MAPPING WELLNESS WITH ENLIVEN - Presbyterian Support Central
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AUTUMN/WINTER 2020
Caring Enabling Supporting
WOBURN
HOME’S
WONDERFUL
WEARABLE
MAPPING ARTS!
WELLNESS
WITH THE HEART OF
ENLIVEN THE MATTER
NON-VIOLENC E
NEW RETIREMENT PROGRAMME
COMMUNITY
FOR THE WAIRARAPA AN HOLISTIC
APPROACH
CENTRAL HAPPENINGS TO DEMENTIA CARE
NEWS FROM AROUND
THE REGION SUPPORTING
CHILDREN TO THRIVE
SOCIAL WORKERS IN SCHOOLS
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
– Millie and Sharon
SUMMER PICNIC
AT DUDDINGS LAKE
CONTENTS
3 Real people doing real things 18 Summer picnic
– Chief Executive Pat Waite – Inter-home picnic at Duddings Lake
4 New retirement community for Wairarapa 19 Volunteer Spotlight
– Work starts on retirement village at Kandahar – Introducing Millie and Sharon
6 Service spotlight 20 Getting to the heart of the matter
– Family Works Resolution Service – Family Works non-violence programme
10 Mapping wellness 22 Woburn Home’s wonderful Wearable Arts
– How Enliven is meeting the cultural needs – Enliven hosts a fashion parade like no other
of its residents
24 Central happenings
12 An holistic approach to dementia care – News from around the region
– An Enliven feature
30 Just for fun
15 Celebrating our nurses – Puzzles
– Year of the Nurse and Midwife
31 Reader recipe
16 Supporting children to thrive – Baked Stuffed Courgetts
– Social Workers in Schools
CEO
REAL
PEOPLEDOING REAL THINGS
A word from PSC chief executive Pat Waite
Last November I was invited to facilitate a workshop at How will the value of our days be measured?
the Aged Care Association’s annual conference on the It seems to me that what will matter is not what we buy
concept of Leadership. but what we build, not what we got but what we gave.
In preparing for the session I was reminded of the What will matter is not our success but our significance.
journey and the lessons that I have been fortunate to
have had through numerous experiences both personal What will matter is not what we have learned but what
and from a range of work environments. we have taught.
Our son and daughter-in-law gave us a book to What will matter is not what we think we have
complete some years ago which they wanted my wife accomplished but what example we have given to others.
and I to record our stories which could be handed on to What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion,
their children to have. courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or
Well this is a work in progress as each time we pick encouraged others.
up the book we find a reason to put it down again for What will matter is not our competence but our character.
another day! Not a good excuse to have is it?
What will matter is not how many people we know but
We all have stories and lessons to pass on to others. how many will feel an everlasting loss when we are gone.
As I visit our rest homes and chat to residents and
our Enliven and Family Works teams I find the most What will matter is not our memories, but the memories
amazing stories about lives well lived. of those who loved us.
There is a tapestry that our lives cross through and What will matter is not our success but our significance.
interesting people we meet on the way. I hope you find What will matter is not what we have learned but what
this second edition of Central Focus of interest. It tells we have taught.
stories of real people doing real things that I find so
interesting. What will matter is not what we think we have
accomplished but what example we have given to others.
What are your stories? Have you written them down
so that future generations can learn of your life well What will matter is how long we are remembered, by
lived? It is my regret that I didn’t do what my family whom and for what.
have done to me – asked my parents to write down Food for thought isn’t it?
their history!
In the theme of lives well lived can I leave you with the
following quotation from my presentation?
Pat Waite
Chief Executive
Central Focus – Autumn/Winter 3
DEVELOPMENT
NEW
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY FOR
WAIRARAPA Work has started on Enliven’s newest retirement village.
An artist’s impression of one of the
villas to be built at the new Kandahar
development.
4 Central Focus – Autumn/Winter
Earthworks began in February at the site adjacent to “Wairarapa has experienced significant growth and
Kandahar Home in Lansdowne, Masterton. development in the last few years; we’re excited to be
Up to 52, two-bedroom retirement villas will be built offering retirees another lifestyle option.”
on the property, with the first 12 villas expected to be The village is being built by Devon Homes, who were
completed by October. also the contractors for Enliven’s Kowhainui Village
Prior to the earthworks starting, residents and iwi in Whanganui.
representatives attended an on-site blessing. “The Kandahar development is very similar to the
PSC Chief Executive Pat Waite says it’s an exciting townhouses we have at Kowhainui Village, which are
time for Enliven and the Kandahar community. very popular,” says Pat.
“For Enliven this is much more than just building a The development will also include a village
few houses, we have a strong emphasis on creating community centre, which will be available for
a caring, supportive and stylish community for use by village residents and the wider Wairarapa
Wairarapa retirees. community.
