Presbyterian Support Upper South Island

08/10/2026

There was plenty of style, and even more storytelling, at our Tōtara Club in Blenheim recently!

Inspired by New Zealand Fashion Week, the team created their own Flashback in Fashion showcase, inviting people to bring along treasured clothing, photographs and accessories from throughout their lives.

Each item had a story behind it. People shared memories of different times, places, and experiences around the world, giving everyone a chance to learn a little more about each other and the lives they’ve lived.

One of our wonderful volunteers also brought in beautiful saris from India, sharing some of their history and allowing everyone to dress up and experience something from another culture. ❤️

What started as a week of fashion quickly became something much more. The conversations continued well beyond the showcase, with people still talking about the clothing, photographs, and memories they'd shared.

A wonderful reminder that sometimes the things we keep aren’t just things – they hold stories, connections and pieces of our history. 🌿

06/10/2026

Potatoes, pyjamas, clothing and handmade curtains might seem like everyday things – but for a whānau doing it tough, they can make a real difference. ❤️

Recently, some wonderful community support has included bags of potatoes, hand-sewn curtains, clothing packages, pyjamas and bedding.

These practical donations help our teams respond when whānau need a little extra support.

A huge thank you to the groups and people in our communities who continue to share what they can. ❤️

Would you like to help? There are lots of ways to make a difference for people in your community. Find out how you can get involved: https://psuppersouth.org.nz/get-involved/donating

05/10/2026

Through our Family Works Mentoring programme, young people are matched with caring volunteer mentors who are there to listen, encourage and support them.

For James, mentoring Adam* has been a journey for them both. Over time, James has seen Adam grow in confidence, recognise what he is capable of and find a stronger sense of purpose.

Mentoring isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about spending time together, building trust and being someone a young person knows is in their corner.

To our amazing volunteer mentors — thank you. 💚

Your time, patience and encouragement mean so much. By simply being there, you are making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.

You can help be there for a young person too. 💚💚💚

Your donation helps Family Works provide mentoring and other support, giving young people the encouragement and connection they need to build confidence and move forward. Show your support here: https://tinyurl.com/BringingHopethisSpring

30/09/2026

There is no age limit on belonging. 💚

No matter our age, we want many of the same things – people to share life with, something to look forward to, opportunities to contribute, and to know that we matter.

Today, on International Day of Older Persons, we celebrate the older people who are part of our families, whānau and communities – not simply for the years they have lived or everything they have experienced, but for who they are right now.

The friend who makes you laugh. 💚The grandparent whose familiar stories become part of your own. 💚The neighbour who always stops for a chat. 💚The volunteer who gives their time. 💚The person making a new friend, learning something new or trying something for the first time at 80.💚

Growing older doesn’t make our need for friendship, purpose or connection any less important.

We believe people should have opportunities to stay connected, make choices, enjoy new experiences and continue to be part of the communities they have helped shape.

Because whatever our age, being seen, valued and connected matters. 💚

30/09/2026

Circle of Security Parenting™ – Christchurch 🌱

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual. There are times when every parent or caregiver wonders, “What does my child need from me right now?”

Our free Circle of Security Parenting™ Programme in Christchurch is designed to help parents and caregivers better understand the emotional needs behind their child’s behaviour — and build stronger, more secure relationships through connection and care.

Over eight weeks, you’ll explore practical ways to understand your child’s emotional world, respond to big feelings, strengthen their sense of security and feel more confident trusting your own instincts as a parent.

💚 Free to attend
📅 12 October – 7 December (one week off for Labour Weekend)
⏰ Mondays, 9.30am–11am
📍 Te Korowai, 44 Bealey Avenue, Christchurch
👨‍👩‍👧 For parents and caregivers of tamariki aged 0–6

To register or find out more, email [email protected]. 💚

29/09/2026

There’s been lots to enjoy at our Enliven Tōtara Club in Blenheim – from apple picking at a local orchard (and turning the harvest into delicious crumbles!) to a special visit from local māmā (mothers) and pēpē (babies).

These shared moments bring friendship, joy and connection across generations – and are a wonderful reminder of what community is all about. 💚

Read the full story here: https://tinyurl.com/EnlivenBlenheim

28/09/2026

From preparing food to getting outdoors, young people in Ashburton have been trying new things, learning practical skills and building confidence along the way.

Sometimes, it’s the everyday experiences that can make a real difference. 💚

See what our Ashburton young people have been up to: https://tinyurl.com/YouthHolidayProgramme

24/09/2026

This Spring, you can help someone through a tough time. 🌼💐🌸🌷

Across our local communities, children, young people and families are facing complex challenges and reaching out for support.

Sometimes, having the right person there at the right time can make all the difference – helping a young person feel heard, giving a parent guidance when they’re unsure what to do next, or helping a family find a way forward together.

Your donation will help local children, young people and families access the support and guidance they need to get through difficult times and move forward with greater hope. 💛

Every gift makes a difference. Thank you for being there for people in our communities when they need it most. Donate today: https://tinyurl.com/BringingHopethisSpring

23/09/2026

Thank you, Libby – for 24 wonderful years!

For 24 years, Libby has brought warmth, humour and heart to Enliven Tōtara Club in Marlborough – becoming a very special part of the lives of so many people along the way. 💐🌷🌹🌸🌺

Known affectionately as ‘Mrs Tōtara’, Libby has always believed that what matters most is how people feel when they walk through the door: welcomed, listened to, valued and part of something.

Over the years, there have been countless conversations, cups of tea, shared laughs, friendships and memories. Through it all, Libby has helped make Tōtara Club a place where people truly feel they belong.

Recently, around 40 people came together to celebrate Libby as she begins her well-earned retirement – a wonderful reflection of just how much she means to the Tōtara Club and wider Marlborough community.

Libby, thank you for the care, laughter and kindness you have shared so generously over the past 24 years. You have made a lasting difference to so many people, and you will be very missed. 💚 Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/FarewellLibby

21/09/2026

At just 15, Aria* was struggling with depression. She was withdrawing from the people around her, and life at home was becoming difficult for the whole family.

Her mum, Jo*, wanted desperately to help – but wasn’t always sure how. ❤️

With the right support, small moments of connection began to return, helping Aria and her whānau find their way forward together.

Read Aria and Jo’s story and see how support helped bring hope back home: https://bit.ly/HopeforFamiliesthisSpring

*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy.

Our social services help to build safer, stronger, more connected families and communities.