COMMUNITY IMPACT
Students Experience Real Medicine in Ashburton
Four students from Otago School of Medicine have spent their fifth year of study in Ashburton. As part of the Rural Medical Immersion Programme (RMIP), funded by Advance Ashburton and the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation, the medical students have spent half their clinical time in the hospital and half in general practice.
The young doctors are treated as full members of the hospital or practice and are involved in many of the clinical and administrative activities while under close supervision. They also spend time with other community health providers and visiting specialists.
Their director, Dr Branko Sijnja, visited recently to assess the students, describing the scheme “an apprenticeship” that makes them more competent and confident. “Without doubt they are streets ahead managing patients and, at the end of this year, they will slot into medical situations very easily.”
Student Hamish Liddy recalls ward rounds at Dunedin Hospital where medical students stood in the back row “holding the folder and pulling the curtain.” “Here, we’re an extra pair of hands,” he said.
“At Ashburton Hospital, we join a medical team assessing patients, working with the team, being part of the patient’s journey and contributing to decisions such as whether they be admitted, referred or discharged,” says student Ratvi Soni. Anniliese Wheeler has worked in the Rakaia and Methven Medical Centres alongside GPs, assessing patients, examining them, and discussing those assessments with the doctor. “You get to become part of the team and it’s easier to learn,” she says.
While the focus of RMIP is to give the students practical experience ahead of their final year in 2022, it also gives them a taste of being a rural GP. Dr Lander, the local co-ordinator, says, “Mid-Canterbury needs rural doctors.” The course is a way of understanding what’s required in rural areas.
“It’s where medicine really happens – and you become part of a community,” says Dr Sijnja.
The RMIP operates under the umbrella of the Rural Health Academic Centre, Ashburton, which is also funded by Advance Ashburton and the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation.
Photo:
The four medical students at work on Jimmy, the mannequin, at Ashburton Hospital (from left): Ratvi Soni, Isobel Clarke, Hamish Liddy, and Anniliese Wheeler (Photo: The Guardian)
Funding shores up essential service for the community
Funding from the Advance Ashburton Community Foundation has ensured Presbyterian Support continues to offer a much-needed budget service for the local community.
The service has been managed by Presbyterian Support Upper South Island since 2014 and in the previous 12 months has provided budget support and advice to over 200 people and families.
Mid Canterbury Area Manager Suz Hutchinson says there are many reasons why people seek financial and budgetary support including increasing living costs, loss of income, work instability, relationship breakdowns, health issues and credit and loan problems.
“There is a real need for this service and our plan is to continue to provide people in the Ashburton community with effective budget mentoring support, advice and education,” says Miss Hutchinson.
“People of all ages and backgrounds require the service. The fully trained budget mentors spend time with the clients, understanding their individual needs and putting in place plans that will help them manage their money.”
The service has also expanded with the establishment of an on-site link with the Hakatere Marae, with the view of providing outreach budget support and group workshops and extra social work support hours has been allocated to support clients and the budget mentors.
“The financial support of Advance Ashburton Community Foundation is wonderful and recognises the very important work Presbyterian Support is doing in Ashburton to help people who are struggling financially.”
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Pictured: Muriel and Jeannette, who are two of the six mentors who have provided budget support and advice to over 200 local people and families |
Warm baby, safe baby
An initiative started by the Friends of the Ashburton Hospital - to support a safe sleep program encouraged by the maternity unit - is providing beanies, singlets and small blankets to every new-born in the community. The garments are lovingly knitted in machine washable wool by local volunteers.
Jane Riach, secretary of the Friends of Ashburton hospital) says “We had not anticipated how this initiative would resonate with the wider community. So many of the volunteer knitters have mentioned their feeling of connection and purpose with being a part of something that is supporting babies and families in our community, and, they share their delight at having their knitting skills put to good use.”
What started out initially with 12 knitters, has quickly grown to 71 through word of mouth, as the knitters talk about their enthusiasm for the initiative and encourage others to get involved.
“Families who receive the garments are talking about feeling the love of the community wrap around and supporting them.” Jane says. Parents are commenting on how appreciated the gifts are, “Thank you so much, what beautiful things to give us, wool is so expensive we can’t afford to buy it for the baby, so thank you, we truly appreciate it”
Julie Dockerill, maternity unit charge midwife says, “I just love how this connects the community; it is the true circle of care”.
An initiative started by the Friends of the Ashburton Hospital - to support a safe sleep program encouraged by the maternity unit - is providing beanies, singlets and small blankets to every new-born in the community. The garments are lovingly knitted in machine washable wool by local volunteers.
Jane Riach, secretary of the Friends of Ashburton hospital) says “We had not anticipated how this initiative would resonate with the wider community. So many of the volunteer knitters have mentioned their feeling of connection and purpose with being a part of something that is supporting babies and families in our community, and, they share their delight at having their knitting skills put to good use.”
What started out initially with 12 knitters, has quickly grown to 71 through word of mouth, as the knitters talk about their enthusiasm for the initiative and encourage others to get involved.
“Families who receive the garments are talking about feeling the love of the community wrap around and supporting them.” Jane says. Parents are commenting on how appreciated the gifts are, “Thank you so much, what beautiful things to give us, wool is so expensive we can’t afford to buy it for the baby, so thank you, we truly appreciate it”
Julie Dockerill, maternity unit charge midwife says, “I just love how this connects the community; it is the true circle of care”.
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Pictured: from left to right, Dorothea Webb, convenor of the Friends of the Ashburton Hospital and Julie Dockerill, Maternity Unit Charge Midwife with a selection of the handmade garments. |
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Pictured: The reading mentors and mentees of 2020
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Ashburton College - Reading Mentor Programme
For the last 15 years the Ashburton College has delivered a reading mentor programme to Year 9 students. In the past the school has used funds raised at events such as The Festival of the Spoken Word to keep this programme going. But now, thanks to the generosity of local people donating to support education for the youth of our District, Advance Ashburton will provide annual funding to ensure this programme is available for as long as it is required. The reading mentor programme has a proven track record in raising the reading comprehension capability of the students that attend. The students are grouped into cohorts and matched with appropriate Year 12 mentors. The mentors selected are strong reading role models. The programme not only improves literacy learning outcomes for at risk Year 9 students, but it has also proven that the mentors themselves gain a lot of confidence, empathy, and leadership skills from the time they dedicate to the programme. |
KidsMethven - Skate Park
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We are proud to have provided a grant to KidzMethven to help them complete their new outdoor skatepark. This skatepark adds to the free recreational activities that are available in Methven and enhances the town's ski culture by providing a quality off mountain activity.
