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Archive of news items and press releases
These media articles and FHT news items were first published on this website during 2003 to 2005. It also includes FHT chairman's reports since 2002.
Let's face the issues and change our attitudes -
A Profile of Jigsaw's Liz Kinley
- Press Release, 9 November 2006"During the 25 years I've spent working for the prevention of family violence and child abuse, I've become convinced that real change will only happen when, as a society, we change our attitudes and our behaviours towards all forms of abuse. This is the only way we can begin to reverse our shocking record of violence." Read the full press release . . .
Canterbury Artists join fight against child abuse
- Press Release, 18 October 2006More than 45 Canterbury artists are showing their support for the fight against child abuse, donating artworks to 'heART for Children' - an art auction for Family Help Trust. The auction is being held at St Margaret's College Gymnasium at 7.00pm on 12 November 2006. Among the art on offer is 'Allegory of Fame' by renowned Canterbury artist Kees Bruin as well as works by City Councillor Sally Buck, Kelvin McMillan, Grant Esplin and Rae West. Read the full press release . . .
New research lends hope to fight against child abuse
- Press Release, 9 October 2006A new evaluation of Christchurch-based Family Help Trust is the first to suggest that ultra high-risk families can make positive changes towards preventing child abuse. The evaluation, which was carried out by Dr Mark Turner (PhD) examined 55 families being assisted by Family Help Trust over a 12-month period. Family Help Trust spokesperson Sally Thompson says the research’s findings are a milestone in New Zealand’s efforts to reduce child abuse.
Read the full press release . . .
Read Report SummaryThe Rotary Children's Charity Ball
August 2006The Spanish-themed Rotary "Kids Should Have a Ball" Charity Ball and Auction at the Christchurch Convention Centre on Saturday night August 19th topped $100,000 in its tenth anniversary year - and has left the organisers still feeling slightly stunned at its success.
Neil Blanchfield, chair of the organising committee, said "This is far more than we have made before and we can't say thank you enough to the corporates and key bidders who have supported our ball and charity auction to such a generous level. It's just wonderful to have that support coming through, and to be able to pass it on to three worthwhile projects that will make a difference to children living in Canterbury."
The Family Help Trust will benefit by another vehicle to be used by a social worker in the community; the fourth car purchased from funds raised by the ball in recent years. Read the full press release . . .
Here are some photos taken that evening.FHT supports Judge's comments
- Press Release, 23 August 2006The Family Help Trust is backing comments made by Principal Youth Court Judge, Andrew Becroft and Youth lobby group Great Potentials chief executive Lesley Max. Both have said the focus for decreasing youth offending in future should be on early intervention and Lesley Max says more help should be given to families throughout children's lives to teach good parenting skills. Read the full press release . . .
Rotary 'Kids Should Have a Ball' charity event raises over $100,000
- Press Release, 22 August 2006The Spanish-themed Rotary "Kids Should Have a Ball" Charity Ball and Auction at the Christchurch Convention Centre on Saturday night topped $100,000 in its tenth anniversary year - and has left the organisers still feeling slightly stunned at its success. Read the full press release . . .
Christchurch Agency Joins National 'Kids are Unbeatable' Campaign
- Press Release, 20 June 2006A Christchurch agency working to keep at risk children safe, is part of a national campaign called 'Kids are Unbeatable'. The Family Help Trust is affiliated to jigsaw (formerly Child Abuse Prevention Services), a national organisation that is partnering with The Body Shop in a major campaign to raise funds and awareness about child abuse in New Zealand. The campaign will be launched at 12 noon on 1 August in Civic Square, Wellington. Read the full press release . . .
Stop Child Abuse Before It Happens
- Press Release, 20 June 2006Calls to treat reported abuse more seriously are being questioned by one Christchurch child support agency. Family Help Trust Chairperson, Sally Thompson, says anything to help reduce our woeful child abuse record is welcome, however prevention is the absolute key to saving the lives of our children. "What is the point of having an ambulance at the bottom of a cliff? We must focus on stopping this abuse before it happens. Dealing with it once it happens may be too late," she says. Read the full press release . . .
Christchurch Family Support Agency Applauds Government Announcement
- Press Release, 10 May 2006One of the country's leading support agencies for at risk children is welcoming today’s announcement by the Child Youth and Family Services Minister, Ruth Dyson. Chair of the Christchurch based Family Help Trust Chair, Sally Thompson, says a financial commitment from the Government to improve effective, independently evaluated early intervention services would be very welcome. Read the full press release . . .
Early Intervention Key to Stemming Family Violence
- Press Release, 28 March 2006Get in while children are very young, work with parents within the family and change the home environment for the better. That today from one of New Zealand's leading social agencies, the Christchurch based Family Help Trust. FHT Chair, Sally Thompson, says violence is a learned behaviour, one of what may be many, in dysfunctional families, and with a focus on effective, proven early intervention programmes, the cycle can be broken. Read the full press release . . .
Open letter to John Campbell of Campbell Live, TV3
From Sally Thompson - 10 March 2006I watched with interest last night as you spoke with Celia Lashlie and Garth McVicar. Based on the success of our programmes which “teach” and support families instead of punishing them, Garth McVicar’s comments linking prevention with punishment – “bring back caning”, is not one we can endorse. I am left constantly wondering why not more effort is put into early intervention services and programmes which support families while children are very young. Read the full letter . . .
Contact helping Christchurch kids to a better future
- Press Release, 8 March 2006Contact Energy is to sponsor Canterbury social support agency, the Family Help Trust, in its work to improve the lives of at-risk families in Christchurch. The energy retailer will contribute $20,000 a year for three years towards the operating costs of the Trust. Contact Chief Executive, David Hunt, says Contact saw the community-based Trust as an effective and practical way to help families in the greatest need. Read the full press release . . .