The site is blessed before work
begins. From left:
Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa
representative Henare Manaea,
Enliven chaplain Merv Jones,
Kandahar Home Manager
Peter Newman,
PSC Cultural Director Jim Berry
and PSC Chief Executive
Pat Waite.
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT
“Mediation is about empowering
people and giving them the
tools and responsibility to
make their own decisions”
– Family Mediator Sue Hurst
6 Central Focus – Autumn/Winter
FAMILY WORKS RESOLUTION SERVICE
HELPING
FAMILIES
MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS
Family Works is contracted by the Ministry of Justice to provide
a full range of family dispute resolution services. Central Focus
takes a look at what the service does.
Families come to the mediation FWRS Manager Michelle Baker says
service, also known as Family Works taking these cases to the court can
Resolution Services (FWRS), when create significant cost, lengthy delays
they are going through a separation or and stress for families.
divorce and are stuck on agreeing on
Since the Family Court reforms in
parenting arrangements.
2014, families that need a dispute
“Mediation is about empowering resolved have to try out of court
people and giving them the tools mediation in the first instance. If risk
and responsibility to make their own issues exist mediation may not be
decisions,” says Family Mediator suitable and parties can apply to the
Sue Hurst. family court.
FWRS is focused on the needs of the “We’re getting a lot of referrals
family, in particular the children. from lawyers now,” Michelle says.
“People can be caught up in their “It’s definitely encouraged as a
own needs so mediation is finding a way forward.”
way for parents to move forward in a
That means the Family Court system
hopeful way.”
is freed up to deal with serious and
Family mediation provides a complex cases, like those involving
supportive environment so parents family violence, where mediation is
and/or carers can sort out their not suitable.
children’s day-to-day care and contact
arrangements themselves without
needing to go to Family Court.
Central Focus – Autumn/Winter 7
Help available Hearing the important voices
Families that are seeking mediation assistance can Family Works has been contracted to provide this
call FWRS free of charge to speak to the Wellington- service since 2014 and quickly realised something
based support staff. very important was missing from the process – the
voice of the child.
After completing a registration process, the parents
and/or carers talk one-to-one with a qualified With funding from the Todd Foundation, Family
member of the team about their situation and Works worked with mediators, the Ministry of
whether it’s suitable for mediation. Justice, UNICEF, the Children’s Commission
and others to develop a ‘Voice of the Child’ policy
If that is the case, a mediator will be assigned in the
and process.
area where the family lives. Family Works has about
30 mediators across the region that are responsible Today that sees a specially-trained children’s
for the Lower North Island and the South Island. voice practitioner available to meet with a family’s
Presbyterian Support North covers the Upper North children in a neutral and safe space so they can
Island. In the year to 30 June 2019, FWRS supported share their thoughts and feelings on important
180 families through mediation. topics related to their childcare and new family
situation.
The whole service is subsidised and families can
access different subsidy levels depending on their The practitioner and the child will agree on what
financial circumstances. the child wants shared with their parents during
the mediation process.
Parents/carers can also choose to take the free
Parenting through Separation course before or This process enables the children to be truly and
during the mediation process, which is offered by consistently heard during mediation, Sue says.
Family Works in partnership with Community Law
“We really encourage the child to have their voice
in Taranaki, Greater Wellington and Wairarapa.
heard at the table. They often have powerful
This becomes a mandatory requirement should they
messages for their parents.”
wish to go through the Family Court system.
Tough decisions
Sue says families that come to mediation are
sometimes surprised, and perhaps a little relieved
to learn they are not going to have their parenting
decisions made by someone else.
“A lot of what we do is empowering and supporting
decision making. It’s about them learning to work
this out themselves.
“The parents need to be able to build a bridge
between their two households so the children
can go between them easily. When that bridge is
damaged the children really bear the brunt of it.”
Sometimes a couple just needs to spend some time
in a neutral and supportive space together so they
can come to an agreement.
Other times there may be years of mistrust and
resentment built up, Sue says.
“The hardest thing for them is to get below the pain
and for them to see it in each other.
“Thankfully the process of mediation is very clear
and that helps to move it along in a good direction.”
8 Central Focus – Autumn/Winter
Residents at Willard Home enjoy
the community garden.
He Rongoa a Whānau Tohetohe
Kaupapa Māori
In August 2018 Family Works Central received funding from
the Tindall Foundation to develop Tikanga training for
FWRS mediators
Called He Rongoa a Whānau Tohetohe Kaupapa Māori,
the aim of the project is to enable mediators to better
support whānau Māori and further demonstrates the
value Family Works places on the special status of Māori as
Tangata Whenua.
The first Tikanga workshop was delivered in October 2019 at
Papawai Marae near Greytown in Wairarapa. This location
was chosen due to its mana, proximity to local iwi partners
and its links to Family Works Central staff members.