Located in the middle of town, the skatepark is accessible to all. It provides local youth a challenging space over and above the current playgrounds. |
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YMCA South & Mid Canterbury - Resiliency Toolkit
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The need to develop resiliency skills in everyday situations is ever-increasing, and Advance Ashburton are proud to be supporting the YMCA South & Mid Canterbury to bring its Resiliency Toolkit to Ashburton and Mount Hutt Colleges.
With an emphasis on doing, rather than just imparting information, the long-term aim is to build resiliency across the region’s entire population of young people. The Resiliency Toolkit builds important life skills in 5 key areas: Stress Management/Well-being, Decision-making around Alcohol and Drugs, Healthy Relationships, Social Media Safety/Anti-bullying, and Peer Mentoring/ Looking after Your Mates. |
New Website for Community House
Community House Mid Canterbury is the hub for social services in our community and, with funding support from Advance Ashburton, they have recently launched their new website.
The services of the Tenants in Community House include, but are not limited to; Physio, Osteopathy, Nutrition services, Physiatrist and Counselling services, Seabrook McKenzie, Molemaping, Dementia support, Aged and Disability care, CanInspire, Hospice, family support services such as Birthright, and youth and community support services through their anchor tenant, Safer Ashburton.
Together these services are a benefit to the Health and Wellbeing of a large number of people in our local Community, and Community House are proud to be able to support them by providing a low cost hub to base their services from.
As well as providing links to the services and tenants that frequent their spaces, the new website also provides information on how to book a meeting room, interview space or the Community Van.
Advance Ashburton are proud to support Community House and encourage you to check out their new website for yourselves. https://www.communityhousemc.co.nz/
The services of the Tenants in Community House include, but are not limited to; Physio, Osteopathy, Nutrition services, Physiatrist and Counselling services, Seabrook McKenzie, Molemaping, Dementia support, Aged and Disability care, CanInspire, Hospice, family support services such as Birthright, and youth and community support services through their anchor tenant, Safer Ashburton.
Together these services are a benefit to the Health and Wellbeing of a large number of people in our local Community, and Community House are proud to be able to support them by providing a low cost hub to base their services from.
As well as providing links to the services and tenants that frequent their spaces, the new website also provides information on how to book a meeting room, interview space or the Community Van.
Advance Ashburton are proud to support Community House and encourage you to check out their new website for yourselves. https://www.communityhousemc.co.nz/
Hakatere and Opuke Kahui Ako Early Childhood Education Cluster
We are very proud to be supporting an Early Childhood initiative in our district. The Hakatere and Opuke Kahui Ako Early Childhood Education cluster will be working together to strengthen evaluative practice which will impact on teaching practice in relation to transition to school.
Collaboration between early childhood centres and primary schools will help consolidate professional development and thereby improve learning outcomes for some of the youngest members of our community.
This exciting initiative is being funded by Advance Ashburton together with the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation.
Photo: Members of the combined Hakatere and Opuke Leadership Group.
Collaboration between early childhood centres and primary schools will help consolidate professional development and thereby improve learning outcomes for some of the youngest members of our community.
This exciting initiative is being funded by Advance Ashburton together with the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation.
Photo: Members of the combined Hakatere and Opuke Leadership Group.
Cactus Youth Programme
The CACTUS (Combined Adolescent Challenge Training Unit and Support) Youth Programme is an adventure-based physical training course encouraging goal-setting, self-discipline, confidence, self-esteem, physical wellbeing, peer conflict-resolution skills, team work and friendship. It is open to all youth in the Ashburton District aged 10 to 16 years and 80 to 90 youth will complete the programme in the next 12 months. The programme has been running successfully in Ashburton for 11 years and is moving into its fifth year in Methven.
Advance Ashburton are proud to be providing funding for young people in our district to benefit from this very worthwhile programme.
Advance Ashburton are proud to be providing funding for young people in our district to benefit from this very worthwhile programme.
Ashburton Railway & Preservation Society
In the 2019 financial year, Advance Ashburton were proud to distribute our first ever grant from the Ashburton District Heritage Fund.
Together with funds from the Tinwald Club Fund, a grant was given to the Ashburton Railway and Preservation Society towards costs of relocation of an historic Road Board Office to the Plains Railway at the Tinwald Domain, to be used as an Education Centre.
The Ashburton District Heritage Fund was set up to provide assistance to any eligible organisation for the provision, enhancement, restoration, and/or protection of any item of historic or heritage value.
Together with funds from the Tinwald Club Fund, a grant was given to the Ashburton Railway and Preservation Society towards costs of relocation of an historic Road Board Office to the Plains Railway at the Tinwald Domain, to be used as an Education Centre.
The Ashburton District Heritage Fund was set up to provide assistance to any eligible organisation for the provision, enhancement, restoration, and/or protection of any item of historic or heritage value.
Cholmondeley Children's Centre
Cholmondeley Children’s Centre based in Governors Bay, Canterbury, is a unique organisation which provides short-term emergency and planned respite care to children aged 3-12 years whose families are experiencing overwhelming stress or crisis caused by such factors as mental health issues, physical illnesses, bereavement, family violence, financial pressures, and traumatic events.
Advance Ashburton are very pleased to provide funding to Cholmondeley to support Ashburton-based families that use these valuable services.
Advance Ashburton are very pleased to provide funding to Cholmondeley to support Ashburton-based families that use these valuable services.