Cautious Support for Child Commissioner's Proposal
- Press Release, 25 January 2006"It's definitely worth looking at." That today from Christchurch based child support agency, The Family Help Trust. Trust Director, Libby Robins, says Children's Commissioner, Cindy Kiro's suggestion all New Zealand children undergo four tests during their childhood to keep tabs on child welfare should be looked at and she sounds a word of warning. Read the full press release . . .
Early Means EARLY When it Comes to Saving Our Children
- Press Release, 16 January 2006Further endorsement today for the work carried out by the Family Help Trust, one of Christchurch’s most effective early intervention family support agencies. Speaking on National Radio this morning, Principal Youth Court Judge, Andrew Beecroft, said he believes "comprehensive early intervention" is the most effective way of stopping our young criminals from progressing to a life of crime as adults. Read the full press release . . .
Weft Industries' Charity Factory Sale
November 2005This year's sale raised $72,162.60 to be distributed among several charities, of which the Family Help Trust was one beneficiary. Weft Industries said that, based on the comments from some of their customers, the event raised the profile of the charities that were involved. Our thanks to our own supporters who promoted the event and helped ensure benefits flowed on to the Trust.
Farewell to Mirijana
November 18, 2005
With a great deal of sadness, the staff and board said goodbye to Mirjana Pal, who had served as our office administrator for the past two years. Mirijana is moving to Perth so that she and her son can strengthen bonds with other members of her family living there.
The sentiments and outpourings of aroha expressed for Mirijana at her farewell lunch spoke volumes of the love and respect she was held in by everyone here. Her patience, hard work and understanding will be a hard act to follow. Fare well, Mirijana, and don't forget us - we certainly won't forget you!The Rotary Children's Charity Ball
July 14, 2005The Rotary Clubs of Christchurch's 9th Children's Charity Ball was held at The Christchurch Convention Centre on August 27, one of the great occasions on the Christchurch social calendar.
The band was Mista Meana and the compere Frankie Stevens, and a three course meal with fine wine was be served. One quarter of the proceeds were donated by Rotary to the Family Help Trust, and the money enabled us to buy one additional car for social workers (matching those which Rotary generously provided after last year's Ball). Photos . . .
Gareth Morgan - The Investment Adventurer
July 14, 2005Recently returned from his motorcycling odyssey following Marco Polo's route along the Silk Road from Venice to Beijing, Dr Gareth Morgan (courtesy of the Christchurch Press) will recount his adventures in a series of public lectures. (Plus the usual valued advice on investment trends.)
The talks will be presented on Monday 19 September 12.15pm and 5.30pm, and Tuesday 20 September 5.30pm. They will be at Dame Ngaio Marsh Theatre, Ilam. There will be an Entry Fee of $15 cash at the door with proceeds to The Family Help Trust. Details at www.garethmorgan.com
Governor-General opens new Trust offices
March 30, 2005Our co-patron, the Governor-General, Dame Sylvia Cartwright, officially opened our new office in Carlyle Street this week, at an event attended by many of the people associated with the Trust including staff, donors and trustees. She said the number of children on the waiting list for our early-intervention programme was an indictment on New Zealand society.
Trust director Libby Robbins said the waiting list has been reduced with the appointment of two new social workers, bringing the number to six, but the demand for the service continues to push up the list. Click here for photos taken at the event. Read Dame Sylvia's address.Art Exhibition and Auction
Held March 19, 2005
Well over 400 guests attended the art exhibition at Riccarton Park, resulting in excess of $40,000 worth of art from local talented artists being sold in support of our local child abuse prevention services. Many excellent comments were received from exhibitors and guests alike concerning the organization of the event. Jo Dearsley (Funding Events Co-ordinator) and band of volunteers were well pleased with the results.
"From Infant to Adolescent"
Held March 4, 2005Brainwave and Pacific Foundation hosted a series of seminars titled "From Infant to Adolescent" - A Neurodevelopmental approach to Attachment; New Directions in Interventions. The seminars were presented in major cities by Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Fellow of the ChildTrauma Academy. In Christchurch it was packed out with 300 attendees who listened with immense interest.
Dr Perry is the author of over 200 journal articles, book chapters and scientific proceedings and is the recipient of numerous professional honours and awards. He has presented about child maltreatment, children's mental health, neurodevelopment and youth violence to a variety of policy-making bodies including the White House Summit on Violence. Read Bonding and Attachment in Maltreated Children: Consequences of Emotional Neglect in Childhood, a booklet by Bruce D. Perry developed by the ChildTrauma Academy (333kB PDF file).
We have reference to a Press report on the event.Family Help Trust moves office
February 3, 2005We've moved. While our Cashel Street accommodation suited us very well for the last nearly four years, it limited any further expansion plans. On 31st January we moved to larger premises upstairs at 154 Carlyle Street, Sydenham. While our physical address changed, all other contact numbers remain the same.
We can highly recommend our vacated Cashel Street office to any other group along with the excellent on site carparking facilities, reasonable rental and the user friendly landlord. If you are interested, please call Grant or Derek on 374 9274.
. . . . . . . . . . . ."The Incredibles! Unmasking the real design heroes"
- inform Newsletter: August/September 2005" . . . In my opinion, be it ever so humble, some of the greatest service design is going on in non-profit organisations you have probably never heard of. Organisations like Maatua Whangai o Kirikiriroa in Hamilton or the Family Help Trust in Christchurch are quietly achieving staggering community outcomes on budgets that would make an accountant weep." - by Fraser Scott, Managing Director of True North Consulting, in an article for the DesignIndustry newsletter. Read the full article.
. . . . . . . . . . . .Major Press feature : 'Kicking the drug cycle'
- Christchurch Press, 22 June 2005, page D1The work of the Family Help Trust featured strongly in a large human interest feature on a section front of the Press newspaper. The article told the story of a Christchurch woman who is overcoming her heavy drug habit and rebuilding her life with her young family. One of our social workers, Maggie Riddell, told of her weekly home visits and what they mean to the family.
