PEOPLE Helping People - Presbyterian Support Upper South Island
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PEOPLE
Helping People
The magazine of Presbyterian Support Upper South Island
ISSUE 4 Winter 2018
• E motion coaching helps kids,
strengthens families
On the cover:
• Let's celebrate Matariki together
I'll meet you at • Meet some amazing Enliven volunteers
the Trash Lab! • Vulnerable young people find success
People Helping People
Presbyterian Support (Upper South Island) is A Karakia for Matariki
a non-profit social services organisation serving Matariki te tipua
the West Coast, Mid-Canterbury, Christchurch, A Time for Matariki te tawhito
Tau mai te wairua
North Canterbury, Marlborough, and Nelson. Connection Mai ngā ira atua
Ki te ira tangata
Tihei mauriora!
Through our service groups Family Works A message from Presbyterian Support Upper Matariki the sacred
and Enliven we support children, young South Island Chief Executive, Vaughan Milner. Matariki the old
Welcome the spirit
people, families, whānau and older people Ways to tackle the poverty of relationships or social Welcome the life force
to become safe, strong, and connected. poverty are the theme of this edition of People Helping From the essence of Atua
To us of the human kind
To learn more or to find a service centre, People. In this era of electronic communication and
go to www.psuppersouth.org.nz. technology it’s easy to overlook how important respectful Let there be life!
and caring personal contacts are for wellbeing. People
helping and connecting with others is the essence of
community. Whiria ki te tangata - weave the people together.
Like us on Facebook.
Vaughan Milner
© PSUSI, May 2018
People Helping People Magazine is published 3-4 times per year.
To subscribe for free, go to www.psuppersouth.org.nz/php.
Presbyterian Support (Upper South Island)
Unit 4, 25 Churchill Street Christchurch 8013
PO Box 13171 Christchurch 8141
Ph: 03 366 5472 E-mail: ps@psusi.org.nz
Editorial: Vivienne Wallace viviennew@psusi.org.nz
Our services
1 People Helping People
Why not snuggle up warm with your family and Starry
whānau and, if you don’t already celebrate Matariki, Night
Matariki:
create some of these new traditions:
Biscuits
✹Share a Family Feast ✹
Based on a recipe by Nigella Lawson.
1 5
Renew New Year's 175 g butter
Aotearoa’s Very Own Celebration Resolutions
Matariki is a fantastic opportunity to bring
200 g brown sugar
2 x eggs
family together over a celebratory meal. ¼ t almond extract
New Year's Resolutions are typically
Especially, with delicious and versatile 350 g flour
made in January, but by the time June
vegetables such as kumara, parsnip, 50 g ground almonds
rolls around they are long forgotten.
pumpkin, and yams all in season. 1 t salt
Why not use Matariki as a time to
Chicks and baby bunnies in autumn? Pumpkins in spring? renew your resolutions? Star-shaped cookie cutter
Snowflake decorations and big roast turkeys on a hot ✹Make food together ✹Decorate
2
6
2 x non-stick or lined baking trays
FOR THE ICING:
300 g icing sugar
summer’s day? How fortunate we are that in the long, Matariki is a time of teaching and learning,
and the kitchen is an awesome place to
Water to mix
cold and dark months of winter we have Matariki, pass on skills from one to another. How
about using seasonal veggies in creative
Finally, a reason for fairy lights against NZ’s
wintry night’s sky. Celebrate the cheer of
Yellow food colouring
the Māori new year. ways (kumara pie for dessert!), or bake star
Matariki with neighbours as you light up
trees, windows, and doorways. Homemade
Preheat the oven to 180° C.
Cream the butter and sugar, then beat in the
cookies for decorating as well as eating.
decorations crafted with children are the eggs and almond extract.
(See our recipes on pages 3 and 13.)
very best. In a separate bowl, combine the dry
In Aotearoa we can celebrate together
our very own tradition of thankfulness,
What is Matariki? ✹Give Thanks
3
✹ 7
Get up early for some
ingredients, then gradually add them to the
butter mixture. If the mixture is too sticky for
rolling, add a little flour.
connecting with family and whānau, Matariki is the Māori name for a cluster
Make your Matariki feast a thanksgiving
one, with each member of the family
sleepy Matariki star gazing Halve the dough, shape each half into a fat
disc, and chill in a covered bowl or re-usable
remembering loved ones, telling of seven stars known as the Pleiades. taking time to share what they’re thankful Simon Lewis of the Canterbury plastic bag for at least an hour.
stories, sharing delicious seasonal Matariki appears in the eastern sky for. Research shows that thankfulness is a Astronomical Society recommends Roll out one disc onto a floured surface until
kai, and preparing for the year ahead. sometime around the shortest day of the key to joy and happiness. So Matariki is a binoculars! He says, “From mid June, just it is ½ cm thick. Cut out the star shapes and place
year, and is thought to determine how great opportunity for children to learn this before sunrise, Matariki will lie low on onto the baking tray. Repeat with the second disc.
