake
10. 31 minutes is spent by which organisation Melbin likens his
helping a young person
14. PCWs are funded by ..... Health
voluntary role at the
16. Day programme for older people
Tōtara Club in Riccarton to
that of being treated as a
special guest and no wonder,
Answers on page 16 given his kindness and willingness to help others.
Until recently, Melbin had been a volunteer van assistant for
the Enliven service after ‘Googling’ for opportunities to meet
Making sense Tony’s interests are wide and varied including
travelling in his motorhome, playing the piano
new people. What he found was the opportunity to take care of
older people as he had done similar work back in his native India.
of our world and he is currently working towards his pilot’s
licence. “As an immigrant, and not having any family members in
For Tony Katavich, being a Presbyterian New Zealand, working with older people and making a
When Tony retired, he wanted to use his
Support Family Works Mentor is about creating commitment was a wonderful experience for me. Whenever
time with purpose and decided to become a
opportunities to help affect positive change and I went to the Tōtara Club everyone treated me as a special
Family Works Mentor. For Tony, mentoring is
he encourages others to give it a go. about seeing a young person develop a wider guest. I remember Ainslie with particular fondness. She is
worldview and be able to deal with life’s ups a wonderful person who made me feel very welcome. Andrew
Tony lives in Marlborough and used to run a and Lynn were also very patient with me as I asked many questions!”
and downs.
writing robotics company. At the age of 37 Tony
was fortunate to be able to retire and has thrown When asked what he would say to someone Melbin came to New Zealand in 2020 as a student and graduated with a
himself into various voluntary roles including thinking about becoming a Mentor, he replies, Graduate Diploma in Supply Chain and Logistics Management. Soon after,
being a business mentor, working with local “you were a child once too. We all may he discovered the Tōtara Club were looking for a van assistant and he
businesses to help improve their operations, jumped at the opportunity.
have benefited from having an extra
giving fortnightly walk and talks with a local
person about to help us navigate the Unfortunately for us, Melbin’s paid work has increased significantly and he
IHC man and, of course, being a Presbyterian
Support Mentor. challenges of childhood and make has had to reluctantly resign from his voluntary role but it’s clear that he is
sense of the world around us.” very well liked by Tōtara Club members and staff and he will be greatly missed.
08 Spring/Summer 2021/22 People Helping People 09
Living by the motto
In good care
*Names and photo have been
changed to protect privacy
of helping others
A Christchurch HomeShare client, Ruth*,
Ask Ros Birnie why she has decided to leave a bequest to Presbyterian Mum may not be able to remember what happened
may not remember too much of the
Support and she’ll respond that helping others is something that has
day’s activities, but she remembers the during the day, but she certainly remembers the feeling
been a part of her for her whole life.
feeling of being cared for by loving and of kind people. The host or volunteer will ask Mum if she
Ros grew up in Aberdeen, Scotland and from a young age was compassionate people. has got her glasses as though they’ve been friends for a
connected to the Presbyterian Church. Raspberry Peach Upside Down Cake long time. They also tell me that Mum may have slept and
“I was sent to Sunday School – it was like a home away from home That’s the testimony given by Ruth’s
Summer is on its way and that means summer
daughter, Felicity*, knowing her mother has had a good-sized meal which means I’ll give her a
where I made friends and learned the importance of helping
others.”
fruits will start appearing! Try this delicious
is in safe hands when she attends smaller meal that night.
Raspberry Peach Upside Down Cake but don’t
her weekly HomeShare group.
As well as her church connections, Ros was also a Brownie, then Girl keep it all to yourself ... this recipe makes 10
Guide and cherished the opportunity to meet people, learn to think of servings! Knowing that Ruth is well cared
others and not to be selfish.
for at HomeShare is a good feeling
For more HomeShare information visit
The values instilled in Ros have never left her. After immigrating
Ingredients for Felicity. enlivenuppersouth.org.nz/homeshare.
to New Zealand in 1974 as a trained teacher, Ros has worked with
families who faced deprivation and other challenges. Through her For the fruit topping For the cake
work with the Ministry of Education, she has Cooking spray 335g plain flour
provided support to families in need and 110g melted butter 2 tsp baking powder
was involved in the establishment of 200g caster sugar 1 tsp salt
special education units in Christchurch 110g butter, softened
2 large or 4 small
Seasons
schools for children with special needs. ripe peaches, sliced
While she found this work challenging, it
200g caster sugar
was also rewarding and, once again, was a 340g raspberries 110g packed brown sugar
way for her to help others in need.