In the article the mother of the client child said: "Maggie's visits made me realise how much of a good mother I am. She gives me confidence and teaches me how to be patient. I hope that when these five years finish we can keep in contact with Maggie." Maggie herself said how the trust tries to help its clients with a wide range of things including budgets, health, self-esteem, education, jobs, safety in the home and so on. "It's a holistic approach."
But Trust chairwoman Sally Thompson pointed out in the article that this has a downside - it could be the reason why the Trust fails to receive any central government funding. "Early intervention is hard to justify funding for", she said. "We harass every Minister and MP, but because we are not a health, nor an education, nor a justice service, we don't fit into any one portfolio. Basically, we are a victim of our own success."
. . . . . . . . . . . .'No excuse' for abuse of children, says Governor-General
- Christchurch Press, 31 March 2005, page A9Abuse of New Zealand children has no possible excuse, says the Governor-General, Dame Sylvia Cartwright, a Family Help Trust patron. Speaking yesterday at the opening of new premises for the Family Help Trust, Cartwright said the number of children on the waiting list for the trust's early-intervention programme was an indictment on New Zealand society.
. . . . . . . . . . . .Children losing touch - Modern living 'risk to brain development'
- Christchurch Press, 5 March 2005, page A18Modern nuclear families are raising children who do not know how to share or empathise with others, said American child psychologist Dr Bruce Perry. Many children in Western countries were growing up with one tenth of the 'inter-relational time' that kids elsewhere had in extended families, he said. Instead, children as young as five years old were spending time in front of the TV and being drilled in cognitive skills such as reading and maths.
. . . . . . . . . . . .Art Exhibition and Auction
Well over 400 guests attended the art exhibition at Riccarton Park on 19th March 2005, resulting in excess of $40,000 worth of art from local talented artists being sold in support of our local child abuse prevention services. Many excellent comments were received from exhibitors and guests alike concerning the organization of the event. Jo Dearsley (Funding Events Co-ordinator) and band of volunteers were well pleased with the results.
. . . . . . . . . . . .John Mayhew, ex-All Black doctor and family man
On July 21st 2004, guests at the Christchurch Casino enjoyed a highly successful fundraiser sponsored by Sovereign Assurance, with the proceeds going to the Family Help Trust. The guest speaker was very entertaining, and sports memorabilia were auctioned.
. . . . . . . . . . . ."The Property Crash and Beyond" - Dr Gareth Morgan
Dr Morgan, a high-profile economist, newspaper columnist and investment manager, gave three presentation seminars at the Ngaio March Theatre on June 15th & 16th, 2004, with the $10 cash admission charge going to the Family Help Trust. The event was a great success, sold out each session, with about $12,000 raised for the Trust. Many sincere thanks, Gareth.
. . . . . . . . . . . .Help 'too late' for children
- Christchurch Press, 28 August 2004, page A7Early intervention programmes are not helping troubled teenagers soon enough to prevent youth crime, says Family Help Trust acting chairman Annabel Taylor, in relation to this week's release of crime rates for the past year. She said agencies working with at-risk children were getting involved too late, and that early intervention should mean getting involved with at-risk families before a child was born, not by the time they reached primary school.
. . . . . . . . . . . .Trust seeks sponsors for meningococcal kit
- Christchurch Press, 15 July 2004, page A8Dismayed by a year-long wait for the new meningococcal vaccine, the Family Help Trust is calling for sponsors to fund a first aid kit for needy families. The vaccine is being rolled out across the country, but Christchurch children will not get it until about August next year. There are limited supplies, and the vaccine is not for sale. The Trust proposes helping at-risk families by providing a first aid kit including a digital thermometer, and is calling for sponsors to fund the kits, which in total cost about $3500.
. . . . . . . . . . . .Rotary Ball proceeds fund two Trust cars
September 11, 2004The Rotary Ball welcomed over 600 guests to their Annual Ball on 11th September, which this year was based on a Moulin Rouge theme. The Family Help Trust was a major beneficiary from the proceeds of this event, enabling the purchase of two vehicles for their Social Workers. Grateful thanks to Christchurch Rotary Club for their generosity.
. . . . . . . . . . . .New appointments at Trust
July 7, 2004The Family Help Trust has appointed a part-time funding and events co-ordinator, Jo Dearsely. The role will not include routine fundraising applications, which will remain with Trust Director, Libby Robins. Jo is absolutely committed and passionate about the Trust and its work, and for a number of years has been Chairperson on the fundraising committee. Sharon Schwalger has been appointed to the Board of Trustees by Te Runaka ki Otautahi O Kai Tahu. Sharon works as a psychiatric rehabilitation social worker for the Stepping Stone Trust, and is currently working towards a Masters in Social Work. She increases our Social Work strength at board level.
. . . . . . . . . . . .Rotary Club of Christchurch Ball proceeds to fund cars
July 7, 2004The Family Help Trust has been selected as the major recipient for the proceeds of the annual September Rotary ball. The ball is expected to raise sufficient funds for the purchase of two nearly new vehicles for our Social Workers. After many years of attempting to acquire the funds for our own vehicles, this news is particularly gratifying. While our Social Workers have always been well compensated for the ongoing use of their private vehicles, it is fair to say that it has been on ongoing issue for them. Of course, two vehicles will have to be rostered around our current staff of five Social Workers, but they will still make a significant difference particularly for the longer distance journeys such as to Rolleston and other outlying areas where many of our families reside because of the cheaper rents. The Trust is extremely grateful to The Rotary Club of Christchurch for their kind donation and are confident that sufficient funds will be raised.