FWRS mediators attend the first Tikanga workshop at
Papawai Marae.
Central Focus – Autumn/Winter 9
ENLIVEN
MAPPING
WELLNESS
Enliven has developed a resource to help gather information about residents’
cultural, emotional and spiritual needs.
The Oranga Kaumatua Wellness Map is a booklet “The resource was initially intended to be for Enliven
that has been designed to gather information about residents who identify as Māori, but then we realised
activities, routines and practices that are important to that it could work for everybody,” says Nicola.
the individual.
“We then tested it with residents from a range of
It has been co-designed with iwi and tangata whenua cultural backgrounds and the feedback we received
representatives, as well as staff and residents from was positive.”
many different cultural backgrounds.
Nicola explains that the more information known
about a residents’ needs, the more likely rest home
staff can provide the support to help them thrive.
a naumatua “The more we know about peoples’ beliefs and
rangil ss Map
Taha aOm
h
W a Kau y syst
em
s customs, the more we can cater to them.”
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aka
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complete. This information needs to be translated
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War Veterans.
Nicola says questions in the book range from asking
19
about cultural and spiritual traditions or practices
to what makes people laugh, how they like to dress
a
when they go out and what makes them feel like part
Po utam 1
Tapu
wae of the community.
a
Ta n garo t in g
u or
anuk Supp
a
Eke P ling
Enab
The aim is to introduce the resource across all of
mōw g
anga
Te Āhu
rut Carin Enliven’s rest homes in the next few months. Once
completed, all the information will then be loaded
into Enliven’s resident information system and
included in the residents’ overall support plan.
“What we’re trying to establish is what’s critical for
each individual to maintain their overall wellbeing,”
explains Enliven General Manager Nicola Turner. Recognition
Residents and their whānau can respond to questions This work by Enliven was recognised by the Health,
in the resource to help staff at Enliven homes Quality and Safety Commission when it was in its
understand their different needs. early stages last year.
Nicola says the project came from the need to update The Commission ran a feature on the project on its
Enliven’s Māori health plan. website as part of a series of profiles on positive work
being done in the sector.
10 Central Focus – Autumn/WinterLevin Home for War Veterans resident David Clark and Health
Care Assistant Alicia Morgan look through the Oranga Kaumatua
Wellness Map together.
A merger of models
The Wellness Map integrates two key models: and addresses issues of loneliness, helplessness
the Enliven philosophy of care and Te and boredom.
Whare Tapa Whā.
Meanwhile Te Whare Tapa Whā is a Māori health
Enliven’s care philosophy is based on the model developed by psychiatrist Sir Mason
internationally-recognised Eden Alternative®. Durie. The model describes the cornerstones
The holistic approach goes much deeper than of Māori health and it is believed people will
healthcare and physical needs. It recognises the have optimal health when all needs are met
ingredients for a healthy, happy life at any age under them.
11 Central Focus – Autumn/Winter 11ENLIVEN
Enliven Trainer and Recreation Advisor Davina Solomon.
“Music therapy works because a person
may not be able to converse as well as
they used to but they can remember
songs or tunes that they loved when they
were younger and sing along. ”
– Enliven’s Davina Solomon
12 Central Focus – Autumn/WinterAN
HOLISTICAPPROACH TO DEMENTIA CARE
Caring for people who have dementia so they can retain a sense
of self, feel valued and enjoy fun and spontaneity is something
Enliven works hard to achieve.
Dementia care
Dementia is one of New Zealand’s most “The way we ask those
significant and growing healthcare questions not only shows
challenges. Almost 70,000 New
Zealanders have dementia and that respect, it helps to boost
number is expected to almost triple by a resident’s self-esteem,”
2050.
Davina says.
There are residents at all Enliven homes
who have varying degrees of dementia.
Several homes also offer secure dementia
living for those with advanced dementia, “We also have to be aware of our body
in particular those who explore often. language, facial expression and tone of
voice when communicating.”
Enliven Trainer and Recreation Advisor
Davina Solomon (pictured) explains Planned activity
Enliven staff use an holistic approach to
ensuring all residents who have dementia and special therapy
feel safe, comfortable, and enjoy where Late afternoon and early evening can
they live. be a time of day where people with
These approaches can range from dementia can experience anxiety,
the way staff members communicate become unsettled and request to go
with residents, to creating familiar home – a phenomenon known as
environments to special equipment ‘sun downing’.
that can be used to assist a resident to To ease the feelings of anxiety or
feel calm. confusion at this time, activities are
“We’ll use specific wording to enable usually planned to meet the needs of
a resident to understand a question,” having purpose and belonging. Social
Davina says. “For example we’ll ask ‘may I activities such as pre-dinner drinks
offer you a hot drink?’ rather than ‘Would and nibbles are popular, while familiar
you like a hot drink?’ activities of folding washing, setting
dinner tables and closing curtains
She says the slight change of wording orientate residents to feelings of
usually invites a resident to consider their homemaking.
response to the question, rather than
immediately saying no.