Research Study - Self-harm and Suicidality in our District
Over the past two summers, 5th year medical student, Isobel Ferguson, has undertaken a research project on self-harm and suicidality in our District. This important research will provide our District with valuable information, such as trends, characteristics and demands on services, paving the way for initiatives that will help address this serious issue.
Advance Ashburton were proud to provide funding, through the Rural Health Academic Centre, for this research project to be completed.
Advance Ashburton were proud to provide funding, through the Rural Health Academic Centre, for this research project to be completed.
Methven Te Puawaitanga Charitable Trust
We are proud to be supporting the Methven Te Puawaitanga Charitable Trust to ensure that Youth Mentoring services continue in the Methven district.
The Youth Mentor at Mt Hutt College is employed through Presbyterian Support and provides an alternative safe place for students to seek help and assistance.
The Youth Mentor at Mt Hutt College is employed through Presbyterian Support and provides an alternative safe place for students to seek help and assistance.
Music in Schools
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An aunt’s lifetime passion for teaching music inspired her family to donate through Advance Ashburton to honour her memory. This donation provids music lessons to children who may not otherwise have the opportunity.
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Supporting Budgeting Advice in Ashburton
Advance Ashburton Community Foundation are very pleased to provide an essential grant to the Financial Capability Budgeting Service provided by Presbyterian Support so this valuable service can continue to be available for the people of Mid Canterbury.
For nearly twenty-five years, the Ashburton Budget Advisory Service helped thousands of people with budgeting advice and education. The initial budgeting service that was set up in Ashburton wound up in late 2016 and, due to the services own careful financial management, had accumulated funds. In early 2017 these funds were transferred to Advance Ashburton where a named fund was created. Advance Ashburton are now pleased to be able to grant this money back to supporting budgeting advice in the Ashburton District.
Presbyterian Support tendered to run the replacement budgeting service to which they were successful, and this service remains available to help people take financial control. Su Hutchison, Services Manager Presbyterian Support Ashburton, reports that finances often govern a fair amount of people’s lives. It has been recognised through work completed at the Budget Advisory Service, that money worries can drag people down and can often link in with feelings of anxiety, and depression. However, if time is put into organising finances, this can have a long-term benefit to many aspects in people’s lives.
The Budget Advisory Service offers one-on-one sessions with a trained financial mentor, who will assist individuals, couples or families experiencing financial hardship to develop a strength-based plan. In Ashburton there is one full time, one part-time, and four volunteer financial mentors; who complete an intensive training course and attend supervision. The advisory mentor works along side people to organise a day-to-day and longer-term plan. This organisation of finances helps to create a healthy financial awareness, which can assist in avoiding many traps that people often experience. However, it is important for people to engage before there is a financial crisis: for example, where the power is being cut off that day, or rent payments have been in arrears for a number of weeks.
This free service is located at the Trevor Wilson Centre, Presbyterian Support, at 215 Tancred Street Ashburton. If you would like to speak with a Budget Advisor please contact Presbyterian Support, for an appointment time and leaflet regarding what to bring to your first appointment. Appointment times are available from Monday to Friday, 9am-4.30pm.
For nearly twenty-five years, the Ashburton Budget Advisory Service helped thousands of people with budgeting advice and education. The initial budgeting service that was set up in Ashburton wound up in late 2016 and, due to the services own careful financial management, had accumulated funds. In early 2017 these funds were transferred to Advance Ashburton where a named fund was created. Advance Ashburton are now pleased to be able to grant this money back to supporting budgeting advice in the Ashburton District.
Presbyterian Support tendered to run the replacement budgeting service to which they were successful, and this service remains available to help people take financial control. Su Hutchison, Services Manager Presbyterian Support Ashburton, reports that finances often govern a fair amount of people’s lives. It has been recognised through work completed at the Budget Advisory Service, that money worries can drag people down and can often link in with feelings of anxiety, and depression. However, if time is put into organising finances, this can have a long-term benefit to many aspects in people’s lives.
The Budget Advisory Service offers one-on-one sessions with a trained financial mentor, who will assist individuals, couples or families experiencing financial hardship to develop a strength-based plan. In Ashburton there is one full time, one part-time, and four volunteer financial mentors; who complete an intensive training course and attend supervision. The advisory mentor works along side people to organise a day-to-day and longer-term plan. This organisation of finances helps to create a healthy financial awareness, which can assist in avoiding many traps that people often experience. However, it is important for people to engage before there is a financial crisis: for example, where the power is being cut off that day, or rent payments have been in arrears for a number of weeks.
This free service is located at the Trevor Wilson Centre, Presbyterian Support, at 215 Tancred Street Ashburton. If you would like to speak with a Budget Advisor please contact Presbyterian Support, for an appointment time and leaflet regarding what to bring to your first appointment. Appointment times are available from Monday to Friday, 9am-4.30pm.
Seabrook Mckenzie Centre
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We are excited to announce that the Seabrook Mckenzie Centre, specialising in children with specific learning disabilities (e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia), now has an office open in Ashburton. Local families who wish to have their children assessed, no longer have to travel to Christchurch to do so. Instead they can make an appointment at Seabrook Mckenzies new office base at Community House.
This project has been made possible through the passion of generous donors who wanted to do something to make a difference to children with specific learning disabilities who often struggle at school.
Advance Ashburton consider it a huge honour to be able to facilitate connecting the passion of our donors with projects that can make a difference in our community.
Find out more about Seabrook Mckenzie and the services they offer at www.seabrookmckenzie.net/
This project has been made possible through the passion of generous donors who wanted to do something to make a difference to children with specific learning disabilities who often struggle at school.
Advance Ashburton consider it a huge honour to be able to facilitate connecting the passion of our donors with projects that can make a difference in our community.