. . . . . . . . . . . .FHT updates IT
July 7, 2004The past few months have brought with them some exciting changes for the Family Help Trust in the area of information collecting systems and information technology. Part of this involved a significant investment in the assistance of a research graduate who spent several months examining and then re-organising all our client information collection systems. To ensure we are on the right track, we have now engaged an independent consultant to review this work. The results of this review will be completed by the end of July. As is often the way, if you change one part of your system it has a trickle-down effect, and the changes referred to above have rendered our current outcome database obsolete. We are now heavily involved in establishing the specifications for an entirely new database. The recruitment of a part-time dictaphone transcriber has allowed Social Workers more time in the field and less in the office typing casenotes. To facilitate this, together with readying ourselves for multiple database users, we have installed a Linux-based networking server that allows a direct link from the transcriber to each computer. This new IT system has also allowed all staff to access internet and email, which is making communication with other professionals a great deal easier.
. . . . . . . . . . . .Launch of the 500 Club
June 30, 2004The Family Help Trust is establishing the 500 Club, recognising and benefiting people and organisations who donate $500 or more to the Trust, preferably for a three-year commitment. Rewards for being a 500 Club member are:
- A personalised plaque stating that you are a member of the Family Help Trust 500 Club.
- Dinner for 4 people at the Christchurch Casino (kindly donated by Arthur Pitcher).
- Your name and logo (if you have one) on this website.
- A mention of your donation in our newsletter.
- Your company can advertise the fact that you financially support the Trust.
- Regular copies of the FHT newsletter.
- Advance advice and preferential bookings for all FHT events.
To join, contact us, or indicate you interest on the Donation form.
. . . . . . . . . . . ."The Property Crash and Beyond" - Dr Gareth Morgan
June 17, 2004Dr Morgan, a high-profile economist, newspaper columnist and investment manager, gave three presentation seminars on June 15th & 16th, with the $10 cash admission charge going to the Family Help Trust. The event was a great success, sold out each session, with about $12,000 raised for the Trust. Many sincere thanks, Gareth.
. . . . . . . . . . . .Family Help Trust joins CAPSN
June 3, 2004The Family Help Trust has been accepted as a member of Child Abuse Prevention Services New Zealand (CAPSNZ) - the first South Island-based organisation to achieve this status.
CAPS New Zealand is a national collective of child abuse prevention services - eight in the North Island and one in the South Island. Each agency makes its own decisions on how best to work within the cultural mix in its local community, and what area of local need to meet. Some have 24 hour telephone counselling lines, some work with youth - all have as a primary goal the prevention of child abuse through the support, education and counselling of parents, especially mothers.
. . . . . . . . . . . .Justice With Both Eyes Open - book launch
May 12, 2004New Zealand Member of Parliament, Marc Alexander has published his controversial book Justice With Both Eyes Open, describing it as "essential reading for all who want a better and safer New Zealand for their children". The Family Help Trust, which will receive some of the proceeds of sales, sees the book as a useful resource for its work in at-risk families. Proceeds from the sales of the book, published by Hazard Press, will be distributed between the Family Help Trust and the Sensible Sentencing Trust. In the book, Alexander writes:
"One early intervention programme to watch is the Family Help Trust in Christchurch. The Trust targets the high end of the most 'at risk' families and is one of New Zealand's first and most successful programmes. Family Help Trust believes that reaching children early can avoid huge social costs - like prison time - later in life. The Trust has a holistic approach to care and stands by parents before the birth of their baby until the the child is five years old. It costs $5,000 to work with one child for a year, and the Trust is dependent on charity grants. Most referrals are from government health or education professionals."
. . . . . . . . . . . .Sporting couple to work as Ambassadors for the Trust
March 3, 2004Two high-profile New Zealand sports people, Julie and Dallas Seymour, have agreed to become Ambassadors for the Family Help Trust. Julie has been captain of the New Zealand Silver Fern netball team and is currently Vice Captain of the Canterbury Flames, while Dallas has several years of success as a New Zealand rugby player, both in the full game but especially in Sevens.
They say their decision to take on this role was triggered by the growth of their new family (two young children), and their desire to help an organisation that assists at-risk children and families to develop better life skills. More . . .
When they became aware of the work of the Trust, they were impressed by its focus on early intervention and long-term assistance. As Ambassadors, Dallas and Julie will attend fund-raising events and act as spokespeople as required, in the hope that this will help raise the profile of the Trust among the general public and news media, and thus attract more funding and get other people involved in the work of the Trust.
. . . . . . . . . . . .Governor-General launches "If Only ..." campaign
February 9, 2004New Zealand's Governor-General, Dame Silvia Cartwright, accepted the offer to become our second National Patron, at a cocktail function at Jade Corporation. She used the occasion to launch the "If Only ..." major fundraising campaign. Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Peter Townsend, president of the Chamber of Commerce. FHT trustee Jo Dearsley spoke movingly of the plight of young children caught in the cycle of violence, and introduced Dame Sylvia. She spoke from her court experience of the pain that violence brings to families and to society as a whole, and introduced the fundraising campaign. "If only more of us believed these children were worth the effort," she said. "If only we realised the importance of the barrier at the top of the cliff, so that the ambulance at the bottom wouldn't be needed." The campaign, which has kicked off with a local charitable trust donating $10,000 a year for 3 years, aims to persuade more sympathetic families, individuals and corporations to donate $5000 (gold), $3000 (silver) and $1000 (bronze) a year for three years. Campaign manager, Bryan Andrews, gave further details. At the function it was also announced that high-profile New Zealand sports couple, Julie and Dallas Seymour, have graciously agreed to become Ambassadors for the Family Help Trust, a role which will include raising the Trust's profile at fund-raising events and other occasions.
. . . . . . . . . . . .Lion Foundation partnership provides two new Social Workers
February 2004A major sponsorship commitment by Lion Foundation has enabled us to expand our services by employing two more Social Workers. Lion Foundation has become our first Principal Partner, and its substantial donation enables us to bring our number to five. The new staff begin on February 16th, and they will immediately set about clearing our waiting list, enabling Bill Pringle to take on the full-time clinical supervisory role. We are delighted with Lion Foundation's involvement and look forward to a long working partnership with them.