Central Focus – Autumn/Winter 13Music can be a very effective way of bringing
instant joy, calming an agitated elder and even
sparking memories.
Music therapy sessions are run at some of Enliven’s
rest homes and many of the homes organise and host
balls and special social dance events. Enliven also
sells special headphones that can be loaded with a
personal playlist of favourite songs. These are strong
ways to connect.
Homely homes
Another key aspect of Enliven’s holistic approach is
Kandahar Court’s kitchen area is homely and welcoming.
ensuring its homes are warm, welcoming and homely
places to live.
“People often think of rest homes, in particular Technology and equipment
dementia or hospital units, as cold clinical places but In other cases, some more advanced technology can
Enliven homes are proof that it doesn’t have to be this help residents with dementia feel contented.
way,” says Davina.
Enliven’s Coombrae Home in Feilding, Brightwater
Enliven homes include cosy lounges and family-style Home in Palmerston North and Kowhainui Home in
kitchens that residents will be used to. Whanganui are believed to be the first rest homes in
“We’re investigating how much further we can take New Zealand to invest in Nordic Wellness Chairs. The
that in our homes, particularly those catering for purchase was made possible thanks to funding from
people with dementia,” Davina explains. AR & TI Harper Charitable Trust and McAuley Trust.
“We are looking at using ‘true doors’ to recreate the The chair’s state-of-the-art technology uses soothing
entrance to the resident’s family home. Techniques music, gentle movement, tactile stimulation and a
like this help residents to feel at home, therefore safe, weighted blanket to relax, calm and soothe residents.
comfortable and connected.” Enliven is also investigating the use of other
Enliven homes also welcome the companionship of technology, such as a therapeutic robot baby harp
family pets with many residents choosing to care for seal, named Paro.
their own pets in the home. Paro mimics a real seal and is highly responsive to
“This enhances overall health benefits and adds to touch and sound so it interacts with residents and
the sense of belonging, identity and connectedness the environment. Paro is designed to have a calming
gained from caring for others,” Davina says. effect and elicit emotional responses in people
with dementia.
Enliven vans and outings encourage residents to
continue to be actively involved in their community,
attending events and interacting with all generations.
Funding
Funding for providing holistic care is not easy.
Government funding for aged care covers the
basics of care and medical treatment. But Enliven
wants to provide much more than that for the older
generation. Fundraising efforts, philanthropists,
community partnerships, investments and dedicated
staff are the reasons Enliven is able to offer unique,
holistic care and therapy to those living with
dementia.
TO MAKE A DONATION TO SUPPORT
THIS WORK, CALL 0508 TO HELP.
14 Central Focus – Autumn/WinterCelebrating
Enliven nurses
The World Health Organisation has declared 2020
the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife
Every day we see well-trained Enliven nurses providing high
quality care with empathy and compassion.
www.enlivencentral.org.nzSWiS
THRIVE
SUPPORTING CHILDREN TO
The Social Workers in Schools (SWiS) programme focuses
on children to ensure they are supported to do and be the
best they can.
It sees trained Family Works social workers or family-
whānau workers, based in schools, working alongside the
students, their whānau and teachers to encourage children
to grow, learn and thrive.
Teachers, principals, community members, children and
families can make referrals to SWiS, but it is a voluntary
service so it is up to the children and families concerned to
choose to be involved.
There are 13 schools in Wellington and Porirua where Family
Works social workers are based. In 2019 they worked with
more than 120 students. Here are some of their stories.
16 Central Focus – Autumn/WinterEnabling connections
A young mum and her daughter, Bonnie*, were both A year later, Mum has
anxious and struggling to talk to each other let alone grown her confidence; she’s
bond before they met with a SWiS worker following a managing her anxiety and
referral from Bonnie’s teacher. feels she can speak her mind
instead of hiding away. Her
SWiS initially established a relationship with Mum,
relationship with her daughter has improved
talking to her weekly via home visits and phone calls.
dramatically.
The SWiS worker was able to organise ACC sensitive
Bonnie has also made huge improvements, which
claims therapy for Mum to deal with past trauma.
have been noticed by her Mum and teachers. She
Meanwhile, a trusting relationship was also being
is more confident, has developed better and more
developed between Bonnie and the SWiS worker. The
positive friendships at school and is connecting more
pair worked one-on-one around self care, self esteem
with her Mum and wider whānau.
and developing more positive relationships, they even
had some fun!
Stories through art
In 2019 Nate’s* life was turned upside down. The boy became so engaged in the activities that
He’d been through many changes. Mostly he was he began to open up to his SWiS worker about his
struggling with not being able to see his Dad. He was struggles and feelings.
shutting down.
