Presbyterian Support South Canterbury

18/06/2026

📣 Timaru parents, this is for you - Only 6 Places Left!

We’re excited to offer The Incredible Years Parenting Programme through Family Works, Presbyterian Support South Canterbury.

This supportive 14 week programme is designed for parents of children aged 3–8 and focuses on practical, step by step tools to help manage everyday parenting challenges, build strong relationships, and boost confidence.

🗓 Tuesdays from 4 August 2026
⏰ 9.30am–12 noon
📍 Family Works, 26 North Street, Timaru
💙 Free to attend

If you are looking for encouragement, practical strategies, and a space to connect with others, this could make a real difference for your whānau.

To enrol or find out more contact:
📞 Liz Munro 03 688 5029 or 0274 688 200
✉️ [email protected]

Together, we can strengthen families and support positive futures across South Canterbury.

17/06/2026

🌍In the lead up to World Refugee Day this Saturday our Refugee Settlement Services team delivered Cultural Competency training to Fire and Emergency, South Canterbury Neighbourhood Support and Y Drive, supporting their work with Muslim, Syrian and Kurdish communities.

The session explored the differences between refugees and migrants, the refugee journey, and key cultural and religious practices, including traditions around births, deaths and marriage. Staff also learned about important celebrations such as Eid al Adha, honouring sacrifice and generosity, and Nowruz, the vibrant Kurdish New Year.

By building cultural understanding, we can help create more inclusive, respectful and responsive services across our community 💛

If your organisation would like to take part in this training, we would love to hear from you.

☎️Call the team on 03 687 1140
📩Email [email protected]

17/06/2026

💛 The Power of Giving Back 💛

National Volunteer Week is a special time to reflect on the amazing impact our volunteers have across Presbyterian Support South Canterbury.

To all our volunteers, thank you for walking alongside us and the people we support. Your generosity truly makes our community stronger 💕

16/06/2026

🚗⚡ A Hot Debate!⚡🚗

TePokapu (The Hub), members jumped into oa monthly planner activity, “The Big Debate” and what a brilliant session it turned out to be!

The hot topic was Petrol Cars vs Electric Cars, and the conversation was full of laughs, lively opinions, and fantastic participation from everyone involved. From funny questions to more thoughtful discussions about the future of transport, members shared their own experiences, ideas, and perspectives with confidence and enthusiasm.

Some even pulled out their phones to research facts during the debate, which added another fun and interesting layer to the discussion. One member even decided that the real winner was actually a hybrid vehicle! 😄
At the end a group vote was held and the majority decided they still preferred petrol cars! Yippppeee! 🚗⛽

But the debating didn’t stop there. On a seperate day members also enjoyed another debate on “the good old days” vs modern days, which was another big hit. This topic came from a social planning event, making it a lovely example of clients choosing activities and conversations that are meaningful to them.

These sessions sparked plenty of conversation, teamwork, friendly discussion, and lots of laughter. It was wonderful to see everyone getting involved and having their say. With such a positive response, TePokapu staff and clients definitely will be holding more debates in the future!

16/06/2026

💛 Our Volunteers Make the Difference 💛

As we continue celebrating National Volunteer Week, we want to shine another light on the incredible people who give so generously of their time and hearts across PSSC.

Through stories shared by our Volunteer Coordinator, Sue Shewan, we’re reminded that volunteering is more than just helping out, it’s about building connections, lifting spirits, and making a real difference in people’s lives.

Each story is a reflection of the compassion, care, and community that define who we are. To our amazing volunteers, thank you for the difference you make every day. You truly are at the heart of all we do 💕

15/06/2026

💕 Pretty in Pink at Strathallan! 💕

Strathallan Healthcare was a sea of pink recently as residents and staff proudly celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness 💖

Residents enjoyed a gorgeous pink-themed social afternoon tea, with over 40 joining in the fun, laughter, and sweet treats 🎀🧁

A big shoutout to our wonderful staff who also got behind the day, rocking their pink outfits to show their support - It was a beautiful day of community, care, and colour🌸👏

💕

15/06/2026

💛 Celebrating the Heart of PSSC – Our Volunteers 💛

Volunteers are truly the heart and soul of Presbyterian Support South Canterbury. Their kindness, time, and compassion create moments that matter every single day across our services and communities.

This National Volunteer Week, we’re proud to share and celebrate some of the special stories gathered by our Volunteer Coordinator, Sue Shewan.

These stories reflect the generosity, connection, and quiet impact our volunteers make, often in ways that mean more than words can express.

To every one of our volunteers – thank you. You bring warmth, dignity, and belonging to the people we walk alongside. We simply couldn’t do what we do without you 💕


Volunteering Mid & South Canterbury Volunteering New Zealand

15/06/2026

💙 Exciting news for our community 💙

Presbyterian Support South Canterbury (PSSC) is thrilled to announce the establishment of a new community fund, to be managed by Aoraki Foundation on behalf of Mollie Thomson.

A thoughtful legacy gift from Mollie Thomson has been transformed into a fund that will support the organisation she cared so deeply about. Mollie was a dedicated board member, a passionate supporter, and a valued Life Member of PSSC.

This fund not only honours Mollie’s remarkable legacy, it also creates an opportunity for others to follow her lead and invest in the people and services that strengthen our South Canterbury community.

At PSSC, we are proud to continue our mission of people helping people, and we are deeply grateful for Mollie’s enduring contribution. 💙

Read more below or to contribute to the fund, click the link here: https://www.aorakifoundation.org.nz/pssc-fund

https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/south-canterbury/final-act-service-community?

A newly-established community fund has been inspired by the life and generosity of a Timaru woman. The Presbyterian Support South Canterbury (PSSC)...

12/06/2026

🌍 World Refugee Day – Join us in celebrating community and belonging

Next Saturday 20 June, our Refugee Settlement Team will be at the Timaru Artisan Market celebrating World Refugee Day and we’d love you to come along.

🕘 9.00am – 12.30pm
Enjoy a range of delicious treats including biscuits, cakes, falafel, kofta and street food, all prepared with love.

While you are there pick up a heart for the Timaru Children’s Library and be part of the You Belong Heart Wall. Decorate a heart or write a message to help people feel welcomed and valued in our district. 💛 The Heart Wall will be on display until 3 July.

Let’s come together to celebrate culture, connection and what it means to belong.

11/06/2026

As the cold sets in, small acts of kindness make a big difference 💙

A special thank you to Dawn and Jan, who worked together to create five beautiful, big wool blankets. Jan lovingly knitted each square, and Dawn carefully sewed them together. These have now been donated to Family Works clients across South Canterbury.

For the people receiving them, this means warmer nights, comfort, and a reminder they’re not alone this winter. Thank you for helping wrap our community in care.