. . . . . . . . . . . .CYFS Baseline Review
by Bill Pringle, FHT Clinical Service Manager, February 2004Family Help Trust welcomes the findings and recommendations of the Baseline Review of the Department of Child Youth and Families Services. There is a clear recognition that the Department has been under-resourced for a long time. We all get frustrated at times with delays in response from social workers but are also aware of the importance of referring serious care and protection issues and confronting the true extent of such problems. The report talked about the importance of developing and maintaining relationships with other community groups who are involved in the safety and wellbeing of children. With so many of our families having been or potentially being CYFS clients, we eagerly anticipate enhanced co-operation and perhaps even some tangible recognition of our role. Another aspect of this co-operation must be recognition that the recruitment of an extra 90 trained social workers in CYFS nationwide potentially depletes the pool of graduates available to other social services such as ourselves. Co-operative strategies to effectively recruit qualified and skilled people across the social work sector as a whole would be the idea.
. . . . . . . . . . . .Govt to pay for family visits
- Christchurch Press, 8 June 2004, page A3The Government will pay for family visits to youth offenders and high-risk young offenders will be bailed into the community under a new million-dollar youth justice investment. CYF Minister Ruth Dyson unveiled a raft of youth justice changes yesterday designed to keep young offenders from graduating to adult prisons.
. . . . . . . . . . . .Nip crime in the bud - Fergusson
- Christchurch Press, 11 May 2004, page A2Badly behaved seven-year-olds are more likely to become criminals, to take drugs, to become teen parents and to suffer mental illness, said Professor David Fergusson, addressing the Royal Australian and NZ College of Psychiatrists yesterday. He said the behavious of young children was "the best indicator we have" for problems in adulthood. He said authorities who were "wringing their hands" over the social problems of crime, drug abuse and mental illness should instead be funding early childhood intervention.
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Previous Annual Reports
Chairperson's Report to Annual General Meeting, September 2006
It is my pleasure to be able to report to you. This of course means that Family Help Trust has made it through another year. I am sure that all of you feel as frustrated as I do that the precariousness of our financial situation has dominated so much of our energy and behaviour this year as always. I cannot however present my final report without commenting on our recent good financial news, in spite of the fact that it falls outside of the period of this report. It has occurred to me that maybe someone in Wellington had heard I was leaving and acted accordingly but really it is hard to believe after all these years that we are at last on the Government radar. Well done to everyone who has lobbied, written reports, fronted to the media, attended meetings and whatever else it has taken. Sadly, I suspect that the death of two little boys in Auckland has been a catalyst for the decision. If only they could be the last.
Family Help Trust can rightfully be proud of its performance this year. We are showing very positive, provable results from our collected data, reported in our 2006 evaluation report, conducted by Dr Mark Turner. Evidence that what we have always believed is actually right. It is even seemingly becoming accepted by an increasing number of those in decision-making positions. We are frequently the agency of choice of the media seeking comment on family violence issues. I accept the respect they show for our views as an indication of our credibility. Much of the credit for our increased profile is due to Ali Jones. Her networks and media savvy have been very good for us. You will be aware that Ali now has a new position at Newstalk ZB and can no longer provide the PR for us but has recommended a replacement.
I look around the table and recognise the calibre of fellow trustees and understand the commitment you have all made to this organisation. It has not been easy on one level, to be a Trustee, because of the ongoing precariousness of our funding but at a different level it is very satisfying to be associated with a small agency that is making such a big difference. Thank you for your contributions and for your support during what has turned out to be a difficult year for me personally. While the newer trustees will be part of next year's Annual Report I would like to say how pleased I am that they have agreed to join us. We said farewell to Jo Dearsley this year, her energy on the funding committee and her events organizational abilities are missed. We thank her for her efforts on our behalf. Jo has left a legacy though of some very determined and willing volunteers who help with fundraising events and contacts.
I would like to thank staff also. Along with Trustees they must feel the stress of lack of long term funding that obviously impacts on their working security and conditions but they invariably perform professionally and are a credit to the agency. As Trustees we are able to accept the credit of a successful agency but the staff are the ones who are working daily with a very difficult client group and helping them make changes. Libby and Bill lead the team with experience and common sense that has resulted in trustees feeling secure in the thought that FHT will not appear on the front of the Press in a negative light. There is place for a special mention of Heenie Philips. Heenie is a wise and gentle woman who guides us (sometimes successfully) through the protocols of powhiri and other ceremonies. She is a source of knowledge and support for the Trust and staff that we truly appreciate.
The Fundraising group also deserve special mention. The quality of the events has added to the reputation of Family Help Trust. Fundraising requires a huge commitment with no guarantee of results and so this group has earned enormous gratitude from the Trust. Without our donors we would of course not be here. I should like to thank Christchurch Casino Trust, Lion Foundation, Kiwi First, United Way, Christchurch City Council, Metro Trust, Shirley/Papanui Community Board, Canterbury Community Trust, Bendigo Valley Trust, JSW Group, Pub Charity, David Ellison, Gareth Morgan, N Z Lottery Grants Board, Scottwood Trust, Lamar Trust, Christchurch Rotary, Hickman Family Trust, Weft Industries, E B Millton Trust, and the Canterbury Foundation for their support through the year.
The reduction in funding allocations and greater numbers of applications from agencies has meant a very competitive environment has developed. Family Help Trust has managed to hold its own in this environment. It is important to specifically recognise the principal relationship of Lion Foundation who as well as having funded three additional social workers for the past three years, granted us the necessary funds to conduct our 2006 evaluation. The Christchurch City Council also deserves an honourable mention concerning their financial commitment for our research and this year we were delighted to receive a three-year sponsorship with Contact Energy.
As I previously mentioned I am leaving Family Help Trust today. I have been involved here since one of the Social Workers brought a client family to the childcare centre I was managing quite a lot of years ago. About 15 I think. I was persuaded to join by Libby. I thought I had made that choice but that was before I realised just how determined Libby could be. At that time the Trust was operating from Libby and Brian's kitchen and so it would be fair to say we have come a long way.
