Presbyterian Support Central is one of New Zealand’s largest and most respected not-for-profit organisations. It has spent the past 100 years helping people in need, regardless of age, background or religious belief.
It started in 1909, when Rev Dr James Gibb took up the cause of Wellington’s poor and orphaned children. Dr Gibb helped establish children’s homes in the city and became the first chairman of the Presbyterian Orphanage and Social Service Association.
The association, now known as Presbyterian Support Central, also worked to find jobs for people with disabilities, visited hospitals and helped troubled teens to get their lives back on track.
During the past 100 years, the organisation has evolved to meet New Zealand’s changing needs. During the 1950s and 60s the focus shifted from orphanages to elderly care, and in the 1970s and 80s a new emphasis was placed on social work and counselling.
Today, Presbyterian Support Central covers Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu, Horowhenua, Wairarapa, Kapiti Coast and the greater Wellington region.
Presbyterian Support Central’s four Family Works Centres offer a wide range of child, adolescent and parenting programmes as part of a framework of support. These programmes include counselling, social work and domestic violence support.
Family Works services are free or offered at a low cost to our clients, many of whom would otherwise be unable to afford them. A free crèche for parents attending programmes or counselling is available at some centres.
Through its Enliven Positive Ageing Services, Presbyterian Support Central believes that everyone deserves to enjoy life, whatever their age. Enliven is changing the way New Zealand looks at aged care services by introducing the Kiwi spirit of getting the most out of life.
Enliven offers a range of practical services to support older people – both in their homes with Community Support and at our 17 residential sites throughout the lower North Island. Many of our homes offer Licence to Occupy villas, rental units and community cafes. Our trained staff work with you to establish what is important in your life and what keeps you motivated.
Enliven’s modified Tai Chi classes are hugely popular throughout the greater Wellington region, supporting older people by increasing fitness and preventing falls. They are funded by ACC as part of its Falls Prevention Strategy.
Classes are free for those aged 65 or older (55 or older if Maori or Pacific Islander), who live independently and have had a fall or are at high risk of a fall. Paid courses are available for those who do not meet the ACC assessment criteria.
Presbyterian Support Central has moved with the times but the message remains the same – to help New Zealanders in need. For more information, visit our website: www.psc.org.nz.