Rise March 2014

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ISSUE 26 – MARCH 2014

“He aha te mea nui o te ao?

Mäku e kï atu. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata!”

“What is the most important thing in the world?

I tell you. It is people, it is people, it is people!”

Kaha E Tu Whānau – strength, values and violence-free whānau Napier Connects – tackling loneliness among the elderly Help-n-Hand – community strength in Pahiatua Strength in words – a young writer’s story

Welcome This issue of Rise is about kaha or strength

Brendan Boyle Chief Executive

Welcome to the March 2014 issue of Rise.

The theme of this issue is kaha – or strength. Our stories highlight the strength of people who strive and achieve in the face of huge challenges, as well as the dedicated and determined people who support them.

ISSN 1178-4709 (Print) ISSN 1178-4717 (Online)

In our cover story, Mäori leaders Darrin Haimona and Katie Murray talk about why they’ve dedicated themselves to E Tu Whänau – a Mäori-led campaign to tackle family violence, and build strength and

Printed in New Zealand by Blue Star Print Group (NZ) Ltd using FSC® mix paper from responsible resources, using mineral oil

aspirations in whänau and communities.

On page 2, a young writer shares the

free, soy-based vegetable inks.

words she has dedicated to the people who

The information provided in this Ministry of Social Development

fostered and gave her a family when she

publication is intended to profile initiatives, research and opinions related to the social sector, and all reasonable measures have been taken to ensure that the information set out in this publication is accurate.

However, readers are advised that: »»The Ministry does not implicitly or impliedly endorse the views presented in this publication unless otherwise stated. »»The information provided does not replace or alter the laws of New Zealand or any other official guidelines or requirements. »»The contents of this publication should not be construed as legal advice. Before relying on any information in this publication, users should independently verify its relevance for their purposes.

ii RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014

People gain strength from each other.

They thrive and achieve more, and manage things they couldn’t do alone. The same is true of communities, organisations and government agencies too. Tapping into that collaborative strength is an important focus for the social sector – especially when it comes to our vulnerable kids.

couldn’t live with her own parents.

I hope you enjoy our stories.

Kia kaha

In Napier, the community accepted a challenge to tackle isolation among its older people. It was a simple idea, but with many people and organisations involved, it has achieved some great results. That story is on page 10, and it certainly highlights the importance of connection.

Brendan Boyle Chief Executive, Ministry of Social Development

Contents Cover story

4 E Tu Whänau

Mäori leaders stand up for values, aspirations and strong whänau without violence.

Feature stories

2 Strength in words

Books were Nisi Cassidy’s best friends and writing was her escape. Now the 18-year-old, who grew up in state care, is pursuing her passion for creative writing.

4

8 Help-n-Hand

In rural Pahiatua, social support is all about giving a helping hand.

10 Tackling loneliness

It was pitched as a simple idea to tackle loneliness among the elderly, but the community in Napier caught the ball and ran with it.

13 Parenting is TOUGH… LOVE is essential

TOUGHLOVE has helped parents to love and protect their teenagers for more than 20 years.

14 All welcome

Hotel manager Olivier Laqoua is passionate about his 100 per cent accessible hotel.

2 10 Contact Rise

Would you like to receive a link to each new online issue of Rise?

Email at rise@msd.govt.nz

Downer Construction is investing in Work and Income clients; a sole mum overcomes her challenges and is back in work.

Regular columns

Rise online

For up to the minute information about all the work of the Ministry of Social Development follow us on Twitter @msdgovtnz

18 Spotlight on Wellington

It’s all about new partnerships to do better for young people; plus meet the inspiring Jamie Addison.

Rise in your inbox

Rise on Twitter

The Prime Minister’s Youth Programme is for young people who’ve made good choices in tough circumstances.

22 Spotlight on Southern

Drop us a line at rise@msd.govt.nz

www.msd.govt.nz/rise

16 New tastes and encounters

Read Rise on your iPad Find it on the Apple iTunes App store by searching for Rise magazine.