Matariki is rich with tradition. This successful the harvest crop will be in the important practice. the Eastern horizon. Find Orion's belt,
Bake for 8-12 minutes. The biscuits will look
year it officially begins on 15 June 2018. coming season. sometimes called ‘the pot’, then look to
✹Tell Family Stories
lightly golden around the edges and pale in
the left.
The brighter the stars, the more 4 You will see Matariki sparkling in the
the middle. Ice when cool.
productive the crop will be. Nowadays, pre-dawn light. As the weeks progress,
Matariki is seen as an important time to At Matariki, focussing on whakapapa gives Matariki will rise a little higher each day,
celebrate the earth, and show respect for us a better understanding of who we are, so keep trying if on a particular day your
the land on which we live. where we come from, and where we are view is obstructed, or if the sky is cloudy.”
going. This understanding builds resilience
in children especially as they experience
challenges. So encourage grandparents to Wish family and whānau a
tell stories of when they were young, share
stories of challenges and trials the family
happy new year. “Ngā mihi
has lived through, and reminisce about o te tau hou”.
good times.
Winter 2018 2 3 People Helping People
Tuning Emotionally intelligent children enjoy increased
When school
self-confidence, greater physical health, better performance
in to Kids in school, and healthier social relationships.
parenting
isn’t “fine”:
Several times a year, Family Works offers
Canterbury parents the opportunity to
programme attend the parenting programme Tuning
in to Kids. Tuning in to Kids is a 6-session
“
their children’s
course that teaches parents skills in
Emotion coaching emotion coaching, which is to recognise, don’t object to
ger, sadness,
understand and respond to children’s
displays of an
helps a son open they ignore
or fear. Nor do
emotions in an accepting, supportive way.
This approach helps children to become
, they accept
up to his mum them. Instead
tions as a
emotionally intelligent, i.e., to understand
negative emo
Kate Jones, Family Works social worker
and manage their emotions.
d they use
fact of life an
ments as
Tuning in to Kids is an international
programme created by Dr Sophie Havighurst emotional mo
s for teaching
and Anne Harley at the University of
opportunitie
ortant life
their kids imp
Melbourne. It is based on the research of
renowned psychologist Dr John Gottman. ilding closer
TIK has been proven to improve parenting, lessons and bu
ith them.”
parent-child relationships, children’s relationships w
emotional competence, and behaviour. ,
John M. Gottman Child
ng an Em ot io nally Intelligent
Raisi
If you would like to learn more,
contact Janice Huddy in
Christchurch at 03 363 8214
or janiceh@psusi.org.nz.
Like many mums, Maggie* used to ask her
There’s Something for Everyone time to cool down first. Actually, everyone course helped me do that,” said Maggie. “It’s
son Davis (7) how his day was and receive needs that when they’re emotional or angry— definitely good information and helpful, and a
at Tuning in to Kids
the one-word answer “fine”. Then one day even I do—we all just need time.” great thing to carry on with,” said Maggie.
“The parents on the course were mixed,” said
she discovered he was being bullied. Maggie. “Some were similar to me, while Setting boundaries while
The effects of emotion coaching on Maggie
others had very different things going on.” and Davis’ relationship were clearly visible
At school Davis was working with Family Works social worker supporting emotions to Kate. “When I first met Maggie and Davis
But Maggie appreciated being able to share
Kate Jones to help him manage difficult emotions around worry Another key learning for Maggie was how together, I could see they were close and
experiences with the other parents and find
and anxiety. In his mum’s words “he was very sensitive, getting to set boundaries around behaviour while shared a pretty strong connection,” says Kate.
they understood how she felt. “The course
still supporting Davis’ emotions. “Even when “However, by our last session, Maggie had
upset over the slightest thing” and pulling out his eyebrows seemed to have something for everyone,” she
you’re using techniques from the course, there shared that they were spending more time
and eye lashes. When Maggie talked to Kate about not knowing said. “Even if a particular topic didn’t feel a
is still a behavioural line the child shouldn’t together and I could observe that Maggie’s
Davis was being bullied, Kate suggested Maggie try emotion hundred percent relevant to me, I would see it
cross,” she says. “Recognising that boundary is approach to Davis had really strengthened
coaching to help support their connection and communication, resonating with others in the group.”
important because then I can sit Davis down their relationship.”
and she referred Maggie to the Tuning in to Kids parenting Maggie’s own learning highlight was finding and ask him to take responsibility for himself.”
out how to ask Davis about sensitive topics Kate’s work with Davis at his school has also
programme offered by Family Works. “Kate thought emotion Maggie also feels confident identifying when
indirectly. “I get more information by easing had an effect on his wellbeing. “Davis is more
coaching might encourage Davis to open up more about things a boundary is required and when it’s not. For chipper at school and has fewer issues in
him into a topic instead of asking directly,”
that were bothering him,” said Maggie. example, she can usually tell when Davis is class.” said Maggie. “I think it’s a mixture of his
said Maggie. “Tuning in to Kids taught me
being defiant versus just hungry, sick, or tired. getting the help he needs and my taking the
Maggie was intrigued about Tuning in to Kids and about going how to approach a subject using the right
words. I learnt to think about how to approach Tuning in to Kids course.”
to a parenting course in general. An Ongoing Shift
a situation before speaking.”
