Our stories

The people we work with, the trials they face, and the challenges they hope to overcome are told in the many stories we have written (with their consent).

Their stories remind us of why we are a charity, dedicated to helping vulnerable children, young people, families/whānau and older people so that they can have meaningful, connected lives.

Below are some of those stories. As you'll see, these people have faced adversity but have faced their challenges with audacity and bravery, having been helped by our team of trained social workers, psychologists and counsellors.

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"Presbyterian Support provides services to many disadvantaged sectors of our community; however, a disproportionate percentage of our clients are Māori. "

Our Co-Governance Journey

"A few tears and upsets are a part of an active, healthy childhood, but a pattern of anxiety-fuelled outbursts were a warning sign for Kim*."

From Frustration to Validation

"In our journey to make a real difference in people’s lives, we met Jane*, a courageous individual with a history of trauma who was facing an immense challenge."

Collaboration Transforms Lives

"Sarah Campbell has been a volunteer mentor with Presbyterian Support since December 2021. Thanks to this and her psychology background, she has just landed a full-time role with the organisation."

Volunteer lands permanent youth coach role

"Tuning Into Kids™(TIK) is a parenting programme which helps parents teach their children/tamariki how to understand and regulate their emotions, and how to communicate how they feel. "

Tuning Into Kids for deeper connections

"While retiring can be a reward for years of hard work, it is also a time of significant change. It is essential to take the time to understand the process and plan for this important life journey."

Preparing for an exceptional retirement

"Mighty Minds is a six-week programme for children aged 12-14 in Christchurch who are referred to Presbyterian Support, or are currently on the waiting list for individual therapy services."

Growing Mighty Minds

"Presbyterian Support Upper South Island is on a cultural journey to honour its responsibilities to TeTiriti o Waitangi. Meet our current Māori Board members."

An introduction to our Māori Board members

"Problems began for 9-year-old Max* following COVID-19 lockdown, when ‘bubbles’ became the only way to safely connect with others. He was separated from all his friends and really struggled to cope."

Escaping the bubble and regaining independence

"20-year-old Ari has experienced many traumas and challenges throughout his early years and found himself in the care of Oranga Tamariki due to extensive family harm."

Breaking the cycle of family dysfunction

"After noticing that 10-year-old Ashton* would repeatedly ask his parents who would be collecting him from school each day, his school principal realised there might be an issue."

Fighting back against the internal monsters

"Esther* is a 72-year-old woman, who was married for 47 years. Unfortunately, the relationship became increasingly controlling and abusive, and Esther was granted a permanent protection order."

Rebuilding for a happier future