26 Regional round-up 29 Tips, links and news – check out Rise online and iPad.

RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 1

Strength in words Nisi Cassidy used to get into trouble for filling her school books with poems and stories, so she started buying her own notebooks. Now she has a whole bag of them.

Eighteen-year-old Nisi’s dream is to become an author, and now she’s taking the next step towards her goal. At the Manukau Institute of Technology’s (MIT’s) Creative Writing Programme, she’s started the journey to develop her creative writing skills.

Stray Nisi is a survivor. She came into the care of Child, Youth and Family at a young age. Over the years, she has dealt with loneliness, feelings from her past and growing up in a range of foster homes.

2 RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014

She remembers abuse, but most of the time she chooses not to. She writes about a lot of different things, but on her dark days, most of it is about loneliness.

“I want people to know – people who have had their dark days and feel like they’re the only ones – I want them to know they‘re not.”

Nisi has always found solace in writing and in reading books. She would stay up late at night, reading and writing in the dark. She says she would pick up her pen, and it would just start to move.

There’s always one character who remains the same throughout her stories.

“The character is basically me, and I build a whole parallel universe around that character,” she says.

Nisi says love and trust doesn’t come easy to her. For a long time, she stood by the theory that you can’t trust or love anyone because they’re just going to leave.

Stray

by Nisi

y

Cassid

ild mall ch s a is There the rain ket in g in d c t Stan es or ja hey walk pas o h s o With n ee her but t s People cares y No one she is a stra e Becaus sky to the d a e h s her s She tip s at the star oftly s e z w And ga and glo of them e l k in w They t es to be one h She wis lks rete She wa on the conc e rain water ot th her Barefo at herself in ack at b g in g k Lookin s herself loo e She se ly eyes ne o l With ld o be he t s g n o d She l mforte o c e b To loved To be rd be hea is impossible And to is h ows t y.

She kn she is a stra e s Becau

Home assidy

by Nisi

C

home are. d me a n u o f e and c v o l I have o h eople w With p y a famil .

I have r leave e v e n l il Who w lost ed and v o l e v I ha d m love But I a rn in retu e v o l And I y r a stra ed e g n o l I am no nger abandon lo I am no ithout nger w o l o n I am home. m a I e Becaus

CARE FOR KIDS

Home Nisi says when she left her family, she forgot about her writing for a long time.

That was until she met foster caregiver Nanny Ethel and her family.

“Nanny Ethel said to me ‘You’re not alone. You have us now and we won’t leave you.’ I felt like I was home.”

Nanny Ethel could see a huge potential in Nisi. She saw how deep her passion was for writing.

Sadly, Nanny Ethel passed away a year ago but left behind a huge dream for Nisi to pursue. She would be proud to know that Nisi is well on her way to achieving that dream.

The poems on this page were submitted as part of Nisi’s application

Nisi says she had run out of inspiration one day when her social worker said “Look within yourself; find a poem about your life.”

Stray is a memory from Nisi’s childhood, one night outside when she felt as if no one cared for her.

“I had no jacket or shoes on; I looked at the sky because I didn’t want anyone to see me crying. I wanted someone to want me; I wanted to go home.”

Home is about the people she regards as her family – her caregivers: “The ones who took the time for me and cared about me; the ones who love me.

“These poems are dedicated to Nanny Ethel, Nanny Annie, Aunty Kimi, Aunty Georgina, Uncle Mark, Aunty Emily and my brothers and sisters.”

Caregivers are the heart and home of Child, Youth and Family. They are ordinary people who make an extraordinary difference giving a loving home, care and support to children who can’t live with their own families – from a weekend to a home for life.

WEB LINK Learn more about becoming a foster caregiver at: www.cyf.govt.nz/info-forcaregivers/index.html Or call free phone: 0508 FAMILY (0508 326 459)

to MIT. RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 3

E Tu Whānau

What is E Tu Whānau?