“I’d always been told ‘there’s no book on Maggie learnt this was especially true when
Thanks to Maggie’s new emotion coaching
skills, Davis opens up to his mum more now.
parenting’,” said Maggie. “And I believed it, children don’t want to talk or are emotional. And sometimes even volunteers information
because everyone is different so I figured “When Davis is angry, instead of immediately *Real names have been changed.
without her asking. “I had to find the right
there’s no right answer”. telling him to explain himself, I now give him approach for Davis, and the Tuning in to Kids
Winter 2018 4 5 People Helping People
Q4. What prevents parents from a child to feel safer, and offers a connection Q9. Is TIK only for families
that helps them manage feelings better. At the
effectively emotion coaching their experiencing problems?
same time, you might say things like, “it can be
children? really scary can’t it?” or “you sound like you’re No. TIK is designed for everyone. That’s
Sometimes it’s just the circumstances—they really worried about what might happen”. Avoid because the skills taught at TIK are not
might be in a hurry or overwhelmed themselves. moving quickly to “buts” and “howevers”. just parenting skills, they’re relationship
And that’s OK; you can’t always respond the skills. People often say it improves their
Often in those times the child’s emotion will
right way. However, often parents don’t have relationship with their partner, their adult
actually shift. Only once they have started to
the skills to know how to respond, or they fear siblings, and even their work colleagues.
calm down should parents start exploring
what will happen—they don’t trust that going Really, it’s about tuning into others, not
things like, “I wonder what would help you
toward emotion, instead of shutting it down, will just kids.
go to school today?” or “I wonder if we can do
actually lead to a better outcome for their child. some really big slow breaths and make our
Also, some people’s beliefs about emotion get in bodies go all soft and floppy”. Help them to
the way, for example, “anger is bad” or “boys don’t relax and breathe while they’re close with you.
cry”. There can be lots of reasons.
Q7. South Island children’s lives
Q5. It’s pretty tough for parents to learn are still disrupted with home
new skills and discover they might not repairs; school and education
be doing things quite right. What do
you say to parents with this concern? changes; and family difficulties.
How can emotion coaching
Emotion coaching for Knowledge about the importance of emotion
coaching is new information. While it’s natural
support our children experiencing
ongoing anxiety?
the earthquake generation for parents to feel guilty about what they haven’t
done in the past, no one can apply skills they
don’t know about. We’re increasing our
Anxiety is the sort of feeling that can stay for a
long time even when a child feels heard and
knowledge about children’s development all the supported. So as well as responding with
time—for example, most mothers now know empathy, parents need to teach children skills
not to drink heavily through pregnancy—and as to manage their anxious feelings. We can teach
we learn new ways of doing things, we can just children ways to breathe slowly and relax, to
adopt them as they come to light. tense and release when they’re stressed, and
to use props like a necklace or pounamu that
Q1. Why do children need to Q3. What happens for a child when they can touch when feeling worried or doing
learn emotional competence? his or her emotions are supported? Q6. You grew up in Christchurch hard things.
and enjoyed a typical idyllic kiwi
When children can understand and regulate Several things happen. Firstly, the child Parents also need to tune in to children’s
childhood. In recent years, our different fears and worries, so they can
their emotional world, they experience feels heard, understood, connected, and
children in the South Island have recognise when a child’s big feelings around
increased self-confidence, greater physical not alone with his or her big, overwhelming
health, better performance in school, feelings. This helps the child to calm down.
experienced a far less idyllic start: a small issue, such as the frustration of their
SOPHIE HAVIGHUR and healthier social relationships. 10,000 plus earthquakes have shaken toast being buttered the wrong way are
ST Secondly, an emotion-coaching parent often them in their formative years.
is a child clinical psyc actually caused by the small issue triggering
hologist helps put words to what the child is feeling and
and an Associate Pr How can emotion coaching help underlying anxious feelings.
ofessor at Q2. I’m a warm and loving parent. experiencing. For example, the parent might
the University of Os
lo in Norway
our children and their families?