There have been times over the years when the stresses have been enormous but there has always been the overriding knowledge that FHT could make a real difference in the lives of the most vulnerable citizens of Christchurch. It is a source of pride for us that the Trust has such a good reputation in this city and latterly in the country as a whole. We have been staunch over the years to stick to what we believed in and at last we are beginning to be able to prove our effectiveness and convince others.
That we have been able to attract Patrons such as Dame Ann Ballin, Lesley Max, Dame Sylvia Cartwright and now Judge Andrew Becroft speaks clearly of our reputation and value to this city's children and their families. Now that there is light at the end of the funding tunnel and funding issues can take their rightful place on the agenda instead of dominating it, it will be a great opportunity for the Trustees to be able to concentrate on developing and delivering this high quality service, which is why I am sure you are all here.
FHT has been an affiliated member of CapsNZ (Child Abuse Prevention Services), now renamed as Jigsaw NZ, for the past several years. Libby has represented FHT as an executive committee member. This has given her the opportunity of travelling to Wellington quite frequently and that in turn has meant that she has been able to combine this with lobbying for FHT. (This will not surprise anyone I'm sure because Libby uses whatever opportunity she can to lobby for FHT.) Jigsaw has been a strong source of support for our cause, both at a macro and micro level. Thank you to Jigsaw's CEO's Liz Kinley and Tau Huirimia for their significant support during this year in particular. Having a voice at national level, through a national body, has been important to FHT in order to make sure that the prevention of child abuse continues to have priority at high levels within all political circles.
We have also been represented, again through Libby, at the Child Youth and Family Expert Committee review of approvals, which has been meeting throughout 2006. Libby reports that this has been an important task as it intends to make the approvals process more outcomes focussed rather than output focussed and as such will assist towards making community agencies and Child Youth and Family more evidence based. It is intended that Child Youth and Family go through the same approval as community agencies, so FHT views this as an important task. The final document will be distributed shortly.
Both of the above two opportunities provide evidence that FHT packs above its weight. So, given the good funding news in the first part of this report, I have every confidence that I am leaving the Family Help Trust in the excellent safe hands of high quality Trustees and staff and looking more sustainable financially than it has ever been before.
Thank you all for your loyalty and support over the years.
Sally Thompson Q.S.M
Chairperson,
Family Help Trust
Chairperson's Report to Annual General Meeting, 15th August 2005
I have a sense that this has been a year of consolidation rather than great innovation but also a year of progress in lots of areas.
The new database and plans for our second evaluation have been major developments for the Trust especially as we can now speak with some credibility about the need to assess the effectiveness of Early Intervention programmes. We are very grateful to the contribution of Dr Mark Turner and Ric Hyden in these advances.
Funding, of course, remains the big issue. Fortunately we have gained the ongoing support of several reliable funders that have allowed us to continue to provide services to families and in the case of the Lion Foundation enabled us to in fact extend the team to a 6th Social Worker. I'm not going to mention the lack of central government funding again this year. I'm getting a bit tired of saying that!
This year we once again moved premises and enjoyed a high profile opening function with our Patron Dame Sylvia Cartwright as guest speaker. The new premises in Carlyle St have room for expansion if and when we can gain the secure funding for more Social Workers.
In August the Rotary Ball resulted in two cars for the Trust with the likelihood of two more this next year.
We also thank the following for their continued support, The Lion Foundation, The Community Trust, Christchurch City Council, Lottery Grants Board, Scottwood Trust, Pub Charity Inc, Metro Charitable Trust, Bendigo Valley Foundation, Century Foundation, Canterbury Foundation, E.B. Millton Charitable Trust, Gareth Morgan Investments, JSW Group Ltd, Arthur Jones, Maurice Carter Charitable Trust, Child Health Services Trust, David Ellison Charitable Trust, Blogg Charitable Trust, Christchurch Casino, Lamar Trust, NZ Community Trust, Police Managers Guild Trust, Riccarton Rotary Club, Rotary Club of Christchurch, Tindall Foundation/United Way, Sue Mullins, Scenic Circle Hotels, The Keith Laugeson Trust, Weft Industries and many sundry special donations.
The fundraising committee, with Jo Dearsley as chairperson and the team of volunteers have toiled away with innovative ideas for attracting the elusive funds from Christchurch citizens. These have included the Art Exhibition, John Mayhew dinner, Gareth Morgan seminars, the 500 Club. There have been so many other calls on the charity dollars this year with the Tsunami and Charity Hospital, that raising substantial funding has become very difficult.
One of the benefits of our fundraiser and public relations efforts however is a very pleasing high profile for the Trust. We appear to have become the agency of choice for some media when they need a comment on child safety issues. Ali Jones, staff and families are to be thanked for their willingness to co-operate with this strategy and present very credible and professional comment, both pro actively and in response to news items or publications.
It is hard to think of new things to say about the appreciation I have for the contribution to this agency of the Trustees and staff. Sharon Schwalger had to resign as trustee this year because of other commitments but we thank her for her contribution. All the trustees are fully committed in their own fields and I cannot say enough about their willingness to give time to the Trust. It's not an easy task because of the issues we face and our ongoing uncertain financial future but the professionalism of both trustees and staff make me proud to chair the Trust.
In saying that, I wish to let you know that this will be my last year as Chair. I have been involved with the Trust for many years and have seen it move from a very big idea with very small resources, to an agency with huge credibility and a very effective programme, even if it still does have very small resources! The ability of the Trust to attract high quality trustees leaves me with no doubt that it will remain an important agency in Christchurch with the focus of changing clients lives for the better.
Thank you for your support over this year.Sally Thompson
Chairperson,
Family Help Trust
Chairperson's Report 13th Annual General Meeting: 18 October 2004
It is a pleasure to report what has been an excellent year for the Family Help Trust in all areas of functioning.
