PSUSI Service Update

Although our sites have been closed, our Enliven Programmes and Family Works Services have continued with all staff working from home to provide vital counselling support and social connection through remote channels, as well as delivering emergency supplies to vulnerable clients in need.

Sadly, our teams are already seeing the devastating impact that COVID-19 is having on our community with many of our clients experiencing food shortages, job losses, increased anxiety and mental health concerns, social isolation and increased incidents of family harm. 

The health and well-being of our clients, and the wider community, is our top priority and we thank you for your support in helping us carry out this life-changing work. 

Below are a few stories of the work our staff have been doing while in lockdown :

 

·         Delivering groceries to people in need!

A "day at the office" looks very different for all of us at the moment but many of our staff have quickly adapted their typical work schedule to help meet the needs of our region's most vulnerable people. 

Luis (pictured below) is one of our Enliven Social Workers who is based in Christchurch and North Canterbury. Since the beginning of our nationwide lockdown he has been working with other agencies, including Inspire Church, to deliver vital food parcels to vulnerable people located in remote areas throughout North Canterbury.

"It is during times of crisis when our most vulnerable and isolated clients need us most. It is really important that we step up and let them know we are there for them" says Luis.

 

·         Puzzling through lockdown

Kathleen, a member of our Enliven Totara club in Nelson, is a keen puzzle enthusiast. Unfortunately lockdown has prevented her from getting any new puzzles.

Our Day Programme Manager, Trish, knew Kathleen was struggling and quickly came to the rescue. Trish biked over and delivered two new puzzles to help Kathleen get through these final weeks in lockdown.

Kathleen was thrilled and the two had a lovely catch up, albeit from a safe 2m distance. 

 

·         Supporting families remotely

Our dedicated Family Works team have been providing counselling support to our clients via online video chat and phones. One of our younger clients really enjoys her new online sessions with her counsellor and reported back that she felt comfortable because she could wander around her house and even stay in her PJ's. Many of our clients are experiencing increased stress and anxiety at this time so our team are working harder than ever to meet their needs.

Our Enliven team have also been busy developing resources and calling or emailing members daily. Staff have been sharing and sending videos, poems, puzzles, pictures, crafts and much more to help keep our older clients active and connected. For those who have limited online access, we have been phoning or visiting (maintaining distance from driveways and front gardens) to help ensure their wellbeing and safety.

 

·         Ashburton Food bank

With our country in lockdown many of our most vulnerable people are struggling to access vital food supplies. Suz and her awesome team at our Ashburton office have been providing essential groceries for our clients in need during this time.

During lockdown we have been unable to collect donated goods but kind hearted members of the public have been donating to our website to help ensure we continue this important service.

Contact Details

Tenants Protection Association (ChCh) Inc
Te Tōpū Tiaki-ā-Kainoho
Room 3, 301 Tuam Street, Christchurch 8011
Ph.(03) 379-2297

info [at] tpa [dot] org [dot] nz (subject: Enquiry%20from%20Website)