Isn’t that enough? say, while hugging the child close, “it sounds like
and the University of
Melbourne, you don’t want to go to school today” or “you’re As loving parents, it can be difficult to see our Q8. Traditionally, NZ men
Australia. Along wi Warm and loving parenting is fantastic for
th co-author worried Suzie won’t play with you again”. This children in pain, and so we try to protect them haven’t been encouraged to
Ann Harley, she deve kids. One of the main predictors of good from it—we try to distract them or give them
loped process helps shift the child’s experience from show their feelings. How do
the Tuning in to Kids outcomes for kids is the level of warmth in a rational thinking strategies. These can be
(TIK) the feeling part of the brain to the thinking part, dads typically respond to TIK?
parenting program family and in the parent-child relationship. helpful, but we miss the emotion involved.
me, which is so the child achieves greater self awareness.
now in use around th Sometimes parents need to do the opposite— The response from dads is usually very
e world. However, love and warmth don’t necessarily
they need to allow their child to express his positive. They like having an opportunity to
Sophie grew up in Ch lead to emotional competence. A child may
ristchurch, or her strong feelings of, for example, fear learn skills around emotion that they were
and on a recent visit feel good about themselves and have good self
back to NZ and worry about earthquakes. never taught growing up, and they typically
was happy to catch esteem, but they may not learn about emotions
up with us. In At Tuning in to Kids (TIK) we encourage parents adopt and engage with the skills very, very
particular, she had so unless you explore and talk with them about
me helpful to slow down and hear their child’s pain before well. In fact, in the trials for our “Dads
tips for South Island emotions. That will take your child further.
parents. rushing in with a solution such as, “it’s OK, we’ll do Tuning in to Kids” programme, we got
this, this, and this”. some of the biggest changes from fathers.
For example, first be connected physically
to your child; hold him or her close, rocking
or stroking as well if necessary. This helps
Winter 2018 6 7 People Helping People
THREE VOLUNTEERS, THREE JOURNEYS, MARILYN
ALASDAIR
THREE WORDS OF ADVICE:
JUST DO IT!
Alasdair Freeborn’s experience is similar to Shane’s in that he started to Marilyn McLellan is no stranger to
volunteer with Enliven after health issues ended his dairy farming career. volunteering—she’s spent years donating time and energy
Ongoing autoimmune disease now makes paid work impossible. to children, young people, and now older people. These days she hosts an
Fortunately for Alasdair, he lives in Ashburton, where both he and Enliven HomeShare group in north Christchurch.
Presbyterian Support are members of Mid Canterbury TimeBank. TimeBank When asked what she gets out of volunteering, Marilyn’s voice gets
is a community circle of giving in which members—local organisations dreamy and thoughtful. “There’s just something that you can’t put a
and individuals—share skills with each other. Members earn time credits name to,” she says. “You hear the joy and laughter of people who might
for the work they do, and then use those credits to “buy” another member's be living on their own and wouldn’t experience that joy if it weren’t for
time to get the services they need. Everyone's time is equal, regardless your help. There’s this immense satisfaction from knowing you’ve made
of the type of work, so one hour always equals one time credit. Alasdair somebody’s day better.”
volunteers for Presbyterian Support (Enliven) as a van driver, earning Marilyn has learnt important life lessons through her years as a
Enliven and Family Works volunteers are vital to the work we do at Presbyterian time credits whenever he does so. He then redeems his credits for weekly volunteer. “Patience is a big one,” she says. “I’ll teach one of our members
Support—last year 297 volunteers donated 32,409 hours! When surveyed, housecleaning, plus gardening tasks, meals, and baking. with Alzheimer’s the same board game week after week, and each time
he says ‘I’ve never played this before’. You do that for six weeks and you
85% of these volunteers believed they make a positive difference in their It took Alasdair a long time to adjust to not working anymore. Initially
just get over yourself.”
he was devastated. However, volunteering gave him a new purpose.
community, and that volunteering improves their own lives too. Alasdair now makes deposits in TimeBank as often as he can, so that She’s also learnt to “serve others in the way they need to be served, not in
if his health issues worsen he can access more support in the future. the way I want to serve them”. Marilyn ensures she works with members’
ing for
We are always look our Enliven Through volunteering, Alasdair says he’s “met the most fantastic people”. wants, needs, and idiosyncrasies; whether that’s not eating vegetables
at
volunteers to help older people. And funnily enough, his advice is the same as Shane’s: at the meal, only using a particular bathroom, or listening to the same
m m es fo r stories over and over again because it’s important to them.
day progra
ly , su pported “Just do it. You’ve got nothing to lose and “Volunteering has made me more aware of people in situations I hadn’t
Shane Torrance was
Join our frie nd
make a everything to gain.” thought of before, particularly the elderly. It’s easy to think that because
volunteer team to
recognised recently
an older person has their own home and their own family that they’re
by Volunteer Nelson
en ce .
with their Nominated positive differ Note: Presbyterian Support Mid Canterbury earns TimeBank credits via OK. But they may not be.” Marilyn says she’s more likely to say hello to
apply, visit office space at the Trevor Wilson Centre...by the hour, of course! elderly people in the supermarket, or offer to help them now than she
To learn more or to
Volunteer Award.
ersouth.
was before.
www.enlivenupp TimeBank circles are located all around the upper South Island—
Marilyn’s advice for others considering volunteering is in the same vein
org.nz/volunteer. i
Addington, Lyttelton, Motueka, Hurunui, Ashburton, New Brighton,
Selwyn, Sumner, Waimakariri, and Ōtākaro. Learn more at as Shane’s and Alasdair’s:
He aroha whakatō,
he aroha puta ma
all receive.
www.timebank.org.nz.