We have ended the fiscal year with additional reserves, which is highly satisfactory, however, we cannot afford to become complacent as the competitive nature of raising funds is increasing. With this comes the increased need for services such as ours to be able to provide clear and credible evidence of effectiveness.
It is with gratitude that we acknowledge the new partnership between us and the Lion Foundation, whose generous contribution has enabled us to recruit further social workers.
We also thank the following for their continued support, Air New Zealand, Arthur Jones, Bendigo Valley Foundation, Century Foundation, Ferrier Trust, Maurice Carter Charitable Trust, Child Health Services Trust, Christchurch City Council, David Ellison Charitable Trust, Blogg Charitable Trust, Christchurch Casino Charitable Trust, Christchurch Casino, E.B. Millton Charitable Trust, Gareth Morgan Investments, Lamar Trust, NZ Lottery Grants Board, Ministry of Social Development, Metro Charitable Trust, NZ Community Trust, Police Managers Guild Trust, Pub Charity Inc, Riccarton Rotary Club, Rotary Club of Christchurch, Scottswood Trust, Special donations, Sue Mullins, The Community Trust, Tindall Foundation/United Way.
Our fundraising committee of Jo Dearsley, Bryan Andrews, Arthur Pitcher, Richard Austin, Neil Blanchfield and Libby Robins has continued to do a sterling job in raising additional resources and a particular highlight was the February 04 cocktail function held at Jade Software Corporation, welcoming Her Excellency The Hon Silvia Cartwright to take up her appointment as Patron, after Dame Ann Ballin's sad death in September 2003. We were delighted that our other Patron, Auckland Lesley Max M.B.E. was able to attend this function and present Her Excellency with a commemorative plaque.
In May 2004 Jo Dearsley was appointed into a paid fundraising/events co-ordination role for a one-year period. It has become clear to the board that such a role was necessary in order to target the corporate sector and give our Director, Libby Robins, some much needed assistance in this area. We have already been able to gain significant corporate sponsorship from a number of different areas, and in particular UMC and Radionetwork have been extremely generous. David Armstrong, Techwriter Ltd, continues to sponsor and manage our web site together with volunteering other assistance on a weekly basis. The web site attracts an average of 500-700 visits each month.
The Rotary Club of Christchurch have agreed to purchase two vehicles for Social Workers from the proceeds of the ball, later in 2004. This is going to be a fantastic development for Social Workers, who have been obliged to use their own vehicles in order to perform their role.
Sadly we said goodbye to Dr. Ian Hall this year. Ian has taken up a very exciting post in United Arab Emirates. We wish him well and thank him for his years of service to our work. The Rotary Club of Christchurch will be making a recommendation on his replacement later in the year, so carrying on their tradition with us. We have been fortunate to have appointed Sharon Schwalger as a trustee during the year. Sharon is a psychiatric social worker for the Stepping Stone Trust, who has strongly supported her appointment. Sharon is Kai Tahu Kati Mamoe by descent, and is working towards a Masters of Social Welfare through Otago University. 2003 also brought with it the appointment of a new Kaumatua, and we were pleased to welcome Koka Heeni Phillips in this role. Mrs. Philips has been a practitioner of Rongoa Maori medicine since 1984 and a staunch advocate of the Kohanga Reo movement for even longer. She has iwi affiliations with Kahungunu, Rongowhakaata, Rongomaiwahine, Ruapani and Ngati Porou. She is a most welcome addition and is always available to staff when faced with cultural issues with their clients.
Central government funding has still eluded us, though it is pleasing to see their commitment to multi-year contracts with community providers.
In September 03, the independent evaluation conducted by the University of Canterbury, Social Work Department, found evidence of reductions of key parental risk behaviours over several important parameters, which included family violence, child protection issues, substance use and criminal behaviours. This was great news and very affirming for all staff. In addition the final report made some recommendations concerning the methods we used to collect data. As a result, the board authorized further expenditure to gain specialized research assistance to conduct a large- review and inevitable implementation of new documentation and a new database.
Once this was complete, an external social audit was undertaken to assure the board that we had adequately completed the original University recommendations.
While the results of this fall outside the parameters of the dates of this report, it is appropriate for us to advise that the auditor gave us an excellent report and concluded. "The progress FHT made to implement the changes recommended in the 2003 Evaluation deserves top marks. The change of personnel while it could be seen as negative has resulted in a new Social Work Team with a positive outlook regarding the service as well as ownership of the agency and the documents which they are required to use. They feel safe, encouraged and supported with the present Management Team. There are forums in which issues are discussed and both the Director and the Clinical Service Manager are available for support. The Social Workers feel that their interventions with families is assisting families with finding the tools, skills and options needed for them to change to enable better and safer lives for their children and themselves."
It now remains for us to conduct a second evaluation, using the new collection methods. This is planned for midway through 2005.
Other issues that have occupied the board of trustees during this financial year have included; changes to the constitution, social workers registration, professional indemnity insurance, increasing social efficiency by implementing a computer linking system, enabling us to have a databased case management system, consolidating the social work team and continuing to raise awareness of child abuse through both our own media releases and our affiliation with Wellington based CAPSNZ (Child Abuse Prevention Services, NZ)
Finally, it remains for me to personally thank our dedicated team of trustees for all their work during the year and of course the staff, without whom we would not have a service that has clearly gained a reputation for excellence, professionalism and effectiveness. Some 80% of our referrals come through the health sector and in particular, through midwifery services where we are becoming the service agency of choice for a growing number referral providers. It has been a pleasure to attend various agency functions this year and to gain clear evidence of workers who are very committed and passionate about both our small agency and the important work that it does - changing outcomes for vulnerable children.Sally Thompson
Chairperson,
Family Help Trust
Chairperson's Annual Report to AGM of Family Help Trust, October 2003
This has been an extraordinary year of high points and low points.
We ended the financial year with a reasonably healthy cash reserve as a result of a) some hard and quite stressful decisions in December 02 to cut back our staffing level and b) renewed efforts at fundraising and some additional opportunities previously not known to us.