Ros was married to Des Maslen for over 30
years before he passed away in 2020. Both
3 tsp cornflour 2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
120g sour cream
for growth
of them shared the same values of helping 120ml milk It’s Tuesday afternoon and suddenly the
others in whatever way they could. Method: office fills with laughter and excitement –
Family is very important to Ros and Step 1 the children have arrived! Spring sessions the children talk about
spends as much time with them as she 1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a 23 x 33 their feelings, the emotions the changes
can. Since retiring, Ros has a full life, enjoying her involvement with
The children file into the meeting room
cm (9" x 13") baking pan with paper and grease with invoke and the memories that help them
the Brevet Club, going to the gym, photography, gardening, reading and view the pictures of autumn on the
cooking spray. In a medium bowl, stir together melted along the way. Finally, Summer is about
and socialising with a wide circle of friends. Ros has a love of cats and wall. They are all here for different reasons
butter and sugar. Spread in an even layer in prepared goal setting, choices they can make and
enjoys the company of her pet moggie, Tiggy. Ros is also a marriage pan. In another medium bowl, toss peaches with 1 but connected by having experienced
where their support will come from.
and funeral celebrant. teaspoon cornflour. In a small bowl, toss raspberries significant changes which have led to
“I have also been involved as a trustee of The Christchurch with 2 teaspoons cornflour. Overlap peaches to make feelings of grief and loss. Several of the “My daughter has grown and
Children’s Holiday Camp Trust for 30 years, raising money a stripe, then add an even layer of raspberries to make children have had a parent die, one is now found her ‘spark’ again since
for underprivileged children who would not otherwise have another stripe. Repeat two more times. in the care of their grandparents, another attending Seasons For Growth.
a holiday. These children would be unlikely to have a holiday 2. Make cake: In a medium bowl, whisk together child’s parents have just separated and
Her teacher has noticed she has
with their family so these opportunities give them a taste of flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl using another child’s stepfather has just moved
adventure and a chance to do something exciting and fun!” a hand mixer, beat butter with sugars until mixture into the home. returned to the happy bubbly
resembles wet sand, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs, cheeky 6-year-old she once was.”
Given Ros’ penchant for helping others, it’s little wonder she is Seasons For Growth is an 8-week
vanilla, and sour cream, then slowly beat in flour
leaving a bequest to help Presbyterian Support carry out our work programme for children aged 6-12,
of helping others in need. mixture and milk until just combined. Pour batter
over fruit and smooth into an even layer. that uses the seasons as a metaphor to
“For many years I have thought very highly of the work illustrate and help children understand
3. Bake until cake is golden evenly across the top, the
done by Presbyterian Support and leaving a bequest to the experience of change, whether
t
For more information abou
sides of the cake begin to pull away from the pan, and
them is one way I can continue to support them.” a toothpick comes out clean, about 50 minutes. it be the death of a parent, parents
this programme please
separating, a parent moving away or
4. Remove cake from oven, let cool 15 minutes, then
some other significant change.
If you would like information about leaving a bequest to Presbyterian flip cake upside-down onto a large serving platter
call 0800 477 874 or
email ps@psusi.org.nz.
Support please contact Megan Waddington on 0800 477 874 or email or cutting board. Let rest 30 seconds, then carefully Autumn is about acknowedging that
meganw@psusi.org.nz. remove pan. change is normal and Winter moves into
We would love to hear from you. psuppersouth.org.nz/leave-a-legacy 5. Let cake cool completely before slicing and serving. individual stories of change. During the
10 Spring/Summer 2021/22 People Helping People 11
Mana enhancing
essential to Kaiawhina
Promotion
will bring new
Read the story “O
ne
(on page 6) to se Proud Mamma”
eh
had an impact o ow this service
n Michael*.
Presbyterian Support Kaiāwhina
Deidre Carroll and Hutika
provided was culturally appropriate.
In Hutika’s words, “it was mana Taking care
opportunities
enhancing.”