Find out more about Seabrook Mckenzie and the services they offer at www.seabrookmckenzie.net/
Christchurch Hospital Helipad
Advance Ashburton Trustees are delighted to be able to make a contribution towards the building of the Christchurch helipad. Recognising the objectives of the Foundation, and understanding that the helipad project would benefit our rural community significantly. Critically-ill or injured patients from Mid-Canterbury, who are often first assessed and stabilised at Ashburton Hospital, need to be transferred to the trauma centre in Christchurch as quickly as possible.
https://www.maiahealth.org.nz/13minutes
https://www.maiahealth.org.nz/13minutes
New mannequins being utilised for training. - Rural Health Academic Centre
You may recall back in 2016 one of our donors enabled us to purchase SimMan and SimJunior for our hospital. These realistic, full body, lifelike mannequins feature true vital signs and chest movement. They make sounds and their limbs are fully articulated.
The mannequins are operated remotely and wirelessly. In realistic scenarios, our doctors and nurses practise detection and stabilization of rapidly deteriorating adult and child patients.
Since the mannequins have arrived, health professionals from other rural hospitals throughout New Zealand have also come to our hospital for this simulation training. With the feedback received from those participating, suggesting this training is one of the best they have completed. Because it is only through practice can outcomes for patients improve.
Click on the link below to see a short video showing a snippet of one of these training sessions in action.
You will see a very sick little boy in Ashburton Hospital being attended to by three trainee doctors (and Dr Lyons, who is the Ashburton Hospital Clinical Director, and who in the video, is substituting for a nurse).
The boy’s symptoms worsen, and the young doctors must react. …..the tension is real.
Training video using SimJunior mannequin.
(Please note, this video may take a short while to download.)
The mannequins are operated remotely and wirelessly. In realistic scenarios, our doctors and nurses practise detection and stabilization of rapidly deteriorating adult and child patients.
Since the mannequins have arrived, health professionals from other rural hospitals throughout New Zealand have also come to our hospital for this simulation training. With the feedback received from those participating, suggesting this training is one of the best they have completed. Because it is only through practice can outcomes for patients improve.
Click on the link below to see a short video showing a snippet of one of these training sessions in action.
You will see a very sick little boy in Ashburton Hospital being attended to by three trainee doctors (and Dr Lyons, who is the Ashburton Hospital Clinical Director, and who in the video, is substituting for a nurse).
The boy’s symptoms worsen, and the young doctors must react. …..the tension is real.
Training video using SimJunior mannequin.
(Please note, this video may take a short while to download.)
Ashburton College - Kohanga
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Without doubt the Kohanga at Ashburton College finished 2017 on a very positive note and captured the interest of many.
Principal Ross Preece is one year and one term into the demanding position of leading Mid Canterbury’s largest secondary school and, with the backing of Advance Ashburton Community Foundation, has transformed the lives of a small group of troubled youths under his charge. The experimental classroom, fondly referred to as the Nest, was introduced to tackle head-on a complex and unique set of struggles faced by eight challenging students. We watched with interest and pride as this collaborative venture provided a lifeline to a group of Year 9 and 10 boys who had been identified as causing concern in the school. Such was the level of interest that following a presentation to an influential group of locals, Principal Preece was invited back to answer the question “what happens next?”. “At the end of term four all eight boys were still engaged in education,” said Ross with a great deal of pride. None were suspended and six were attending some mainstream subjects of their choice, which was a tremendous endorsement for all involved. Being responsible for the safety and wellbeing of over 1,100 students is not a role Ross takes lightly. For him it is not a numbers game where the individual needs of students go undetected, and for this Ross has quickly earned the respect and support of a large team of teachers and administration personnel, as well as the wider community. Kohanga teacher Lindsay Abbott remains at the coal face of this new and rewarding initiative, and almost 12 months on remains full of praise for the participants. Therefore, with the generosity of AACF, the strategy for 2018 remains unchanged – setting all students up for success. Thanks to the addition of a full time Foundation-funded teacher-aide, Ross and his team are better able to identify the best fit for those who struggle to integrate into the mainstream education system and keep them engaged in learning. |
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MindPlus - Developing the minds of our youth
Specialist teacher Mel Simons with one of the Ashburton groups
MindPlus is a programme that provides intellectual, creative, social and emotional learning and support for children identified as gifted in our community. Currently there are forty-eight of our local children between the ages of six and thirteen who attend the programme where their gifts and talents are further developed and they gain a greater understanding of themselves.
Each student attends the Christian School for one day per week where a specialist teacher delivers the programme in a dedicated classroom. This programme currently runs three days per week, with students coming from fourteen local schools.
Specialist teacher Mel Simons says that many of the children present with learning difficulties, like dyslexia or dysgraphia, but have extremely high intelligence. The MindPlus programme removes the barriers for these children in their learning and celebrates their strengths – allowing them to extend their learning. As Mel says, the children feel included and behaviours are improving with the children being reflective, self-driven learners.
“I feel it’s a place where I’m understood,” says one of the students.
MindPlus is supported by the Mid Canterbury Principals Association and the NZ Centre for Gifted Education (NZCGE). NZCGE selects the children and provides the curriculum, teacher professional development and student support.
The curriculum focuses on six learning strands: conceptual, personal, talent, research, complex thinking and communication development. It is designed to increase the breadth, depth, sophistication and complexity of learners’ knowledge and abilities in these areas and to increase self-learning.
The programme is funded by parents and/or schools, with those not having the ability to pay missing out on the opportunity to attend. Through the generosity of our community, Advance Ashburton has given funding to support this programme by removing any financial barrier, so those that can benefit most from attending this programme will be able to do so.
Each student attends the Christian School for one day per week where a specialist teacher delivers the programme in a dedicated classroom. This programme currently runs three days per week, with students coming from fourteen local schools.
Specialist teacher Mel Simons says that many of the children present with learning difficulties, like dyslexia or dysgraphia, but have extremely high intelligence. The MindPlus programme removes the barriers for these children in their learning and celebrates their strengths – allowing them to extend their learning. As Mel says, the children feel included and behaviours are improving with the children being reflective, self-driven learners.
“I feel it’s a place where I’m understood,” says one of the students.
MindPlus is supported by the Mid Canterbury Principals Association and the NZ Centre for Gifted Education (NZCGE). NZCGE selects the children and provides the curriculum, teacher professional development and student support.