Our sincere thanks go to The Community Trust, Christchurch City Council, Safer Christchurch, Lamar Trust, Arthur Jones, Canterbury Foundation, Carter Charitable Trust, Child Health Services Trust, Christchurch Casino, David Ellison Charitable Trust, John Ilott Charitable Trust, Lion Foundation, Lottery Commission, Metro Charitable Trust, NZ Community Trust, Police Managers Guild Trust, Pub Charity Incorp, Riccarton Rotary, Scottswood Trust, Sue Mullins, Tindall Foundation/United Way, Scenic Circle Hotels.
A mail out and request for funds to the community in December had some surprising results and gave us a clear indication of the support we held.
Each year we hope that we will manage to gain central government funding, and it is to my regret that once again we have not achieved this goal.
The fundraising committee consisting of Jo Dearsley (chair) Joc Darling, Arthur Pitcher, Bryan Andrews, Libby Robins, Richard Austin and Neil Blanchfield held a highly successful Charity Golf Tournament in March, and shortly after that Arthur Pitcher nominated us for the proceeds of a luncheon featuring the Irish Tenors, which was particularly enjoyed by some of our seniors. The committee have some ambitious plans for the incoming fiscal year and hope to raise in the vicinity of $80,000 with an opportunistic CEO's Dinner and a Fawlty Towers Dinner arranged for the next financial year.
The hiring of Ali Jones Promotions Ltd has brought with it additional media opportunities which in turn has raised our profile in the community considerably. We are now frequently called by the media for comment when an issue hits the news. It is hoped that this will also translate into additional sponsorship opportunities.
Part of this plan has been the creation of a web site, a new look for our promotional material and the establishment of a regular newsletter. Our web site is now up and running and looks great. The site is very informative and was elected site of the month in May by CommunityLink. Information on line includes the full referral package and links to relevant research and documents on other sites. Photographs and information on all trustees, funding committee members and staff are also on line as well as media release, newspaper clippings featuring ourselves and any upcoming fundraising events. The site has been designed and sponsored by David Armstrong, whose ongoing support and assistance has been invaluable.
Other assistance that is more goods and services rather than cash donations that has been so much appreciated has included the continual involvement of UMC and their team.
We were delighted to achieve what we hope is the first of many business sponsorships through Sue Mullins, First National Progressive Real Estate who is generously donating specific sum of money for each house she sells.
New projects on the drawing board that will take place in 2003/2004 include new promotional material, new service manuals, computer linking and a 3 yr strategic plan.
While not within the dates that this report should relate to, we cannot allow the passing of our Patron, Dame Ann Ballin to wait until next year's report. Annie had a 12 yr involvement with this agency and was a constant source of support and inspiration. We are the richer for having had her involvement in our work.
The provision of funds for evaluating the Safer Families service by Safer Christchurch has been an important event and as at the end of June it was well underway with preliminary findings sounding extremely positive.
I do most sincerely want to thank the Trustees who give so much of their time. Every one of you has a fully committed busy life already and it does take some sacrifice to give time and energy to this cause. Your efforts are very much appreciated Charles Knibb is a new Trustee this year and he adds the necessary financial background that has been missing up to now. Jane Tappenden, who while appointed as a trustee at the last AGM, is also a new trustee for 02/03. Jane replaced Mary O'Dwyer from Cunningham Taylor and brings a legal perspective to the board.
This has been a difficult year for staff and management with the necessary downsizing at the end of last year. Bill Pringle was a relatively new Clinical Supervisor and must have wondered if he had made the right choice in accepting the position. I would like to thank all staff both old and new for their commitment and hard work. This is not an easy job but it is a necessary one and requires the skill of dedicated social workers.
We already know that the next year is looking more positive with a new trustee in Janet Leonard Waaka and some successful fundraising allowing us to set aside the beginnings of a funding reserve and the implementation of our Strategic Plan. Lets hope we continue along this more positive path into the future. Thank You.
Sally Thompson
Chairperson,
Family Help Trust
Chairperson's Annual Report to AGM of Family Help Trust, November 2002
In last years report I mentioned our lack of Central Government funding as an issue to be progressed this year. Sadly I need to report now that we have still not achieved that goal. Not for want of trying but it seems that although we impress any politician who passes our way it is not translated into funding. We will however continue the battle.
We do have the benefit of other funders to whom I would like to offer our sincere thanks. They are Community Trust, Christchurch City Council, Southern Trust, Safer Christchurch, Carter Charitable Trust, Lottery Board, Rotary, Canterbury Masonic Charitable Trust, John Ilott Charitable Trust, Canterbury Foundation, Christchurch Casino, Bendigo Valley Foundation, Lion Foundation, Laugeson Trust, Scenic Circle Hotels, Seniorlink, Lamar Trust, NZ Community Trust, Pub Charity, Arthur Jones.
And all those who support our fundraisers on a regular basis. The Crusaders Dinner was an especially enjoyable and successful occasion. The Fundraising Committee of Jocelyn Darling, Jo Dearsely, Arthur Pitcher, Richard Austin, Sally Thompson and Libby Robins have many projects in the planning stages and thanks are due to them for their entrepreneurial streak and willingness to give so much of their time to support this service.
This has been a year of solid work for the Trust and thanks must go to Libby and the staff for their efforts. I know from experience that it can seem at times from a staff perspective that Trustees are removed from the reality of the work that staff are involved in. I would like to assure staff that we are interested and grateful for their efforts. The families who benefit from your intervention will also be pleased they have made a connection with FHT.
I would like to once again acknowledge all the Trustees who give their time and experience so willingly. We especially thank Annabel Taylor and Alison Wilkie who joined us this year. I am always pleased to be able to bring the name of FHT into conversations when I can impress listeners with the very credible Trustees we are lucky to attract.
Thank You everyone for the years work. I am positive we will have better funding news to report next year!
Sally Thompson
Chairperson,
Family Help Trust
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