Presbyterian Support Upper South Island

27/08/2026

As spring begins to make itself known, it’s lovely to see daffodils blooming again, bringing a little colour and hope after the winter months.

For many of us, the daffodil also holds a deeper meaning. Cancer has touched the lives of so many people we know, love and care about.

This Friday is Daffodil Day. We acknowledge those living with cancer, remember those we have lost, and recognise the whānau, friends and communities who walk alongside them.

A simple flower, but such a powerful symbol of hope, care and connection. 🌼💛

26/08/2026

Calling all West Coast locals!

If you or an older person you know lives in Ahaura or the surrounding area, our Older Persons Lunch Group is a lovely way to get out and about, meet new people and enjoy some good company.

Join us every Thursday at the Ahaura Hotel Cafe for a relaxed day together, with plenty of conversation, connection and a tasty lunch.

Every Thursday from 10am–2pm.
Ahaura Hotel Cafe - Transport can be provided.

We’d love to welcome some new faces, so please spread the word to someone who might enjoy coming along. 😊

Contact Clair today for more information:
Phone: 021 616 4225
Email: [email protected]

25/08/2026

Our Whakatū/Nelson team have created a visual and meaningful way to reflect on how the Articles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi show up in their everyday mahi.

It’s a practical way for the team to keep learning, reflecting and strengthening how they work together and alongside the people and whānau they support.

A wonderful example of our cultural journey continuing to grow through everyday actions and shared learning. 🎀👏🏻📣🎉🤸🏼‍♀️🎊

Kia ngākau tapatahi te mahi tahi o te katoa i runga i te whakaaro kotahi.
Everyone working together with one heart and one purpose in mind. 💙

17/08/2026

A lovely bit of news to share! 💙

A huge thank you to the WR Kettle Trust for a generous grant of $2,500 to support our work.

This is the first time we’ve received funding from the Trust, and we’re incredibly grateful for their support. The funding will help bridge a gap in service costs, helping our team continue to be there for people in our community when they need it.

Every grant like this helps make good things possible, from meaningful conversations and connections to practical support and positive outcomes for the people we work alongside.

Thank you, WR Kettle Trust, for backing our mahi and helping us continue to make a difference. 💙

13/08/2026

A $10,000 boost for local parents and whānau!!

We’re delighted to have received $10,000 from the Farina Thomson Charitable Trust to support our Tuning in to Kids® parenting programme.

Through programmes such as Dads Tuning in to Kids® and Tuning in to Teens®, parents and caregivers gain practical tools to better understand their children’s emotions, strengthen communication and build more connected relationships at home.

As one parent who attended the programme shared: “I understand my child so much better now. Instead of jumping in to fix things, I’ve learned to listen, slow down and really hear what they’re feeling. It’s made such a difference in our home.” – Parent participant

This generous funding will help more parents and caregivers access the programme and feel supported as they navigate the everyday joys and challenges of raising tamariki.

A huge thank you to the Farina Thomson Charitable Trust for investing in our local whānau. Support like this creates ripples that reach far beyond the programme itself. 💙

13/08/2026

Some heroes don't wear capes. They give a little each month.

Regular giving provides certainty, helping ensure support is there for local children, young people and families when it's needed most.

Become a Change Champion and help create lasting impact all year round.

Learn more here and sign up today!
https://bit.ly/MonthlyFamilyGift

12/08/2026

Have your say in shaping the future of Aotearoa! Enrol. Vote. Be heard!

Today is International Youth Day! 🙌 Did you know you can apply to enrol when you’re still 17?!

Get ready to have your say and fill out an enrolment form now - on your 18th birthday we’ll automatically enrol you and you’ll be ready to vote. 🗳

As rangatahi, enrolling and voting means you get to have a say on who you want representing you in Parliament and making decisions on issues that matter to you.

For the 2026 General Election, if you’re going to be 18 before (or on) 7 November, you need to make sure you apply to enrol by ❗ midnight 25 October ❗ so that you’re able to vote.

Find out more at vote.nz/enrol and don't forget to tag your mates 👀

11/08/2026

A huge thank you to the wonderful Lions Club of Hinds and Districts for donating 10 x 10kg bags of potatoes for us to gift forward to people and whānau we support in Ashburton. 🥔❤️

Pictured are President Bryan Beeston and Annette, who helped make this generous delivery happen.

It might seem like a simple thing, but practical support like this can make a real difference to a household, especially when everyday costs keep adding up.

We’re so grateful to have community groups looking out for local people and sharing what they can. 100kg of potatoes and a whole lot of community spirit!

04/08/2026

Every act of kindness helps bring warmth this winter. 🫶🏻

As our Winter Appeal continues, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has already donated.

Your generosity is helping children, young people, families and older people across the Upper South Island access the support they need during some of life's most challenging moments.

Whether it's counselling, social work, parenting support, mentoring, or helping an older person stay connected to their community, every donation helps create hope, connection and brighter days ahead.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. 💪💪💪
My strength is not mine alone, but comes from the strength of many.

If you've already given, thank you for standing alongside your community. If you're thinking about making a gift, there's still time to help bring warmth, hope and connection to those who need it most this winter.

Please show your support: https://bit.ly/SupportForBrighterDays

Together, we can make a lasting difference. 💙

03/08/2026

Did you know? For more than 116 years, Presbyterian Support Upper South Island has been walking alongside people through life's ups and downs.

Every day, we support children, young people, families and older people across Christchurch, North Canterbury, Mid Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough and the West Coast. 🌟🌟🌟

That support looks different for everyone. It might be:

🏡 A social worker helping a family through a challenging time.
💬 Counselling for someone who needs a safe space to talk.
🌱 Parenting programmes that build confidence and strengthen relationships.
🤝 A mentor walking alongside a young person as they plan for the future.
🎲 Day programmes that help older people stay active, connected and engaged.
☕ A friendly face, a listening ear, or practical support when it's needed most.

At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: everyone deserves to feel safe, connected and valued.

Whiria ki te tangata – weave the people together. 💙