Why do its leaders believe in it?

And why does E Tu Whānau resonate with Māori when it comes to tackling family violence and strengthening whānau?

4 RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014

For Darrin Haimona, leading action on family violence issues for Māori was not a matter of choice.

Māori values and strengths “We know from history that family violence was not a part of traditional Mäori life – women and children were cherished, and there were harsh penalties for those who transgressed against whänau.

Our tikanga kept us safe, and having

“The family violence statistics for our people are alarming, and despite many efforts things have not improved – in fact, quite the opposite,” Darrin says. “It was time for us as Mäori to take responsibility for our own solutions.”

Darrin is Tainui (Ngäti Hauä) and is Chief Executive Officer of Te Hauora o Ngäti Hauä Trust of Waharoa (Tainui). He also sits on a number of other boards.

“E Tu Whänau is a Mäori-led response to tackle issues of family violence within our whänau and communities, but it has also come to mean something much more than that. It focuses on our strengths as Mäori, our traditional values and achieving our aspirations for the future.”

Darrin leads the Mäori Reference Group that developed E Tu Whänau and advises the government’s Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families. He has been on the reference group since its inception in 2006.

Darrin’s involvement with E Tu Whänau is about leadership, but it’s also personal.

“Throughout my own life, I witnessed forms of violence across almost every aspect of life. It was quite normalised in my community during my upbringing.

So I was quite challenged when I started working in the family violence field. I began to see that a victim of family violence could be every female that I knew in my life – my mother, my sisters and aunties – and that the so-called perpetrators of violence were not necessarily some evil strangers – they could be my brother, my father, my uncle.”

The strong belief that everyone has the right to be safe from violence and fear motivates and drives Darrin. So too does the knowledge that E Tu Whänau has been shaped by Mäori and is grounded in kaupapa Mäori.

that traditional model to return to is a huge strength.”

The first E Tu Whänau resources were developed around values that came from körero about what it is that makes Mäori strong – such as tikanga (doing things the right way), aroha (love) and körero awhi (open,

supportive

communication).

The

resources are designed to be practical and used in everyday life, with cards, posters,

Darrin Haimona

sayings and ideas for conversation.

These resources carry simple but powerful messages, such as: “Leave big footprints for your children to follow” and “Your ancestors sit on your shoulders to keep your feet on the ground”.

They have been used in settings such as prisons, marae and parenting groups to help people open up, connect to Mäori values and open doors for change. Feedback is that the words resonate with Mäori, and the messages have power.

Māori owned and operated The E Tu Whänau approach and tools were created with careful thought and consultation over several years to ensure real ownership by Mäori.

A leadership summit, held at Hopuhopu in 2008 and hosted by King Tuheitia and the Tainui people, was a pivotal point. As Darrin explains, “It was the first time Mäori leaders had come together to focus on whänau

“E Tu Whānau is a Māori-led response to tackle issues of family violence within our whānau and communities, but it has also come to mean something much more than that. It focuses on our strengths as Māori, our traditional values and achieving our aspirations for the future.”

violence. The leadership and commitment that came from this summit gave us the mandate for E Tu Whänau.”

The summit was followed by 36 hui around the country to get community commitment to action and solutions.

RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 5

“This korero was massive – the stories of our people, their voices, their hopes and their dreams are strongly embedded in E Tu Whänau.

“E Tu Whänau belongs to our people and reflects what they want to do to create a different future. It is not just some flashin-the-pan idea – it’s real, it’s genuine and grounded in things Mäori. That gives it a really strong chance of success.”

Partnership and trust It is also significant that E Tu Whänau is a partnership between Te Ao Mäori and government. Darrin says that although E Tu Whänau is owned and led by Mäori, the government’s support is important to its success.

Darrin admits that working in partnership with a government agency can be challenging for Mäori – and that there was some initial reluctance to get involved with a government organisation. However, he says that the working relationship between the Mäori Reference Group and the team at Family and Community Services (FACS) is built on confidence and respect.

