People HELPING PEOPLE - The best day ever! - Presbyterian Support Upper South Island

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People HELPING PEOPLE - The best day ever! - Presbyterian Support Upper South Island
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
People HELPING PEOPLE - The best day ever! - Presbyterian Support Upper South Island
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
People HELPING PEOPLE - The best day ever! - Presbyterian Support Upper South Island
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
People HELPING PEOPLE - The best day ever! - Presbyterian Support Upper South Island
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
People HELPING PEOPLE - The best day ever! - Presbyterian Support Upper South Island
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
People HELPING PEOPLE - The best day ever! - Presbyterian Support Upper South Island
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
People HELPING PEOPLE - The best day ever! - Presbyterian Support Upper South Island
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
People HELPING PEOPLE - The best day ever! - Presbyterian Support Upper South Island
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
People HELPING PEOPLE - The best day ever! - Presbyterian Support Upper South Island
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
People HELPING PEOPLE - The best day ever! - Presbyterian Support Upper South Island
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-involved
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