The curriculum focuses on six learning strands: conceptual, personal, talent, research, complex thinking and communication development. It is designed to increase the breadth, depth, sophistication and complexity of learners’ knowledge and abilities in these areas and to increase self-learning.
The programme is funded by parents and/or schools, with those not having the ability to pay missing out on the opportunity to attend. Through the generosity of our community, Advance Ashburton has given funding to support this programme by removing any financial barrier, so those that can benefit most from attending this programme will be able to do so.
Mid Canterbury Boxing Academy - “Turning them into champion men”
The Mid Canterbury Boxing Academy has been established to make a positive and long-lasting change in young men from all walks of like. The aim of the Mid Canterbury Boxing Academy is to turn young boys, youth, young men and adults into men who will demonstrate and live by the values taught: respect, responsibility, compassion, consideration, kindness, duty, obedience, honesty and truthfulness.
Leading the training programmes is head coach Corneilius Grobler who was the 2016 Mid Canterbury Senior Sports Person of the Year and who also holds national and Golden Glove titles including being the National Welterweight champion.
92 males, between the ages of 9 and 18 currently attend the boxing Academy.
Trustee Lisa Anderson said that they are taking a number of young men who are challenged with finding their place in society. “We have a number of young men that have been referred to us by parents, schools, youth workers and the police” she said. The early results in helping these young men turn their lives around are looking promising as some have made huge transformations.
“We are here for the long haul and want to make a difference to our community by helping these young men find purpose in their lives,” she said.
The Mid Canterbury Boxing Academy has received funds from the Tinwald Club Trust Fund through Advance Ashburton to assist with the set up and running costs. The Academy is governed by the Mid Canterbury Youth Charitable Trust which has modelled itself on the well-known Naenae gym established and run by Billy Graham.
Leading the training programmes is head coach Corneilius Grobler who was the 2016 Mid Canterbury Senior Sports Person of the Year and who also holds national and Golden Glove titles including being the National Welterweight champion.
92 males, between the ages of 9 and 18 currently attend the boxing Academy.
Trustee Lisa Anderson said that they are taking a number of young men who are challenged with finding their place in society. “We have a number of young men that have been referred to us by parents, schools, youth workers and the police” she said. The early results in helping these young men turn their lives around are looking promising as some have made huge transformations.
“We are here for the long haul and want to make a difference to our community by helping these young men find purpose in their lives,” she said.
The Mid Canterbury Boxing Academy has received funds from the Tinwald Club Trust Fund through Advance Ashburton to assist with the set up and running costs. The Academy is governed by the Mid Canterbury Youth Charitable Trust which has modelled itself on the well-known Naenae gym established and run by Billy Graham.
Another Step Toward Removing the Isolation Barrier
en emigrating to a new country, the feeling of isolation can be compounded if they live in a rural location, and not having a driver’s licence greatly limits what can be done to overcome this problem.
Thankfully, there is now a free programme available which has been designed to overcome this.
Those charged with integrating farming families into our community have identified that many newcomers, especially women, do not have a licence. On top of feeling lonely and cut-off from support networks, they have trouble carrying out simple tasks such as getting to town for groceries, taking children to a doctor’s appointments or picking them up from school.
“Let’s get you on the road” is the slogan behind the three-year pilot programme known as the Mid Canterbury Newcomer Rural Driver Licensing Scheme. Free to participants, the programme has been designed to: create safe and confident new drivers, increase their participation in the community and encourage self-sufficiency and independence.
Advance Ashburton Charitable Foundation granted $10,000 to The Rural Support Trust who, in partnership with Safer Ashburton District, have proudly introduced this exciting new initiative.
Mid-March will see an initial intake of 12 women studying toward their theory learners licence and in time, move on to sit their restricted licence.
Safer Ashburton rural driver licensing co-ordinator Wendy Hewitt said that while driver licensing courses have been available for quite some time, this is the only one she knows of which specifically caters for rural women, and in particular newcomers to the district.
Take a moment to think of those living in your neighbourhood. Perhaps this is a good conversation starter and you could suggest they might like to contact Wendy at [email protected].
Thankfully, there is now a free programme available which has been designed to overcome this.
Those charged with integrating farming families into our community have identified that many newcomers, especially women, do not have a licence. On top of feeling lonely and cut-off from support networks, they have trouble carrying out simple tasks such as getting to town for groceries, taking children to a doctor’s appointments or picking them up from school.
“Let’s get you on the road” is the slogan behind the three-year pilot programme known as the Mid Canterbury Newcomer Rural Driver Licensing Scheme. Free to participants, the programme has been designed to: create safe and confident new drivers, increase their participation in the community and encourage self-sufficiency and independence.
Advance Ashburton Charitable Foundation granted $10,000 to The Rural Support Trust who, in partnership with Safer Ashburton District, have proudly introduced this exciting new initiative.
Mid-March will see an initial intake of 12 women studying toward their theory learners licence and in time, move on to sit their restricted licence.
Safer Ashburton rural driver licensing co-ordinator Wendy Hewitt said that while driver licensing courses have been available for quite some time, this is the only one she knows of which specifically caters for rural women, and in particular newcomers to the district.
Take a moment to think of those living in your neighbourhood. Perhaps this is a good conversation starter and you could suggest they might like to contact Wendy at [email protected].
The Trott's Garden Charitable Trust
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A renowned garden with international acclaim, Trott’s Garden, has been sold recently to the newly formed Trott’s Garden Charitable Trust to ensure this beautiful garden remains accessible to people both locally and from all over the world.