SWiS has helped Nate to accept his Dad could not be
In this instance, Nate’s SWiS worker got in his life but was still in his heart. At times when he’s
creative, using art and tactile materials to engage struggling he now visualises fishing with his Dad and
with the boy. talking to him in his heart.
Nate and his SWiS worker worked together to create After working with SWiS, Nate’s attendance at school
art projects: a clay figure of Nate and his Dad, and a increased and he even started receiving regular
diorama of them fishing together. achievement awards for his academics and behaviour.
Breakfast Club
Imagine sitting in class with your tummy rumbling
from hunger and being able to think of nothing except
how you could get your hands on some food. Imagine
then being forced to concentrate on … maths.
Not all students at this school have the opportunity
to sit down for breakfast in the morning. But a new
Breakfast Club organised by SWiS in conjunction with
Arise Church, has given everyone that chance.
“Each club sees a number of children, whānau and staff
participating, which creates a positive and healthy
start to the day,” says SWiS team leader Robern Austin.
Over the duration of the initiative, the organisers have
seen more and more different children come along
each week, alongside the regulars.
SWiS say the feedback from the community and school
has been very positive and supportive, and plans are to
continue the initiative long-term.
* Names and details have been changed to protect the privacy of
the children SWiS works with.
Central Focus – Autumn/Winter 17summer
picnic
ENLIVEN RESIDENTS GATHER FOR
Colourful hats helped to brighten up a grey day at Enliven’s
annual inter-home picnic at Duddings Lake in January.
The event was organised by Coombrae Home The winners were awarded
in Feilding and attended by residents, staff and a certificate and received
volunteers from Willard Home in Palmerston North, a small prize made by
and Levin’s Reevedon Home and Levin Home for Coombrae Home staff and
War Veterans. residents.
Given the drizzly and overcast weather, the festivities For Coombrae Home
were largely kept inside the hall at Duddings Lake, but resident Errol Fairbairn
everyone made the most of it, says Coombrae Home it was the perfect
Recreation Officer Rachael Trembath. opportunity to wear his
hat adorned with a multi-
“Some residents stood at the door and sang songs as
coloured giraffe.
vans from the other homes pulled up.”
The unique headpiece won him the
Many of the attendees wore colourful hats – some of
award for the tallest hat.
them had been decorated by staff or the residents.
This was the second year running Coombrae Home
A small awards ceremony was held to recognise the
hosted other Enliven homes for the event.
best hats from six different categories: most elegant,
colourful, tallest, most outrageous, most original and “We established the idea of inter-home events to
smallest hat. build connections among Enliven residents, as well as
having lots of fun and spontaneity,” explains Enliven
Recreation Advisor Davina Solomon.OUR PEOPLE
VOLUNTEER
SPOTLIGHT
INTRODUCING MILLIE AND SHARON
As part of a regular feature, we profile two volunteers who love going the
extra mile in their roles at our Enliven rest homes.
Volunteers come from all age brackets and walks of life. Enliven is always
on the lookout for more people who can use their skills to enrich the lives of
elders. Volunteering with Enliven can range from helping out in the garden
to spending quality one-to-one time with a resident.
Empowering residents
Sharon Thompson has a unique go around and talk to them on a Sharon will meet with Kandahar
role at Enliven’s Kandahar Home. one-on-one basis and see if there’s Home Manager Peter Newman
She has become an advocate for anything they want mentioned before each meeting to talk about
the residents at the Masterton anonymously,” Sharon explains. anything that has been brought up.
rest home since she started “In a group situation at the meeting Peter says Sharon’s advocacy role is
volunteering there about two some of the residents might not another way to empower Kandahar
years ago. feel comfortable about speaking Home’s residents to provide ideas
“There is a residents’ meeting every up so it’s important they have this on what they want in their home.
three months and beforehand I opportunity.”
Sharing stories a highlight
Millie Roy has been volunteering at teen world and come here and listen “What’s really lovely here is I
Enliven’s Huntleigh Home in Karori to the amazing stories.” can interact with the residents
for just over a year since moving to and make really good friends,”
In Auckland Millie worked at a
the capital from Auckland. she says. “It’s enjoyable and
retirement village, but the role
The Wellington Girls’ College didn’t provide an opportunity for something I really look forward to
student and two of her classmates her to get to know the residents. every week.”
visit the home every week
and run an activity called ‘The
Unforgettables’, where residents Huntleigh Home resident
can join them for a hot drink Helen Macandrew and
and a chat. volunteer Millie Roy.
“I really love hearing about the
adventures they’ve had,” Millie says.
“It’s really mind-opening and
refreshing to take a break from the
Bronwyn KendrickFAMILY WORKS
“We’re creating that safe
space where one person
can hold hope.”
