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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"Margaret Ellmers might have decided to retire but the 80-year-old isn’t the type to sit back on her laurels and let the days drift by."

The kindness of Margaret

"Naomi* has faced some incredible suffering and her son, Jack*, wasn't doing well in school until we started working with the young whānau."

Naomi's story

"What are the chances of an 11-year-old boy, born into poverty, family violence, drug use and neglect? What kind of future might he face?"

The best day ever!

"Fifty-year-old single man Michael*, came to Presbyterian Support in a distressed state, not sure who he could turn to for help. "

One proud mamma!

"Moving day is often not without its challenges, but for 80-year-old Ngaire*, those challenges were almost a bridge too far. Enter Enliven East Christchurch Kaumātua Service social worker Immy!"

Moving day

"For many of us, accessing medical help is something we can happily rely on but for others, barriers exist, particularly if a person’s first language isn’t English and communication can be fraught."

Support and perseverance pays off

"Presbyterian Support Kaiāwhina Deidre Carroll and Hutika Crofts-Gibbs approach their work in a culturally sensitive way when helping kaumātua, fostering whakawhānaungtanga by making connections."

Mana enhancing essential to Kaiāwhina

"Muriel Morgan could have retired. She could now be living the dream, putting up her feet and enjoying a life of leisure! But Muriel’s got other things on her mind and age certainly isn’t a barrier!"

Promotion will bring new opportunities

"When Amanda* was the victim of domestic violence she found out how Presbyterian Support could help and now, thanks to our White Ribbon accreditation, we're taking that a step further."

Amanda's story

"Melbin Varghese saw a great opportunity to meet people when he saw an ad for a volunteer van assistant to help transport Enliven members to and from their homes."

Meet Melbin Varghese

"With three children living at home, an out-of-work father, and historical domestic violence, a family is struggling."

Keeping families safe

"When Becky's* son started acting up at school, a parenting course proved to be a winner!"

Help for the whole whānau