The New Zealand Gardens Trust awarded Trott’s Garden six stars (its highest category) and designated it as a NZ Garden of International Significance, for its outstanding horticultural value in plant material, cultivation, design, construction, and maintenance. With the Trust taking over a garden of this size and scope, many keen gardeners have put up their hand to help keep the garden and lawns looking its very best. Plans for the Trust are being developed and include ideas for horticultural education, art classes, a bee discovery centre and an edible garden. Discussions are being held with other community groups who might be able to use the garden for their own charitable or community purposes. At the same time, Trott’s Garden will remain as a garden that will be open for public viewing and as a sought-after location for weddings, funerals and other special events. These activities will help to fund the ongoing development and future uses of the property. One of the first exciting developments was the installation of a permanent marquee as a venue for wedding receptions and other major functions thanks to the support of EA Networks. With the support of Advance Ashburton, the Trust has been able to employ a full-time gardener to work alongside the many volunteers who have given up their time and energy for this exciting new community project. |
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BOOST Child Literacy Project Update - 2018
BOOST is launching into its 5th year in 2018 and is established in 13 local primary schools with the 14th due to come on board later this year.
The programme has 41 volunteers whom are tutoring 140 Mid Canterbury children aged between 7-8 years old. The results to date are incredibly pleasing. The Boost programme has improved children’s literacy by up to two years in just one year of being involved with the programme.
We receive regular feedback from all parties involved, being the tutors, children, parents and teachers, and there is a resounding theme - not only has the children’s literacy skills increased, but there is also an increase in mathematics understanding and a huge increase in the children’s confidence, which is helping with social aspects of school life.
Advance Ashburton is a very proud supporter of the Boost programme.
The programme has 41 volunteers whom are tutoring 140 Mid Canterbury children aged between 7-8 years old. The results to date are incredibly pleasing. The Boost programme has improved children’s literacy by up to two years in just one year of being involved with the programme.
We receive regular feedback from all parties involved, being the tutors, children, parents and teachers, and there is a resounding theme - not only has the children’s literacy skills increased, but there is also an increase in mathematics understanding and a huge increase in the children’s confidence, which is helping with social aspects of school life.
Advance Ashburton is a very proud supporter of the Boost programme.
Pictured from left: Jane Wright, Dr Sampsa Kiuru, a RHMS representing the University of Otago and Dr Steve Withington at Ashburton Hospital.
Rural Health Academic Centre Ashburton
Ashburton Hospital is becoming a Rural Health Academic Centre (RHACA) and is the first rural clinical education and research unit in New Zealand. Our Foundation, together with the Mackenzie Foundation, is funding for a three-year pilot period, three part-time positions for Dr Steve Withington, a Rural Hospital Medical Specialist (RHMS,) as the Senior Clinical Lecturer in Rural Medicine, Jane Wright, a Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist and Educator, and a Senior Research Analyst.
Ashburton Hospital is becoming a Rural Health Academic Centre (RHACA) and is the first rural clinical education and research unit in New Zealand. Our Foundation, together with the Mackenzie Foundation, is funding for a three-year pilot period, three part-time positions for Dr Steve Withington, a Rural Hospital Medical Specialist (RHMS,) as the Senior Clinical Lecturer in Rural Medicine, Jane Wright, a Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist and Educator, and a Senior Research Analyst.
Pictured from left: Dr Logan Walker, Associate Professor Tim Eglinton, Dr John Pearson, Mr Arthur Morley-Bunker, Dr Margaret Currie and Professor Bridget Robinson
Scoping for RNA biomarkers of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in New Zealand. Rates of this cancer in New Zealand are among the highest in the world. The diagnosis of colorectal cancer is achieved by pathologists examining tissue samples under the microscope, which are obtained during a colonoscopy or surgery. Doctors will also establish how big the cancer is and whether it has spread to decide what treatment is needed for the patient. However, patients with apparently similar cancer types may respond very differently after receiving the same treatment, suggesting better diagnostic methods are needed for characterising this disease. There is now considerable interest in identifying molecular biomarkers that are able to better characterise colorectal cancer and guide therapy more accurately for individual patients. While a number of biomarkers have been explored by researchers, few have been implemented in routine clinical practice. Arthur Morley-Bunker is currently studying a PhD in the Mackenzie Cancer Research Group (Clinical Director: Professor Bridget Robinson) and is using a new molecular technology that can uncover potential biomarkers, and become a new tool in diagnostic laboratories. Arthur was the first person in New Zealand to develop expertise with this technology which he is now using to examine a particular type of molecule known as RNA. He is being supervised by a research team of cancer experts, including Dr Logan Walker (Cancer scientist), Dr John Pearson (Biostatistician/bioinformatician), Dr Margaret Currie (Cancer Scientist), and Associate Professor Tim Eglinton (Consultant Colorectal Surgeon). Our results to date have found RNA biomarkers from two genes that may be linked with a more advanced cancer. By assessing molecular changes down a microscope, Arthur has noticed that tumours from patients who have poor prognosis, contain less of these RNA biomarkers that tumours from patients with a better prognosis. A challenge with measuring changes under the microscope by eye is the possibility that different people looking may generate slightly different measurements. To overcome this problem, Arthur is also exploring computer based methods that provide a better assessment of microscope images to for a more consistent measure of biomarkers. Our research goal for 2017 is to understand more about how two RNA biomarkers contribute to the development of cancer. Arthur will be using the Glassey Trust Fund to carry out an array of laboratory experiments to uncover why a reduction in particular RNA molecules might give rise to more advanced tumours. Our ultimate hope is that this new information may lead to better patient management, and also to guide the development of new therapies targeting tumours with these molecular changes.
We are very grateful for the opportunity to use these funds for our colorectal cancer study and wish to extend our thanks to the Advance Ashburton Community Foundation.