– Debbie Green,
Family Works Taranaki Social Worker
20 Central Focus – Autumn/WinterHEART
GETTING TO THE
OF THE MATTER
Social workers at Taranaki Family Works’ non-violence programmes work hard to
ensure their referrals can successfully move through the programme. But what if
some of them need to deal with issues or trauma before being able to complete it?
“An important part of the process is hearing Debbie says Michael’s trauma caused him to
about their journey,” explains Family Works have vivid dreams and frequently be on edge,
Social Worker Debbie Green. especially around his own children.
“Part of that is supporting people so we can Eventually Michael violently attacked another
identify their needs.” man, unleashing all of his anger that had been
bottled up for so long.
Taranaki Family Works provides the non-
violence programme to people who are Following his arrest, Debbie says Michael’s
referred to them from the courts. mum was his main support person, but then
she tragically fell ill and died just before
The programmes are mainly for men who
Christmas.
are going through the court system due to
family violence. Losing his support base was unbearable for
Michael, who breached bail conditions and
Michael’s story took an attempt on his own life after his
mother passed away.
When Michael* was referred to Taranaki
Family Works from the Department of “I caught up with Michael on probation and
Corrections in late 2019, Debbie says he there was this collaboration between myself,
was holding onto a lot of trauma he hadn’t his probation officer and psychiatrist to come
dealt with. up with his support plan,” Debbie says.
“In the initial stages of the programme “That’s the strength of the social worker –
Michael shared with me that he’d never that they have a deep understanding of the
told anyone he had been sexually abused resources in their community and working
by a family member for 10 years from the with a person to reach their goal.”
age of five. She says while it will be some time before
“We had created an environment that Michael can complete the non-violence
made him feel safe enough to share that programme he was initially referred to her
information,” she says. for, it is because he is spending time working
through deep-set trauma.
“We know that if someone’s essential needs
are not being looked after then we can’t do the “We have to ensure that we’re not just ticking
work that needs to be done.” the box,” Debbie explains. “We’re heavily
solutions-focused but when you’re dealing
As Michael got older he turned to drinking
with someone who has experienced trauma
and taking drugs.
it’s a whole different approach.
“Drinking was his thing,” Debbie says. “He told
“We’re creating that safe space where one
me he drank to suppress and not remember.
person can hold hope.”
So he drank after work and on the weekends.
This would lead to poor choices and a lot of
acts of violence.” * Names and details have been changed to protect the
privacy of the clients of Family Works.
Central Focus – Autumn/Winter 21WOW
W BURN’S WONDERFUL WEARABLE ARTS
Enliven’s Woburn Home in Lower The theme was ‘life’s memorable All of the attendees were encouraged
Hutt is becoming known for its moments’, and the creations ranged to vote for their favourite dress
annual Wearable Arts show, timed to from remembering school days, old and the outfit ‘ladies, bring a plate’,
coincide with the popular Wellington dances, shared meals, leaving home modelled by Woburn Home resident
event of a similar name. and wedding days. June Farrar, was a winner.
Residents and staff from Enliven “All of the outfit ideas came from our The outfit included a frame with
homes across the wider Wellington lovely residents, who then helped us two arms coming out of it, carrying
region gathered at Woburn Home in draw up the ideas and come up with sandwiches and cakes made out of
October last year for a fashion parade a plan for each outfit,” says Woburn crafting materials. More cakes and
like no other. Home manager Sue Wood. treats adorned June’s dress, made to
resemble a table cloth.Woburn Home resident Joy Payne, helped by a
recreation officer, modelled this ‘first dance’ gown.
rn
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Central Focus – Autumn/Winter 23HAPPENINGS
HAPPENINGS
PSC has services spread across the lower North Island. It has been a busy
period for the organisation with office moves, new contracts and important
work being recognised. We also have many residents in our Enliven homes
and villages with interesting stories to tell.
Love of race horses continues at Chalmers Home
Chalmers Home resident Ian Gundesen “She [the horse] was looking terrific and
has a long history of owning race horses, the staff there gave us a guided tour of
ever since his days farming in Kaponga the 40 horses in training,” Ian says.
in South Taranaki.
Chalmers Home staff supported Ian to
The move to Enliven’s New Plymouth make the trip from New Plymouth to
rest home in July last year didn’t signal Matamata. The journey was a big one for
the end of that lifelong passion. Ian, who is in a wheelchair.
Ian currently owns a fifth share of the “I feel very fortunate to have a horse in
horse Image of You, located at the Te their care and hopefully this young filly
Akau stud near Matamata. Recently will provide us with our moments of
Enliven staff jumped at the opportunity glory when she races,” Ian says.
to take Ian to visit the horse.
Ian Gundesen and daughter Christine
Richards visiting racehorse Image of You
at the Te Akau Stud near Matamata.