“Go for it,” she says. “Give it a go. What you
then kindness you sh
If kindness is sown,
get out of it is much more than you expect.”
SHANE A Crossword for the Season
Shane Torrance doesn’t fit the stereotype of a volunteer at an Because Shane knows what it feels like to almost lose his ACROSS
older person’s day programme. And with his shaved head, tattoos, independence, he enjoys helping others who may be struggling 4. Oral traditions.
6. A fine NZ wool used for warm clothing.
and heavy-metal t-shirts, for a while he struggled to break into with theirs. “Shane is a great example to our Totara members 8. Handy footwear for rainy days.
volunteering at all. But Shane’s appearance belies a big soft dealing with memory or physical challenges of their own,” said Trish 12. Your genealogy. (Māori)
heart,and now the older ladies who once wouldn’t let him Armstrong, Day Programme Coordinator. “Shane still lives alone 14. What sound do autumn leaves make?
hold their handbags while they climbed into the Enliven van, independently, and he doesn’t let his disabilities slow him down.” 16. At Matariki families gather to share yummy what? (Māori)
call him their friend. 17. A popular jacket made of down.
Through volunteering Shane has developed an extensive network 18. A cream-coloured root vegetable.
About four years ago Shane started volunteering one day a week and made many, many friends. And for anyone considering
DOWN
at Nelson’s Totara club. “I was just looking for something to do,” he volunteering, he has this advice:
1. "Look out, look out! Jack who is about?"
said. A painter and decorator by trade, Shane had lost his legs and
some eyesight as a result of Type 1 Diabetes. He could no longer "Just do it. You’ll get far more out 2. Living ancestors. In Māori, tipuna.
3. A popular winter sport in NZ.
work,and was “going crazy” at home.
of it than you put in – even if the 5.Matariki will officially
be celebrated on the 15th day of what month in 2018?
Now Shane volunteers on four van runs and two Totara
programmes per week, and is paid to work in the kitchen three people you’re helping need it more 7. Matariki is a good time to renew your new year's what?
9. The Matariki cluster contains seven of these.
times per week. At Totara Club he helps with morning tea, chats than you.” 10. Our unique Aotearoa new year celebration.
with members, and helps with activities, such as calling for Housie. 11. Another word for autumn.
12. The coldest season.
13. Long and knitted, an essential garment in winter.
15. A gourd that makes a tasty soup.
Winter 2018 8 9 People Helping People
I'll meet you at the Trash Lab!
Kids find social connection through
the ordinary magic of play
Haere rā and goodbye to lonely
lunchtimes, boredom, and bullying—
Creativity and
there’s a homegrown play project
spreading through kiwi schools right now.
social connection The Trash Lab team. From left, Vivienne Wallace,
Dr Sarah Suckling, Keryn Davis, and Sharon Manson.
It’s called the Trash Lab, and it’s giving NZ Mā te tuakana te teina e tōtika,
children a space at school to connect with Mā te teina te tuakana e tōtika
one another through free creative play. The older will lead the younger and the
younger will lead the older
For many children, lunchtime is the best part of the
school day. The sports field, adventure playground, “We knew the Trash Lab would really
and library can be favourite spaces to play soccer work for certain kids,” says Sarah.
or tag, hang out with friends, or retreat with a
good book. But for others lunchtime can be lonely
“But we didn’t expect a quarter of the A happier place to be
school to turn up some days.” Carl Scurr, also a teacher at Thorrington, is a
or socially fraught, and altogether too long.
When the bell goes, children rush to the Trash frequent visitor to the Trash Lab when he’s
In mid-2016, some parents at Thorrington Primary Lab to nab their desired materials, then the race on duty. “When the Trash Lab’s open there’s
in Christchurch partnered with the school to is on to maximise the 45 minutes of play before really not that much for me to do," he says.
address the needs of their own children who were lunchtime is over. Forts are a popular build, followed “It makes the whole school playground a
struggling with lunchtimes. “Thorrington is a by vehicles of every type; swings are built out of old happier place to be.”
fantastic school,” says Vivienne Wallace, a parent bicycle inner tubes and fabric. A visitor to the Trash But the benefits of the Trash Lab extend
and co-creator of the Trash Lab. “But kids will Lab might see a movie theatre, a funeral procession, beyond lunchtimes to children’s homes and
be kids. And some of our boys in particular, who a fashion show, a space ship, even a massage table. families. It’s turned some children’s experience
were all great kids--smart, lively, imaginative, and And the play is active--children will chase, drag, of school right around—from not wanting to
kind--were experiencing conflict of some sort every or pull resources around the entire space. go to school, to being happy to do so.
lunchtime. Even within their own friendship group.”
