Our regions are filled with stories of people looking out for one another. With teams based in Christchurch to Nelson, Marlborough, and the West Coast, we offer support that fits the rhythm and needs of each community.
For one Greymouth mum, the Youth Transition Service has been a lifeline of patience, understanding, and hope. Raising two teenage boys on her own has not been easy, but she says the support of the team has made all the difference.
Her eldest son first connected with the team in 2020 and slowly built the confidence to step out on his own. Encouraged by that success, her youngest son joined the programme last year. With gentle guidance and regular check-ins, he began setting small goals, building trust, and facing his anxiety head-on.
Together they worked to prepare for his learner's licence, and he passed the test in just ten minutes. Since then, he has completed Ready for Work training, connected with MSD, and started applying for jobs, slowly building confidence along the way.
“As a single mum, I’ve done my best to raise two good boys, but it hasn’t always been easy,” she says. “The support from the Family Works team has been a blessing. They helped me breathe a little easier knowing someone else cared too.”
Our community recently came together for a whakawātea (ground blessing) at the site of our new Enliven Centre in Upper Riccarton.
Kaumātua from Ngāi Tūāhuriri led the ceremony, filling the space with karakia, gratitude, and hope for what this new centre will bring. Thanks to the vision and generosity of the St Ninian’s Presbyterian Church parish committee, we were able to purchase the land after nearly 12 years of searching for the right site.
The new centre will be a safe, welcoming place for older people to connect and enjoy time together. Construction is underway, with doors set to open in late 2026, marking an exciting new chapter for our Riccarton community.
In our Nelson office, learning and connection have been growing side by side. Rachel Summers, one of our Social Work students, has brought a fresh energy to the team and a new way to connect.
Rachel, who is deaf, has been teaching her colleagues a few New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) signs each week with the help of her interpreter. Her interpreter, who is also studying te reo Māori, has encouraged the team to grow their confidence in te reo and join in with waiata.
In October, Ashburton hosted the Move Well, Age Well Expo, a lively community event focused on helping older adults stay active, strong, and connected. More than 150 people came together to try Tai Chi, Aqua Fit, and Pickleball, and to learn simple ways to keep moving with confidence.
Visitors chatted with local health and community groups about nutrition, balance, home safety, and social connection.
“It’s great to be a part of this annual event, helping connect people with community initiatives and services that support wellbeing. We always get to meet new people and learn something new,” says Jenny Gill, Enliven Services and HomeShare Co-ordinator.
It was smiles all round as Tōtara Club members set off for a sunny day at Kaituna Ridges Family Farm. The hills were green, the dogs were in action, and the welcome was as warm as ever.
Members loved watching the dog trial, meeting new lambs, and learning more about life on a working sheep farm. Lunch in the wool shed was a highlight, with picnic baskets, stories shared, and plenty of laughter over cups of tea.
A big thank you to the Kaituna team for a wonderful day of fun, friendship, and connection.