24 Central Focus – Autumn/WinterHELPING CONNECT
CHILDREN WITH COUNSELLING
Every December Family Works Philanthropy Manager Jacqui “The change in these children,
fundraises for its services Ritchie says prior to the appeal after receiving counselling, was
by sending a letter out to its Family Works staff had shared astounding. One little boy’s
supporters. heart-breaking stories of school teacher reported that until
two children, from different he received counselling, he hadn’t
The most recent Christmas
families, who had been living in been seen smiling or playing.
fundraising appeal was to raise
unimaginable situations.
money to provide counselling and After the counselling, he
social work services for children Once removed from that had ‘found his smile’ and
who had been living in traumatic environment, they required was enjoying his childhood,”
situations. intensive counselling to process says Jacqui.
what they had experienced.
Central Focus – Autumn/Winter 25Whānau resilience contract Paper published
Building strong, resilient communities where whānau Family Works Whanganui counsellor
are safe, strong and connected is the focus of a new Lisa Chaplow had a paper published in
partnership between Family Works and Te Hauora the New Zealand Journal of Counselling
Runanga o Wairarapa. in late 2019.
In 2019 the pairing was successful in gaining a five-year Titled ‘School-based mindfulness
Ministry of Social Development Whānau Resilience programmes – are they effective or
contract for Wairarapa. developmentally inappropriate?’, the
paper analyses studies of national
The vision is to build strong communities where whānau and international mindfulness-based
are supported to live violence-free and eliminate violence programmes for children aged from five
for the next generation. to 12 who are experiencing anxiety.
The first year will see the two organisations working with Lisa says she became interested in the
groups of providers to co-design services. The remaining topic during her time as a teacher in
four years will focus on delivery. Alaska where she met children who
struggled with anxiety, especially
Business Development Manager Cheri Ratapu-Foster
around academic testing times.
says Family Works is enjoying working with Te Hauora
Runanga o Wairarapa, which was established in 1985 “Mindfulness and yoga were some of the
as a community support service for Māori health in the ways I tried working with my students.”
region. Lisa completed the paper in 2016 as part
“The runanga has extensive networks, both with Māori of a Masters of Counselling through
and non-Māori providers, and adopts a Kaupapa Māori Massey University.
approach to support. “I was delighted to get an A+ for my
research, and the suggestion from my
“Their way of working nicely aligns with Family Works’
markers to look to publish it.”
Te Ara Whānau, family solutions approach,” says Cheri.
The published paper can be found
in Vol. 39 of the NZ Journal of
Counselling. A link is available on the
news page of the Family Works website
www.familyworkscentral.org.nz.
26 Central Focus – Autumn/WinterMaureen and her medals on the move
When Maureen Fox moved from relocated to Manawatu from “You can’t turn a school around
Invercargill to Coombrae Home Southland. in five minutes,” she reflects.
in Feilding in 2018 there were Maureen and her husband Pat
Her career saw her teach in
some very precious memories introduced a breakfast in school
Dunedin, South Otago and
that came too. programme and she was also
Invercargill before taking
The retired principal was made up a position at Kingswell instrumental in establishing
a Member of the British Empire High School in South a youth support trust focused
for her services to education Invercargill in 1979. on involving Māori parents to
as part of the 1995 Queen’s help improve their children’s
When she was appointed as attendance rates and educational
Birthday Honours.
the Principal at Kingswell, she achievement. Kingswell also
Maureen moved north after worked to improve the school’s established the first bilingual
her son Aaron and his family image within the community. unit in the South Island.
Central Focus – Autumn/Winter 27Greg Christensen (standing)
and old friend David Clark.
Rocker rolls out the hits at Levin Home for War Veterans
When Greg Christensen played David, now a resident at Levin “I just called him up and asked
a gig at Levin Home for War Home, used to manage a if he would play,” David says of
Veterans in October last year it was Wellington bar where Creation organising the concert which
the first time David Clark had seen played gigs in its heyday. marked World Stroke Day on
him in more than three decades. 29 October.
More than 60 members of the
Greg is the former front man public and Levin Home residents David had a stroke 11 years
of the band Creation, which gathered in the home’s Veterans ago and has been in a
had chart-topping hits Carolina Arms lounge to hear Greg play hits wheelchair since. He now sits
and Tell Laura I Love Her in the by Elvis, John Denver, Engelbert on the committee of the Levin
early 1970s. Humperdinck, and Creation. Stroke Club.
28 Central Focus – Autumn/WinterOffice moves
You can’t miss Family Works Works has been offering services She says while the time has come
Wairarapa’s new base. in the Wairarapa for more than 30 to make Masterton its permanent
years. base, Family Works will continue
The striking green signage has
to work across the region.
caught the attention of many “We were already operating many
people since Family Works of our services out of Masterton, The move to Masterton also
opened the doors of its new particularly our family violence coincided with the appointment
offices in central Masterton in safety support programmes of Dianne Te Tau as Family Works
February. An increasing number and restorative justice which is Wairarapa’s Team Leader
of Masterton-based clients provided from Masterton District
Family Works Taranaki also moved
prompted Family Works to move Court,” explains regional manager
into more modern premises in Bell
from its Featherston hub at Turret Dee Dahlberg.