Throughout the session older children play with “After the Trash Lab opened, we didn’t hear
Sarah Suckling, another co-creator and parent younger ones, children find playmates outside their any stories of lunchtime conflict at home
said, “The devil finds work for idle hands. own social group, siblings play together, and children again for a long, long time,” says Vivienne.
We knew our boys just needed something alone find a playmate (or they can happily play “And many parents have told us the same.”
to do, but they weren’t interested in kicking by themselves). And as they work on their shared
balls through goals. Not every child is.” projects, children collaborate and problem solve, The Trash Lab team are now on a mission to
learning social skills along the way. As Brigette Bilbe, spread the happiness to schools all around
So the parents embarked on an initiative to
a teacher and parent at Thorrington describes it, NZ. Several other Christchurch schools have
introduce “loose parts” play to lunchtimes,
“They work together, share resources and ideas, look introduced Trash Labs, and there’s even one
and so the Trash Lab was born. Loose parts are
after each other, compromise, compliment each at Mt Cook school in Wellington.
“materials that can be moved, carried, combined,
other, and even argue a bit, which is good too!” To learn more, e-mail Vivienne at
taken apart and put back together in multiple
trashlab.play@gmail.com.
ways”, and they give children unlimited options
for using them imaginatively. At the Trash Lab,
Brigette often takes time after lunch to debrief with “When children play, they don’t just
children about their Trash Lab experiences. “They
these materials include old tyres, tent material, talk about their creations a lot,” she says. “There are have fun and learn social skills; they also
road cones, carpet squares, bicycle inner tubes,
computer keyboards, and other large-scale junk.
often reports of squabbles, usually over sharing, but
we talk about the problem and then model what
express their experiences and feelings. When children are
All the materials are stored in a shed designated
to a play-friendly space on the school grounds.
could have been said to help the situation.” given space and time to simply play (without technology!) they
Each lunchtime, two parent volunteers open the Victoria Newcombe, a parent at Thorrington, is
shed to oversee the parts’ removal and return. also Family Works service manager and a Child / process worries and concerns through role play and narrative. Basically,
Family Psychologist . She says, "Not only does they use play to put their life into order. Giving South Island children space
the Trash Lab allow children to be
creative, use social skills, and mix to play at school, in particular, supports them to process some of the major
with peers outside their own classes; events and upheavals they’ve experienced in their early years.”
it also involves parents and teachers,
and it builds and models a sense of Merle Brown, FamilyWorks play therapist in Ashburton.
community within the school."
Winter 2018 2
10 11 People Helping People
Youth Service is a Work and Income
The Youth Service provides initiative with eligibility criteria, so the
young people 16-19 years Family Works team also helps with the
old with coaching and application process if necessary.
mentoring to help them Youth Coaches support youth to:
into education, training ✔ Complete their Youth Payment or
or work-based learning. Young Parent Payment applications
Our youth coaches also ✔ Better manage their money
support the teens with ✔ Assess and access education options
✔ Stay healthy and well
day-to-day issues while
they’re getting sorted.
✔ Be a good parent (if they have children)
Coaches also serve as advocates, making
Pumpkin
sure youth receive the assistance they’re
entitled to. (or Kumara!) Pie
YOUNG PEOPLE
Pumpkin pie is a traditional dish
in the USA for Thanksgiving Day.
How about using our own seasonal
pumpkins or kumara in this dessert
ACHIEVE SUCCESS
to recognise the thanks we give at
Matariki?!
Pie Filling:
IN THE YOUTH SERVICE 3 x eggs
¾ C sugar
½ t cinnamon
1/8 t nutmeg
2017 was a standout year for young people in the These positive results are significant because the Youth Service ½ t ginger
Youth Service achieving NCEA results and "aging out" works with some of the most vulnerable young people in Pinch cloves
Sarah has worked hard to Pinch salt
society. Many have grown up in complex family situations
of the Youth Service with the skills and confidence to become independent and learn 2 C pureed pumpkin (or kumara)
experiencing high levels of risk and adversity, have had limited
live independently. They are either finding employment support from family and whanau, and have needed financial to live with very little money. She 2 C light cream or whole milk
,
or moving on to further studies/training without assistance from the government from an early age to survive. attributes her positive attitude 1 purchased Flaky Pie Crust
needing to go on a benefit of any kind. about the Youth Service to the (or make your own)
Sarah s
Substantial long-term research from NZ and overseas
relationship she has with her Preheat the oven to 180°C.
indicates that the kind of disadvantaged start these young
people experience often leads to poor long-term life
Youth Coach.