Dr Logan Walker
Rutherford Discovery Fellow
Mackenzie Cancer Research Group
University of Otago Christchurch
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in New Zealand. Rates of this cancer in New Zealand are among the highest in the world. The diagnosis of colorectal cancer is achieved by pathologists examining tissue samples under the microscope, which are obtained during a colonoscopy or surgery. Doctors will also establish how big the cancer is and whether it has spread to decide what treatment is needed for the patient. However, patients with apparently similar cancer types may respond very differently after receiving the same treatment, suggesting better diagnostic methods are needed for characterising this disease. There is now considerable interest in identifying molecular biomarkers that are able to better characterise colorectal cancer and guide therapy more accurately for individual patients. While a number of biomarkers have been explored by researchers, few have been implemented in routine clinical practice. Arthur Morley-Bunker is currently studying a PhD in the Mackenzie Cancer Research Group (Clinical Director: Professor Bridget Robinson) and is using a new molecular technology that can uncover potential biomarkers, and become a new tool in diagnostic laboratories. Arthur was the first person in New Zealand to develop expertise with this technology which he is now using to examine a particular type of molecule known as RNA. He is being supervised by a research team of cancer experts, including Dr Logan Walker (Cancer scientist), Dr John Pearson (Biostatistician/bioinformatician), Dr Margaret Currie (Cancer Scientist), and Associate Professor Tim Eglinton (Consultant Colorectal Surgeon). Our results to date have found RNA biomarkers from two genes that may be linked with a more advanced cancer. By assessing molecular changes down a microscope, Arthur has noticed that tumours from patients who have poor prognosis, contain less of these RNA biomarkers that tumours from patients with a better prognosis. A challenge with measuring changes under the microscope by eye is the possibility that different people looking may generate slightly different measurements. To overcome this problem, Arthur is also exploring computer based methods that provide a better assessment of microscope images to for a more consistent measure of biomarkers. Our research goal for 2017 is to understand more about how two RNA biomarkers contribute to the development of cancer. Arthur will be using the Glassey Trust Fund to carry out an array of laboratory experiments to uncover why a reduction in particular RNA molecules might give rise to more advanced tumours. Our ultimate hope is that this new information may lead to better patient management, and also to guide the development of new therapies targeting tumours with these molecular changes.
We are very grateful for the opportunity to use these funds for our colorectal cancer study and wish to extend our thanks to the Advance Ashburton Community Foundation.
Dr Logan Walker
Rutherford Discovery Fellow
Mackenzie Cancer Research Group
University of Otago Christchurch
Celebrating Children
The sun shone and the music played, as five thousand people packed into the Tinwald Domain in celebration of Children’s Day on Sunday March 6th. Chairperson of Mid Canterbury Children’s Events and Activities Trust, Lorayne Oakley, said the vision for the day is to see children celebrated, nurtured and treasured by all. Celebrated annually throughout the country, the event in Ashburton is a free day of child-centred fun activities including rides, face painting, crafts, gymnastics and a BBQ. The trustees for the Tinwald Club Trust Fund, administered by Advance Ashburton, were delighted to encourage positive relationship between adults and children, by making a grant to help cover costs of the event.
(Photo: The Ashburton Guardian)
The sun shone and the music played, as five thousand people packed into the Tinwald Domain in celebration of Children’s Day on Sunday March 6th. Chairperson of Mid Canterbury Children’s Events and Activities Trust, Lorayne Oakley, said the vision for the day is to see children celebrated, nurtured and treasured by all. Celebrated annually throughout the country, the event in Ashburton is a free day of child-centred fun activities including rides, face painting, crafts, gymnastics and a BBQ. The trustees for the Tinwald Club Trust Fund, administered by Advance Ashburton, were delighted to encourage positive relationship between adults and children, by making a grant to help cover costs of the event.
(Photo: The Ashburton Guardian)
A New Van for Park Street Day Centre
Park Street Day Centre is a service run by the Canterbury District Health Board for older members of the Ashburton community. The extra care and socialisation during the day enables them to live in their own home for longer. The Centre is open every weekday and offers a range of services: socialisation, support for carers, craft and handwork, assistance with skills for daily living, recreational activities and outings. The Day Centre is renowned for its individual care of patients and offers the additional service of picking up and dropping home the people who use the service. Advance Ashburton along with Pakeke Lions is proud to have supported the purchase of a new van to help continue the work of this wonderful community service.
Park Street Day Centre is a service run by the Canterbury District Health Board for older members of the Ashburton community. The extra care and socialisation during the day enables them to live in their own home for longer. The Centre is open every weekday and offers a range of services: socialisation, support for carers, craft and handwork, assistance with skills for daily living, recreational activities and outings. The Day Centre is renowned for its individual care of patients and offers the additional service of picking up and dropping home the people who use the service. Advance Ashburton along with Pakeke Lions is proud to have supported the purchase of a new van to help continue the work of this wonderful community service.
BOOST Child Literacy Project Update - 2017
Advance Ashburton has proudly been supporting the BOOST child literacy programme since it was originally trialed in 3 schools in 2014. Coordinated by the Ashburton Learning Centre, the success of this programme has led to considerable growth since it began and the programme is now being delivered in 10 local schools. 27 volunteers are trained as tutors to work alongside over 100 students to help enhance their reading and literacy skills.
The programme aims to assist 7 and 8 year olds whose literacy skills are behind their peers, but the extra support they need is not available under the state school system. Volunteer tutors go to the schools to deliver a highly effective, research-validated programme, which the children and the results are showing is helping them with the fundamental literacy skills they need to succeed. Children on the programme receive tuition twice a week, for a 30 week period. The schools are eager to be involved, tutors enjoy being part of the tutoring team and most importantly the children have shown they make great progress. The Ashburton Learning Centre has been well supported by local schools and receives funding from Advance Ashburton and the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation.
Advance Ashburton has proudly been supporting the BOOST child literacy programme since it was originally trialed in 3 schools in 2014. Coordinated by the Ashburton Learning Centre, the success of this programme has led to considerable growth since it began and the programme is now being delivered in 10 local schools. 27 volunteers are trained as tutors to work alongside over 100 students to help enhance their reading and literacy skills.
The programme aims to assist 7 and 8 year olds whose literacy skills are behind their peers, but the extra support they need is not available under the state school system. Volunteer tutors go to the schools to deliver a highly effective, research-validated programme, which the children and the results are showing is helping them with the fundamental literacy skills they need to succeed. Children on the programme receive tuition twice a week, for a 30 week period. The schools are eager to be involved, tutors enjoy being part of the tutoring team and most importantly the children have shown they make great progress. The Ashburton Learning Centre has been well supported by local schools and receives funding from Advance Ashburton and the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation.