“It has been an interesting and successful journey,” says Darrin.

Minister for Whänau Ora and Associate Minister for Social Development, Tariana Turia, has also supported E Tu Whänau from the outset.

“Our knowledge and expertise have been really valued,” says Darrin.

Change is happening Darrin says that the impact of E Tu Whänau is evident in his own community and others.

“We now talk openly about family violence; people will stand up to support the messages, to challenge violence and make sure everyone knows that it is not okay – our children know it, our partners know it.

“All sorts of exciting things are happening around the country – Mäori are grabbing on to E Tu Whänau because it makes sense to them – and we are seeing some real clarity and boldness from our leaders.”

The second Programme of Action for E Tu Whänau was launched in 2013, building on the work that had been done since 2006.

6 RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014

“The launch brought together leaders, practitioners and others from around the country once again to look at what we had achieved and where we are going.

“We got validation that we are still on track and that E Tu Whänau reflects the needs of our communities.

“And, from that launch, we shaped a collective view. For me, that makes me feel like I’m not isolated on some personal mission but that I‘m part of a shared movement for change.”

Katie Murray – whānau first Katie Murray is Te Rarawa and hails from Herekino in the Far North. Like Darrin, Katie has massive family and community responsibilities but jumped at the chance to get on board with the Mäori Reference Group and E Tu Whänau.

“When I found out that E Tu Whänau is so strongly focused on whänau strength and positive ways of addressing issues for our people, that just resonated really well with who my family is and what we are about,” says Katie.

“E Tu Whänau sums up what our dad taught us about the strength that our family has and that when we do things together we can achieve anything.

We have spent the best part of the last 20 years trying to bring that sense of well-being to others in our community.”

In Herekino, Katie heads Waitomo Papakainga, a whänau trust that undertakes an array of community development work in the Kaitaia area.

Among the things Katie and her whänau have on the go are: a kura for children who are unable to attend the local high school; a rugby programme that strengthens fathering skills; a second-hand shop and the Super Maori Fullas, the group that formed as a response to the high levels of family violence experienced in New Zealand and who have taken a very public stand against family violence.

The work is challenging and often involves people in crisis, but Waitomo Papakainga is committed to helping others take control of their lives and shape a better future for themselves.

Solid foundations, shared values Katie credits her mum and dad for her own whänau connection, strength and positive focus. She says she was lucky to start life with such a strong foundation.

“There were 11 of us kids. Dad was a wharfie in Auckland, and we lived in a Mäori Affairs house – so it wasn’t like it was easy. Mum and Dad shared the parenting, and there were no differences between the brothers and the sisters – how we were treated, what we were expected to do. At the time, we didn’t realise how special this was.”

When Katie and other whänau members started shifting back to Herekino some years back, they began to recognise that their whänau had something that others around them did not. But back then they couldn’t quite put a finger on what that was.

“At that time we had no jobs, we had left work in Auckland to come back home, so we realised that unemployment wasn’t the sole barrier to well-being. It wasn’t rural isolation either (in Herekino we’re 20 kilometres away from Kaitaia).

“We set about finding ways to share our whänau strengths with our community.”

Katie’s whänau is also steeped in tikanga and whakapapa, and for Katie, this is fundamental.

“We grew up knowing who we are, where we come from and what is OK or not OK. My brothers and sisters and I all share the same values and so that keeps us strong and connected to each other, to our culture and to who we are.”

Changing a nation – making a difference Katie believes in E Tu Whänau and the hope that it gives Mäori.

“If we can keep connecting with whänau around the country, drawing them in and supporting them to be the best that they can be, providing them with hope and an alternative vision for their future – then we will have made a difference.”

E Tu Whānau vision Whānau are strong, safe and prosperous, living with a clear sense of identity and cultural integrity, and with control over their destiny – Te Mana Kaha o te Whānau!