In total, Beat the eggs with the sugar, then
107
outcomes, including the risk that they will remain dependent “She’s amazing, like wow—she’s like a
Story
add the spices and salt. Stir in the
on government financial assistance for most of their lives. good friend—she’s very easy to talk to, pumpkin puree and then the light
very supportive, a real confidence builder; cream/whole milk. Warm this
The success our young people in she just makes everything so easy to work mixture in a medium saucepan
with. She was totally on my side with my over medium-low heat, stirring
young people working Christchurch, Ashburton, Greymouth, goals to get me where I can be and to be occasionally, until it is hot to the
with Youth Service Blenheim and Nelson have achieved the best person I can be. She always made touch; do not boil.
achieved NCEA Meanwhile, is a credit to their own hard work and Sarah (not her real name) was involved sure I was in a very safe house when I was
178
Warm the pie crust in the oven for a
with the Youth Service for over two boarding, and really looked out for me.”
success. dedication, and to their youth coaches. years. “The Youth Payment made school Sarah passed year 13 at school “and I did it
few minutes then remove and place
the pie plate on a baking sheet.
accessible for me” she says. “Before, I purely because my Youth Coach pushed me”.
was trying to work and go to school Pour the filling mixture into the hot
young people exited the THEY NOW HAVE as well. It just wasn’t working though.
Every single day I was on the go, and
Sarah is confident about moving on to
tertiary study. When asked what she is
crust and bake 30-40 minutes until
the mixture shakes like jelly but is
Youth Service without
going onto another HOPE FOR A it was very stressful. I’m able to go
to school now and not stress about
most proud of achieving during her time
with the Youth Service, Sarah replied
still quite moist. Cool on a rack and
serve warm or at room temperature.
benefit. BRIGHTER FUTURE. finance and stuff.” “knowing I have a bright future”. Based on a recipe by Mark Bittman
Winter 2018 12 13 People Helping People
NELSON
he Region Volunteers from Afar……
Around t
Nelson Day Programmes have
had volunteers all the way from Nelson
Germany! Barbora and Wiebke are Marlboro
ugh
studying Art Therapy in Germany.
In order to complete the practical
component of their degree, they West Coa
st
are spending three months with MARLBOROUGH
the Enliven day programmes in
Nelson. Of course, the women have Friday Night Sports North Ca
nterb ury
combined their studies with plenty Programme for Teens Mid Can
terb Christchu
of touring around the country. ury rch
For four weeks in March, Blenheim
The students have facilitated many youth got to hang out at the
group activities. A couple of the Sundown Sports Series, trying
topics were ‘symbols’ and ‘body new sports, learning about a
image’ which brought about great healthy lifestyle, and making MID CANTERBURY
WEST COAST discussions on Māori culture and new social connections. The Parenting Week
tattooing. The girls were very Series was so popular that
CHRISTCHURCH A Very HomeShare interested to learn about New another is planned for 2019.
in Ashburton
Children’s Day, March 4th Christmas on the Zealand culture and our Totara For the first time ever, Ashburton
After burgers, wraps, or Subway and
West Coast members appointed themselves
sugar free beverages, teens aged
hosted its own Parenting Week.Parents
Face painting, Anyone? Or beading? Or stone painting? Or... as unofficial tour guides on the around the district were encouraged
The Christchurch Family Works team again made for a lively presence at the They threatened to return in 12–18 learnt about healthy eating,
“must see and do” of our country. to register for a free week of activities
city’s 2018 Children’s Day event by offering all of the above. Led by Julie Forman, December and they did! managing anxiety, and community
and seminars with an aim to provide
volunteers laboured away in the hot sun, painting earnest upturned faces and law; and received drug and alcohol
Following an “amazing” mid-winter support and education to all.
tying beaded bracelets onto tiny wrists. They were just a small subset of the over advice. Attendees then tried hockey,
party, 54 HomeShare clients and staff
200 volunteers taking part in Children’s Day to make it a fantastic community badminton, futsal, and basketball. The week kicked off with a
on the West Coast returned to
event for everyone. “Even hip hop and Scottish longball parenting expo. “I fully support this
Reefton for a Christmas party at
were thrown in,” said Darlene opportunity for parents to learn
Dawson’s Hotel.
Purdie, Family Works mentoring more about services available
Special guest Vaughan Milner, PSUSI coordinator in Marlborough. in Ashburton, as we all know
CEO, travelled over to join them, and parenting is about the hardest job
The sports were
was treated to a Christmas-themed you can do,” said Jackie Girvan, PS
delivered by local clubs
game of pass the parcel, a yummy Mid Canterbury Regional
and any skill level
lunch, and live piano and guitar Manager. “At the expo
could try. If teens
entertainment. Again, children from Presbyterian Support
tried a sport and
Sacred Heart School came to sing. showcased the wealth of
liked it, they could
NORTH CANTERBURY It was another fabulous outing for parenting resources we
connect with the
West Coast HomeShare. offer through Family Works,
“Live and Give” Seniors club to learn how
including play therapy,
to join. “About
Expo in Rangiora ten Family Works
Incredible Years parenting, and
social and counselling support .”