Crofts-Gibbs approach their of older Māori Muriel Morgan could have retired. She could now be
work in a culturally sensitive “One does not simply walk up to living the dream, putting up her feet and enjoying a
way when helping kaumātua, kaumātua and tell them how to get Enliven Kaiāwhina
to the hospital or how to go about help ensure that older life of leisure! But Muriel’s got other things on her
fostering whakawhānaungtanga Māori are aware of,
by making connections and something.Mana enhancing is a way
and receive, the social mind and age certainly isn’t a barrier!
of engaging with others that cares for
acknowledging whakapapa. the spiritual, emotional, physical, and support that they
intellectual dimensions of a person.” need in a culturally For seven years Muriel was a flexible when it comes to finding
This and other culturally appropriate appropriate way.
values are integral to the work they do financial mentor, a role she is appropriate solutions.
It cannot be rushed either. Adopting a
every day. This was evident recently clearly passionate about, so
process called te kākano (planting the When asked what success might
when the pair where able to help
seed), help is offered in a way where If you or a member of when the opportunity to step
look like for Muriel, she says it
kaumātua, one of whom has a your whānau require into the Team Leader position
Neil and Rui feel in control of their can be found in different ways.
medical condition. came up, she jumped at it and her
own health, an important outcome the services of Enliven “Primarily it’s about helping
for both them and our Kaiāwhina. experience, knowledge
Neil* and Rui* had medical Kaiāwhina please call people, seeing them being
appointments at Christchurch Hospital and wisdom were too good
relieved of stress, paying
and the logistics of travel and finding
As Deidre extolls, this work 0800 477 874 or email to ignore.
embraces the value of kotahitanga. off debt and learning how
suitable parking was a heavy burden ps@psusi.org.nz. Muriel is looking after a team of to create a budget.”
“Kotahitanga is the concept
for the pair. While the help provided five financial mentors (three paid
of togetherness. Māori are a The challenges are large but
by Deidre and Hutika may sound easy
small yet unified race and it’s and two voluntary) in Ashburton
not insurmountable. Clients
enough, the way in which it was
important to lift each other up.” and Selwyn. Because she has
may have existing mental
a thorough knowledge of the
health needs, including
role, she is in a unique position
addiction, they are sometimes
to develop the team, provide
distressed and have high
training and support them as
levels of anxiety, but Muriel
*Names and photos they help their clients.
and her team have helped
have been changed The burden of financial strain is people through clear
to protect privacy hard to deal with, but mentors communication and
have been trained to listen provided sound financial
and understand the client’s help.
particular situation, tap into their
strengths and be discerning and
Want to know more about our budget service?
Go to www.familyworksuppersouth.org.nz/
services/finances-money-reduce-debt.
12 Spring/Summer 2021/22 People Helping People 13
Around the Region SELWYN
Ange Adcock and Annette MARLBOROUGH
CHRISTCHURCH
Thirty-one is a number that means
Paulsen were the ‘faces’ of Youth Week in Blenheim was something something for Youth Service
Presbyterian Support at the to get excited about when our Youth Coach, Dylan Walls. In May
CHRISTCHURCH Mature Workers Pop-up Service team devised a clever and fun Dylan fundraised for Youthline
For those of us of a certain vintage, Expo in Selwyn to spread the way for young people to learn about the by exercising 31 minutes a day
gumboots were immortalised by message about our Selwyn services available to them, including for 31 days to raise $310. By Day
iconic comedian and satirist Fred Dagg budgeting service and also Pathways, Citizens Advice Bureau, Family 6 he was feeling a bit sore! And
(aka the late John Clarke)! to encourage people to think Law, Literacy Aotearoa, REAP, Supporting the significance of 31? Youthline spends 31 minutes
Gumboots have also taken on another about becoming a volunteer Families and Marlborough Youth Trust. on average with a young person, helping them and
meaning and Gumboot Friday is all and the benefits these have supporting them when in distress. Dylan and our
for both the individual and the It was the Amazing Race! While a bit
about giving children and young people other Youth Service coaches also work with young
wider community. different from the TV programme, four
an opportunity to look after their mental people so there’s a natural affinity with Youthline.
teams still had to find the services by
wellbeing by seeking out the help of $310 will provide counselling for six young people so
figuring out the clues they found at each
professional counselling services. Dylan’s efforts are to be applauded. Great job, Dylan!