E Tu Whānau values • Aroha – expression of love/feeling loved • W hänaungatanga – it’s about being connected to whänau • Whakapapa – knowing who you are • M ana/Manaaki – upholding people’s dignity/giving of yourself to others • K örero awhi – open communication, being supportive • T ikanga – doing things the right way, according to our values.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Ann Dysart 04 916 3767 or email ann.dysart001@msd.govt.nz Ordering E Tu Whänau resources www.familyservices.govt.nz/ etuwhanau-resources

WEB LINK www.etuwhanau.org RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 7

Katie Murray

Help-n-Hand manager Kathy Braddick

Help-n-Hand In the small, rural town of Pahiatua, a helping hand is the way community support works – especially with the area shaken by earthquakes recently.

Help-n-Hand is the name of the community organisation that coordinates the

Bush

SuperGrans,

the

Pahiatua

Foodbank, the Pahiatua Free Budget Service, and the Pahiatua Community Garden, which supplements the Foodbank.

A no-wrong-door policy means that whoever turns up needing support or information will get help.

“People come in asking for all sorts of things, says 24-year-old Shannon Bell, who is one of only two full-time employees at Help-n-Hand.

8 RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014

“They might need clothing or budget advice or help applying for jobs or writing a CV. We have a computer that people can use. Or sometimes they need a referral to another agency for specialist help.”

Manager Kathy Braddick says the January 20 earthquake which rocked the area has added a further dimension, with people showing stress and need from damaged homes and belongings.

“We’re seeing more people that we wouldn’t normally see in here, with new sorts of needs. You just have to try and do what needs to be done.”

With funding for just two employees, Kathy says “it’s the endless hours given by our 30 volunteers and a supportive community that keep our doors open.”

Funding comes from a range of places – donations from local businesses, churches and people, community grants, and the Ministry of Social Development.

“At the moment we’re also lucky enough to have volunteers from Linton Prison working in our community garden. That means they’re learning new skills as well as growing produce for the Foodbank,” she says.

Shannon Bell

A hand up Many of the volunteers are like Geraldine Riley, mentoring and sharing their skills with others. She’s a Bush SuperGran – although she’s years away from being a grandma.

The 25-year-old mother of two volunteers her spare time helping an older Pahiatua resident keep in touch with her grandkids via cellphone and computer.

“I break everything down and print out simple instructions on laminated cards,” says Geraldine. “I’ve gained a lot from her, too. We learn off each other – about life, not just about computers, with respect on both sides.”

Kathy says it’s often about basic life skills.

“The work we do here is about strengthening people. It’s about offering a hand up, instead of a hand out.

“Pahiatua is a small rural town with not a lot of work or training opportunities. If we can’t provide these services, where could people turn?

“And it’s all for free – you are never asked to put your hand in your pocket for any of our services provided, or anything in our office. I’m quite adamant about that.”

As well as budgeting, food or advice, a helping hand can take different forms: • A scrapbooking club gives local mums some time out with friends.

• Knitting groups make clothing for local schools with donated wool.

• Santa turns up at Christmas and there are free photos and treats for the town’s children.

things we wanted. They answered a lot of questions I had. And we knew it was all totally confidential – whatever was said in Brunch Club, stayed in Brunch Club!”

Now she is extending her hand to others and her confidence has soared.

For Kathy, Shannon and their team of volunteers, the reward of helping someone is incredible.

“It feels amazing to help someone achieve or learn something they want.

That’s why we do it,” says Kathy. “Ask any of our volunteers. It’s worth more than any monetary reward.”

• The Brunch Club is a support and cooking group for young mums.

Eight years ago, the Brunch Club is where Bush SuperGran Geraldine Riley received her own hand up as a 17-year-old with a new baby.

“I was pretty much at home all day with my baby,” says Geraldine. “I was worried about coming along, but they were mums like me, and we could talk about all the

Supreme Winners Help-n-Hand won the 2013 TrustPower Tararua District Council Supreme Community Award and is in the national finals to be announced later in March.

RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 9

Tackling loneliness Most Tuesdays at 10am, a grey-haired posse sets out from a large council-owned retirement village in Napier. They chat as they walk down the street, vibrant in their high-vis vests. The words 'Village Walkers' are stamped in black across their fluoro backs.

“You can’t miss us,” laughs 74-year-old Maggie Hollis, one of the group’s members.

“We’re becoming quite well known.

We stroll for about an hour, yakking all the time. We’re all levels of fitness and health, so we take it slowly.

“It’s very social. We say ‘hello’ to people we meet on the street, which we wouldn’t have done before we starting taking walks together.

“And we take care of each other. If someone doesn’t turn up as planned for a walk, we go and see if anything’s wrong.”

The Village Walkers started when one village resident spoke up at a community safety meeting. She said she didn’t feel safe walking to the shops on her own

because she didn’t think anyone would

to involve more elderly people in community

help her if she fell.

and voluntary activities.

Community

Napier Connects was sparked by the

Planning Manager Natasha Carswell was at

Napier

City

Council’s

Minister for Senior Citizens, Jo Goodhew,

the meeting.

who

called

a

meeting

of

community

“Immediately, someone answered ‘I’ll walk

organisations in Napier in June 2012. She

with you’,” says Natasha. “And that was

wanted to challenge the community to

the beginning of it. Nowadays, this group is

come up with its own ways to reduce social

fantastically connected, healthy and happy.

isolation among older people.

They’re just a delight.”

Napier Connects

“The Minister was keen to get more elderly

people

involved

with

voluntary

activities. Many already are – they’re our

The Village Walkers is one of several

‘busy bees’ – but there are barriers to others

activities that have emerged from an

getting involved,” says Natasha, who also

initiative called Napier Connects – a team

represents Napier City Council on Napier

effort by local organisations and individuals

Connects. “The Minister asked us to go away

10 RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014

The Village Walkers

Community computer hub

and consider the problem and look for ways to plug the gaps.”

The groups at the meeting got together and invited other community groups to join a steering group.

and went out with their Accredited Visitors

know where to help or how to get there,”

Service, asking older people what they

Sarah explains.

thought,” Lois says.

“Lois’ work provided us with evidence to

“I also spoke to NGOs, Red Cross, church

support what the Napier Connects steering

groups, etc, about what services they provided

group was doing. It also engaged the

What’s missing?

and what they needed from their volunteers.

community directly and got people thinking

I got as many connections as I could, collated all the information and took it to the Napier

about the issue,” says Natasha Carswell.

One of the first outcomes of the meeting was that Age Concern Napier gained some extra help to go into the community, connect with over-65s and find out what was missing and what could help.

Hastings Senior Services Case Manager Lois Markham joined Age Concern for five months to develop that project, funded by the Department of Internal Affairs’ Community Internship Programme.

“I must have spoken to hundreds of people. I’ve never drunk so many cups of coffee in my life! I went to all the groups and programmes that Age Concern runs

Connects steering group.”

Age Concern Napier’s Sarah Potter says social isolation – or a lack of community connection – is the single most serious issue facing older people.

“I would say that 90 per cent of older

Small initiatives and changes began to emerge.

Garden make-over Garden make-overs were one idea of a way of not only helping out older people

people referred to us have a high level of

but also getting neighbours together and

social isolation and that the remaining 10

supporting each other. The Napier City

per cent experience some element of it.

Youth Council, Age Concern Napier and

Our organisation runs almost entirely on

Neighbourhood Support teamed up to

volunteers, so we know the contribution

organise the working bees.

older people make. We also know that many

Joan Prowse has always loved and tended

older people want to volunteer but don’t

her garden, but with a bad back, arthritis and RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 11

a husband requiring 24-hour care, her small garden was getting away on her.

“I can’t pull weeds anymore, and it’s very frustrating!” Joan says. “It was great to have people come and do the things I couldn’t do myself. I think it’s marvellous they’re doing this for us, and I know of plenty other people who could benefit too.”