Recently several community groups, including PSUSI, organised an event families came
to support the wellbeing of older people in the Waimakariri and Hurunui along,” said Speakers and experts provided
Districts. The title of the event, “Live and Give” reflects the importance Darlene. “It was tips and tools for building
of learning from each other’s culture and celebrating movinginto a great way to stronger families. Catherine
the older years, rather than seeing it as a time of loss. spend a Friday night.” Gallagher, a Christchurch
psychologist and recent contributor
Approximately 270 people attended the expo, which was held at the Sundown Sports Series was hosted
to People Helping People magazine,
Rangiora Baptist Church hall on Wednesday, February 28th. At least by Marlborough Youth Trust with
began the week of evening seminars
50 stall holders highlighted the range of services and opportunities support from the Marlborough
with a booked-out session on
in the region that are relevant to older people. Older people from the District Council, Red Cross, Cancer
Understanding & Managing
community spoke about what makes them feel connected, and a Society, and Family Works.
Children's Anxiety.
specialist medical team spoke about healthy aging.
It is hoped that Parenting Week will be
The event was funded by the CDHB, Rangiora-Ashley Community
offered every other year.
Board, and Riccarton Rotary.
Winter 2018 14 15 People Helping People
Crossword Answers from p9.
"The true measure
of any society Yes! I want to help.
can be found in
how it treats its Please help us to support our community. Complete and return this form,
or visit www.psuppersouth.org.nz/get-involved.
most vulnerable
members." 1 Please tick how you would like to show your support:
Mahatma Ghandi By becoming a Guardian Angel at $30 a month
By becoming a volunteer (go to Question 4)
By making a gift
I have left a gift to Presbyterian Support USI in my will
I would like information about leaving a gift in my will
I would like information about giving by automatic payment
2 My gift is (please circle): $250 $100 $50 $25 $10
Jackie Girvan: Retiring from PS Mid OUR MAJOR At Presbyterian Support Other $
SUPPORTERS we are on a mission to
Canterbury, but Not from Her Community PS IS FUNDED BY end social poverty in 3 Please tick your preferred payment method:
New Zealand. We are Internet banking 06-0801-0678233-01 (Ref. donor # if you have one.)
Back in 2003, when Jackie Girvan first took However, there’s no doubt that Jackie’s
up her post as Regional Manager in Mid leadership, ability to make things happen, working towards our goal Cheque (Payable to Presbyterian Support Upper South Island)
Canterbury, Presbyterian Support in and attention to staff and community by supporting vulnerable Visa Mastercard
Mid Canterbury employed six staff and needs have contributed enormously to
offered just two support programmes. growing Presbyterian Support’s impact in
children, young people, Card number
As she prepares to retire this year, Jackie Ashburton. Notably, Jackie has focused on families, and older people
Name on card
leaves a robust organisation in her wake;
one that she has grown to 20+ staff
the issue of social housing, and last year
Presbyterian Support successfully partnered
to become safe, strong,
supporting 11 programmes—the centre with a private investor to open some shared and connected. Expiry date
helps approximately 1,000 local Mid accommodation for older people. Following
Cantabrians every year. Jackie also managed this initiative, the Ashburton Housing Signature
10%
PS West Coast operations during 2011-2015. and Support Trust has been established,
Jackie believes Presbyterian Support’s growth
which aims to provide affordable rental 4 My contact details are:
accommodation for older people.
in the Ashburton region wouldn’t have been Name
possible without the generosity and support Initially, Jackie had no concrete plans of Presbyterian Support
of the local community. Local groups such as post-retirement apart from “sleeping in” (USI) funding comes Address
the Trevor Wilson Trust, Community Trust and “sitting back for a while to see what
of Mid and South Canterbury, Ashburton happens”. However, though she doesn’t
from donations, bequests
Trust, the Ashburton Benevolent Trust and finish work till June, already Jackie is and grants. Phone
the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation give committed to chairing the new Ashburton
significant funding. Housing and Support Trust and contributing
as a trustee to the Ashburton Benevolent
Will you help? E-mail
“Without them we wouldn’t have the Trust. More community tinkering is sure to Date of birth / /
services we do. All the money that’s come with mentoring roles and volunteering
given locally is spent locally, it can’t also in the pipeline. From time to time we’d like to update you on what we are doing. If you would
go elsewhere,” she said. prefer not to receive mail from us please tick this box.
With her background in nursing and health,
“Also so many wonderful small and all the experience and skills she has to
things happen because of our offer, not to mention her commitment to the
Ashburton community, Jackie’s departure
5 Please post to:
Presbyterian Support Upper South Island,
networks, the networks we have in Freepost 60373,
will be a great loss to Presbyterian Support
the community, with other agencies PO Box 13171, Christchurch 8141
USI, but her valuable contributions to Mid
and with health agencies". Canterbury will carry on.
All donations are receipted. Gifts over $5.00 are tax deductible.
y.
NZ Charities Register #CC21765 Thank you for your generosit
Winter 2018 16 People Helping PeopleYou can also read
