Presbyterian Support Upper South Island

22/06/2026

💙 Warm pyjamas, warm hearts. 💙

A huge thank you to the Kindness Collective Foundation and The Warehouse Ashburton for helping bring a little extra warmth to local tamariki and whānau this winter.

Our Ashburton team received 60 pairs of pyjamas through the Kindness Collective Winter PJ Project. With rain on the way, the timing couldn't be better! ❤️

For many families, a simple pair of warm pyjamas can make a real difference during the colder months. Thanks to the generosity of our community, children will have something cosy to wear and one less thing for their whānau to worry about. 🌟

Thank you to everyone who donated and supported this wonderful initiative. ❤️

📷 Pictured are members of our Ashburton team helping distribute the pyjamas to local families.

19/06/2026

As National Volunteer Week comes to a close, we simply want to say thank you. 🎀👏🏻📣🎉🤸🏼‍♀️🎊

This week we've had the privilege of celebrating the incredible volunteers who give their time, kindness, skills and compassion across Presbyterian Support Upper South Island. While each region celebrated in its own special way, the message was the same, you are valued, appreciated, and make an extraordinary difference.

From outings to the Aviation Museum, shared lunches filled with laughter, handwritten cards, certificates of appreciation, and countless heartfelt conversations, every celebration reflected just how much our volunteers mean to us.

Behind every HomeShare gathering, every community programme, every friendly conversation, every cup of tea, and every helping hand is someone who has chosen to make a difference in another person's life.

Our volunteers create connection, reduce loneliness, build confidence, and strengthen communities across the Upper South Island. Their generosity cannot be measured simply in hours, but in the lives they touch every single day.

To every volunteer, thank you for your warmth, your dedication, and for being such an important part of our PSUSI whānau. We couldn't do what we do without you.

Here's to celebrating you this week and appreciating you every week.

Thank you for helping make our communities stronger, kinder, and more connected. 💙 💙 💙

18/06/2026

At 75 years young, Patsi is one of the wonderful volunteers helping support our team in Rangiora. 💙💙💙

Whether she's lending a hand with administration, sharing a smile, or simply showing up each week, Patsi brings enthusiasm, experience, and a genuine desire to help others.

This National Volunteer Week, we're celebrating volunteers like Patsi who remind us that kindness, generosity, and community spirit have no age limit. Thank you, Patsi, for being part of our PSUSI whānau!

Read Patsi's story and discover why she chooses to volunteer: https://tinyurl.com/NVWLocalStories 💙💙💙

18/06/2026

As part of National Volunteer Week, we're incredibly proud to celebrate our wonderful Tōtara Van Assistants at our Riccarton Enliven Club, who have been recognised with a Volunteer Recognition Award. 🫶🫶🫶

For many of the people who attend Tōtara, the journey to and from the programme is much more than just a ride. It's a warm welcome, a friendly conversation, a helping hand, and the beginning of a day filled with connection.

Our van assistants generously give their time with kindness, patience, and genuine care. They help create a sense of belonging long before our members walk through the door, reminding us that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.

To our incredible volunteer team, thank you. You embody the spirit of community and show what it means to walk alongside others with compassion and aroha.

This recognition is so well deserved, and we are grateful for everything you do to help older people stay connected, valued, and supported.

Happy National Volunteer Week, and thank you to every volunteer who gives their time to strengthen our communities. 💚

17/06/2026

Some people give their time. Others give a little piece of their heart too. ❤️

Volunteers like Russell remind us that community isn't built by organisations alone. It's built by people who choose to show up, lend a hand, share their time, and care about others.

This National Volunteer Week, we're celebrating Russell and the many volunteers who help create connection, belonging, and brighter days for people across our communities.

Read Russell's story and discover what inspires him to volunteer: https://tinyurl.com/NVWLocalStories

Thank you, Russell. We're incredibly grateful for all you do. 💙

15/06/2026

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Respect. Dignity. Connection. These are more than just words, they are fundamental rights that every older person deserves. ❤️❤️❤️

In New Zealand, it is estimated that 1 in 10 older people experience some form of abuse, yet many cases go unreported. Abuse can be emotional, financial, physical, sexual, or neglect, and often occurs at the hands of someone the person knows and trusts.

Through our Enliven services, volunteers, clubs, and programmes, we help create opportunities for older people to maintain independence, build meaningful relationships, and continue contributing their wisdom and experience.

Today is a reminder to check in on the older people in our lives. A conversation, a visit, or simply taking the time to listen can make a real difference.

If you are concerned about an older person, or need advice and support, Age Concern's Elder Abuse Response Service is available on 0800 32 668 65.

Together, we can help create communities where older people are treated with the respect, dignity, and care they deserve.

14/06/2026

💙 National Volunteer Week | Celebrating the people who make a difference

This National Volunteer Week, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to each and every volunteer who supports, or has supported, Presbyterian Support Upper South Island.

Our volunteers contribute more than 25,000 hours each year across our communities. Whether they're providing transport, helping with programmes, offering companionship, lending a hand behind the scenes, or sharing their professional skills, every volunteer brings something unique and valuable.

The time, care, experience, and kindness our volunteers give helps strengthen our services and creates meaningful connections for the people we support.

No two volunteers are the same. Each person brings their own skills, personality, and perspective, helping us build stronger, more connected communities across the Upper South Island.

To all our volunteers, past and present, thank you. Your generosity, commitment, and compassion make a real difference every day.

Ngā mihi nui. 💙

12/06/2026

Meet the people behind the support 💙

For many older people, staying connected to their community can make all the difference to their wellbeing.

As Enliven Community Services Coordinator, Catherine Jordan helps create opportunities for older people to build friendships, stay active, and feel a sense of belonging.

From HomeShare gatherings to social outings and support programmes, Catherine is passionate about helping people stay connected and continue doing the things they enjoy.

Hear more about Catherine and what inspires her work: https://bit.ly/PSUSIEnlivenCommunity

10/06/2026

Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference. 🌟

Thanks to a generous donation of 100 distraction bags, children and families in Ashburton have something to help create moments of calm during difficult situations.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/BrightMomentsConnect

08/06/2026

Every young person deserves someone in their corner. 💛

When Mia* was struggling with addiction and trauma, having someone who listened, encouraged her, and believed in her helped change her future.

Today, many young people and whānau across our communities are facing challenges they cannot navigate alone.

This winter, we're raising funds so more local people can access the support, encouragement, and practical help they need to move forward.

Read Mia's story and learn how your support can make a difference.
https://bit.ly/PowerofPositiveSupport

When Mia* first connected with us, she was 16 and running out of options. Far from home, she had come to Christchurch for residential treatment, living in a supported environment