Block in October last year.
House to Masterton. Family
Left to right: Ngati Kahungunu kaumatua Nelson Rangi, Patrick Waite, Lyn Patterson and Dianne Te Tau at the blessing of Family Works
on Chapel Street. PHOTO/KAREN COLTMAN
Sustainability efforts rolled out at Cashmere
Cashmere Home and Cashmere The homes have also introduced
Heights Home are on a journey more recycling initiatives, which
to reduce, reuse and recycle. Karen says the residents have
helped to support.
Manager Karen Rhind says
staff and residents are taking “The residents come to the front
small steps towards being desk specifically to put their
more sustainable in their day- newspapers and bottles into the
to-day tasks. recycling – which is great.”
The first focus was on reducing A group of residents recently
the number of single-use items joined staff to visit the
in the homes, such as disposable Wellington SPCA and drop off
cups and single-use pill used newspapers.
dispensers.
The homes have also stopped
Families with loved ones at the using plastic bin liners where
homes have provided support, in possible and rubbish collection
the form of a donation of coffee has reduced significantly.
cups to use in the tea and coffee
making area.
Central Focus – Autumn/Winter 29PSC Crossword
1 2
FUN
3
PUZZLES 4 JUST FOR 10
8
12
5 6
7
13
PSC Crossword Crossword
1 28 Across
9 Dow
3 10
4. a person whose11job is to look after medical 1. a gr
needs shar
4
6. someone who is past retirement age 2. mak
12 7. a firm decision to do or not do something 3. prov
10. intervention in a dispute in order to resolve 5. som
it 8. an e
5 6
13 12. the state of being comfortable, healthy or 9. mak
7 happy 11. a yo
13. to feel concern or interest
Across Down
8 9
4. a person whose job is to look after medical 1. a group of people who live together or
10 needs 11 share something in common
6. someone who is past retirement age 2. make someone more cheerful or animated
7. a firm decision to do or not do something 3. provide assistance
12
10. intervention in a dispute in order to resolve 5. someone who donates their time to a job
it 8. an experienced and trusted advisor
13
12. the state of being comfortable, healthy or 9. make something possible
happy 11. a young human
13. to feel concern or interest
ANSWERS
Across Down
5. Volunteer 8. Mentor 9. Enable 11. Child
DOWN: 1. Community 2. Enliven 3. Nurture
4. a person whose job is to look after medical 1. a group of people who live together or
needs share something in common
Mediation 12. Wellbeing 13. Care
ACROSS 4. Nurse 6. Elder 7. Resolution 10.
6. someone who is past retirement age 2. make someone more cheerful or animated
7. a firm decision to do or not do something 3. provide assistance Sudoku
0. intervention in a dispute in order to resolve 5. someone who donates their time to a job
it 8. an experienced and trusted advisor
2. the state of being comfortable, healthy or 9. make something possible
happy 11. a young human
3. to feel concern or interestREADER RECIPE
SHARE
YOUR RECIPES!
Got a great recipe?
We’d love to share it with our readers.
Email: support@psc.org.nz
Baked Stuffed Courgettes
The staff and residents from Cashmere Heights Home
in Johnsonville share their favourite recipes for courgettes
grown in the home’s vege garden.
INGREDIENTS METHOD
6 medium courgettes 1. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees. Trim the ends
¼ cup olive oil off the courgettes and slice them lengthways.
Scoop out the seeds to create room for the filling.
1 red onion, peeled and sliced
2 tsp crushed garlic 2. Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized fry pan
and sauté onion, garlic, pine nuts, courgette
¼ cup pine nuts
seeds, and capsicum until soft and fragrant.
1 red capsicum, diced
3. Add the breadcrumbs and parmesan, mix well
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
to combine and season to taste. Fill the courgette
¼ cup parmesan cheese, plus extra cavities with the stuffing.
for sprinkling
Salt and pepper 4. Sprinkle the extra parmesan on top and bake
for 10-15 minutes.
Serves six
Quick alternative – Basil Pesto Courgettes!
Cut thick slices of courgettes on the angle and cook on the barbecue until
browned. Put on a serving platter and put a dob of basil pesto on each slice.
Central Focus – Autumn/Winter 31Presbyterian Support Central
3-5 George Street. PO Box 12706, Thorndon, Wellington 6144
PSC Phone: 04 439 4900 Enliven Phone: 0508 ENLIVEN Family Works Phone: 0800 FAMWORKS
Email: info@psc.org.nz
32 Central Focus – Autumn/Winter
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