Community House Help
“One of the best parts of being a Trustee is being able to present funds to the Mid Canterbury community; to those organisations and individuals who will benefit from the money,” said Kevin Geddes. Kevin, who is retiring from the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, recently presented the latest donation of $8600 by Advance Ashburton to the Community House Charitable Trust. This funded the purchase of the telephone system for their new Community House premises. “Advance Ashburton has been very generous as they donated funds to support the purchase of the building and have now again donated for the purchase of our phone system,” said John Driscoll, Chair of Community House Mid Canterbury. Kevin Geddes has seen the Trust grow in the past ten years into the organisation it is today. He attributes this to three things: First and foremost the generosity of people in the Ashburton community. Secondly the inspired leadership and vision of the late Neil Sinclair, the first Chair of Advance Ashburton. Thirdly, the ongoing support of the Tindall Foundation which makes funds available to Community Trusts and approved community projects. Kevin feels that he has been privileged to be part of a remarkable group of Ashburton people who have built an organisation that has harnessed the inherent generosity of this community into an catalyst for positive change. Philanthropy is for everyone and our community is very much the better for the work of Advance Ashburton.
“One of the best parts of being a Trustee is being able to present funds to the Mid Canterbury community; to those organisations and individuals who will benefit from the money,” said Kevin Geddes. Kevin, who is retiring from the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, recently presented the latest donation of $8600 by Advance Ashburton to the Community House Charitable Trust. This funded the purchase of the telephone system for their new Community House premises. “Advance Ashburton has been very generous as they donated funds to support the purchase of the building and have now again donated for the purchase of our phone system,” said John Driscoll, Chair of Community House Mid Canterbury. Kevin Geddes has seen the Trust grow in the past ten years into the organisation it is today. He attributes this to three things: First and foremost the generosity of people in the Ashburton community. Secondly the inspired leadership and vision of the late Neil Sinclair, the first Chair of Advance Ashburton. Thirdly, the ongoing support of the Tindall Foundation which makes funds available to Community Trusts and approved community projects. Kevin feels that he has been privileged to be part of a remarkable group of Ashburton people who have built an organisation that has harnessed the inherent generosity of this community into an catalyst for positive change. Philanthropy is for everyone and our community is very much the better for the work of Advance Ashburton.
Methven Library and Historical Society
After the 2011 earthquakes the buildings belonging to the Methven Library and the Methven Historical Society were unable to be economically repaired and strengthened. As a result the two groups have worked together to gain approval for one brand new building which should be completed in 2016. Support from the community has come in the form of donations towards the cost of the building. Advance Ashburton Community Foundation was pleased to hand over a cheque for $100,000. This was donated by the Lochhead Charitable Trust, which is now administered by the Foundation, specifically for this new Methven building.
After the 2011 earthquakes the buildings belonging to the Methven Library and the Methven Historical Society were unable to be economically repaired and strengthened. As a result the two groups have worked together to gain approval for one brand new building which should be completed in 2016. Support from the community has come in the form of donations towards the cost of the building. Advance Ashburton Community Foundation was pleased to hand over a cheque for $100,000. This was donated by the Lochhead Charitable Trust, which is now administered by the Foundation, specifically for this new Methven building.
Family Violence Coordinator
Rugby first brought Zimbabwean born Evans Chibanguza to Mid Canterbury, but after working at Silver Fern Farms and completing a post-graduate diploma in Social Work from Otago University he started work for Child Youth and Family as a care and protection social worker. Evans has recently taken up a new role with the Canterbury District Health Board as a social worker and family violence coordinator. He has seen first-hand how great the need is in the Mid Canterbury region. A few months previously, the chairman of the Advance Ashburton Community Foundation, Trevor Croy, and trustee, Mary Ross, had met with senior hospital management to see if there was anything specific that money donated to the foundation and tagged for health funding, could be used for. Yes, came the reply – to help us fund a position for a family violence coordinator. And so a need in the local community has been matched with a grant to part fund this new position for two years. Evans’ main priority is to get out into the community to create relationships with the other professionals who are at the coalface of family violence; the police, Child Youth and Family, Women’s Refuge, social agencies, the local midwives, schools and the Acute Admission Unit at Ashburton Hospital. Evans is the link between all of these groups, to coordinate information sharing which has been identified as one of the biggest obstacles when dealing with domestic violence in our communities. “I have long held the view that the one place that everyone should feel safe is in the home and so believe the issue of domestic violence needs to be wiped out. I am willing to do everything I can to make sure this happens,” says Evans. Advance Ashburton is delighted that the funds have been put toward such an important role in the community.
Rugby first brought Zimbabwean born Evans Chibanguza to Mid Canterbury, but after working at Silver Fern Farms and completing a post-graduate diploma in Social Work from Otago University he started work for Child Youth and Family as a care and protection social worker. Evans has recently taken up a new role with the Canterbury District Health Board as a social worker and family violence coordinator. He has seen first-hand how great the need is in the Mid Canterbury region. A few months previously, the chairman of the Advance Ashburton Community Foundation, Trevor Croy, and trustee, Mary Ross, had met with senior hospital management to see if there was anything specific that money donated to the foundation and tagged for health funding, could be used for. Yes, came the reply – to help us fund a position for a family violence coordinator. And so a need in the local community has been matched with a grant to part fund this new position for two years. Evans’ main priority is to get out into the community to create relationships with the other professionals who are at the coalface of family violence; the police, Child Youth and Family, Women’s Refuge, social agencies, the local midwives, schools and the Acute Admission Unit at Ashburton Hospital. Evans is the link between all of these groups, to coordinate information sharing which has been identified as one of the biggest obstacles when dealing with domestic violence in our communities. “I have long held the view that the one place that everyone should feel safe is in the home and so believe the issue of domestic violence needs to be wiped out. I am willing to do everything I can to make sure this happens,” says Evans. Advance Ashburton is delighted that the funds have been put toward such an important role in the community.