location. Their team names were pretty
This is an example of the type of work we do through our Family great as well - The Orange Tomatoes, The
Works services (www.familyworksuppersouth.org.nz) and is Pink Gummy Bears, Spicey Milkshake and
critically important in supporting young people to deal with Not Doyle! NELSON
events or issues that are affecting their ability to get ahead. Some of the destinations were interactive Our Nelson team got into the
Recently our Linwood team supported Gumboot Friday with and the young people had to answer or spirit of Matariki by sharing kai/
a hilarious rendition of Fred Dagg's "The Gumboot Song"! ask questions. food. It didn’t end there either! As
The teams did themselves proud and were the appearance of the Matariki
suitably awarded after the race with a star cluster signals a time to start
prize giving ceremony. And, of course, the planning and preparing for the
fastest team (by just 1 minute!), which was spring garden, they also planted
The Pink Gummy Bears, earned bragging some herbs, reusing plastic
NORTH CANTERBURY rights! The pizza and snacks went down a bottles.
treat as well!
Late June was National
Volunteer Week so it
was a perfect week to MID CANTERBURY
celebrate the contribution A big thank you to our volunteers for all they do
WEST COAST our volunteers make. One towards supporting people in our community. Each
St Andrew’s Church in Greymouth welcomed example was a ‘Thank year our team in Mid Canterbury recognise our
Youth Transition Worker Teri-anne Bergin who You’ afternoon tea for our volunteers by creating lovely symbols of gratitude.
spoke recently about the work of Presbyterian Support. Teri- North Canterbury and This year the symbols were twinkling stars that were
anne said the congregation was particularly interested in the Christchurch volunteers displayed in our office. Volunteers were also given
work being done on the West Coast. After the service, she was who were presented with thank you cards and chocolates. Volunteers help in
approached by a gentleman who attends one of the HomeShare appreciation certificates, many different ways including being HomeShare
groups and is looking forward to having a new host. not to mention a few tasty hosts, drivers, bakers, curtain bank volunteers,
HomeShare also has a new co-ordinator, Hiedi Richards. Hiedi treats! budget mentor volunteers, food pantry volunteers,
joined the West Coast team in May, taking over from Margaret and volunteers who
Wetherall (who we featured in the last edition of People coordinate the local
Helping People). Hiedi is passionate about enriching the lives Community Christmas
of older people in her local community. She enjoys providing Lunch. Ngā mihi.
opportunities for them to socialise and form new friendships.
14 Spring/Summer 2021/22 People Helping People 15
Yes! I'd like to help.
OUR MAJOR SUPPORTERS Your gift will help vulnerable tamariki,
whānau and kaumātua so that they are
safe, strong and connected.
Tick your preference...
$20 $50 $100 $250 $
Can pay for Can pay for a Can pay for an Can help a young I would like to
educational child who is older person to person, with poor give a gift to
materials for two feeling anxious attend a Enliven eyesight, receive support
people attending and worried to day programme, an eye test and the work of
a Tuning Into receive help in including transport glasses. Presbyterian
Kids parenting their school from costs, where they Support
programme a social worker. will enjoy a meal,
games and other
social activities.
You can also make a Name
donation online at
psuppersouth.org. Address
nz/donate or via internet
banking (ANZ
06-0801-0678233-01). Phone
Crossword
To donate using a Email
answers credit card, complete
from pg 8 the information on
Donor ID (if known)
this form and
Card number
post to Presbyterian Support,
Freepost 60373, PO Box 13171, Name on card
Christchurch 8141.
Expiry date
All donations are receipted. Gifts
Signature
over $5 are tax deductible. NZ
Charities Register #CC21765.
Your privacy is important to us. Please visit www.psuppersouth.org.nz/privacy-statement for infor-
mation about how we collect and care for your personal information.
16 Spring/Summer 2021/22
Thank you for your kindness and generosity … your support really will make a difference!Volunteers
Needed!
Help us make a
difference in the
lives of others!
A regular, small amount of your time each week could make a
huge difference to the people we care for. Volunteer to support
our Enliven programmes or become a Family Works Mentor.
Visit: psuppersouth.org.nz/get-involvedYou can also read