Community computer hub Age Concern Napier has installed a community computer hub, a bank of computers where 'connection' takes on its 21st century meaning.

Pupils from local high schools provide the training, and BDL Business Developments maintains the computers, which were donated by the Napier City Council.

“We’d been getting a lot more requests for technical help,” says Sarah Potter. “The family might have given an older member an iPad or smartphone or laptop, and they come in asking how to use it. Who better to teach them than the younger generation?” asks Sarah. “This is a great way to mix the generations, so each can see that the other doesn’t come from another planet!”

Knowledge Bank Knowledge Bank is another project that shares the skills of different generations and community groups.

Age Concern and the YMCA are linking younger people who want to learn with older people who want to share a practical skill such as knitting, carpentry, sewing or baking.

“Napier Connects is about connecting resources, and the Knowledge Bank about older people sharing skill resources with younger people,” says Sarah.

Polytech mentors Ron Rowe, a member of the local RSA, was also at the Minister’s start-up meeting for Napier Connects back in June 2012.

He thought about all the talented over65s he knew and about all the young people he’d taught at the Hawke’s Bay Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) who could have benefited from those years of experience.

“There is a huge age range of people at technical institutes. While some are 12 RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014

up-skilling mid-life, others are straight out of school or are international students who could use a friendly ear,” he explains.

After holding a workshop to discuss what mentoring meant – “It’s not coaching and it’s not counselling, but it can be a bit of both” – Ron ended up with 10 mentors.

Staff at the EIT carefully match mentors with appropriate mentees. The fields of expertise range from the trades to the arts to Te Reo. “It has been really successful. For an older person, a retired person, mentoring is enormously satisfying. These people are using their skills and really helping someone.

“The people who mentor aren’t usually socially isolated, but someone who is might hear about what they’re doing and think, ‘Hey, I could do that. I’ve got something to offer, too’. That might be the thing that helps them get out of the house.”

EIT has also seen the value in the mentoring and is picking up the project itself next year. And that, says Ron, is the general idea for Napier Connects: getting projects off the ground to the point where others pick them up, and they take on a life of their own.

says Age Concern Napier’s Sarah Potter.

“If we have a problem, because we’ve worked so closely with other groups, we know who to pick up the phone and call.”

Hastings Senior Services Case Manager Lois Markham says the months spent interviewing older people were invaluable.

“I understand how truly vulnerable my clients are. I know who to call on if I can’t solve a client’s problem because I’ve met them now. I’m better placed to ask for help and get it.”

“With Napier Connects, people know it’s okay to offer to help,” says Napier City Council’s Natasha Carswell. “The great thing is that people here have really started talking about how we improve community connection.”

Village Walkers That’s much like the Village Walkers, who were initially supported by the Napier City Council.

“We didn’t have to do much though,” says Natasha Carswell. “I put on some morning teas, got them the high-vis vests and basically was just there as support.”

Not content with taking weekly walks, Village Walkers’ meetings now extend to meals out, musical evenings at each other’s houses and many other social opportunities.

“Because of the Village Walkers, we’ve unearthed so much talent in our village,” says Maggie Hollis. “We’ve got retired musicians, award-winning photographers, keen dancers, gardeners – we’d never have got together and found out so much about each other without the Village Walkers.”

Connection The groups associated with Napier Connects have also gained strength from better relationships.

“We might have been well connected before, but we’re really connected now,”

WEB LINKS Napier Connects: www.volunteeringhb.org.nz/ napier-connects/index.htm Age Concern: www.ageconcern.org.nz Senior Services: www.msd.govt.nz/what-we-cando/seniorcitizens/index.html Volunteering: www.msd.govt.nz/what-we-cando/seniorcitizens/community/ volunteering.html

Parenting is

TOUGH... LOVE

“At TOUGHLOVE, I was surrounded by people who had been through the same worry and heartache but had come out stronger, more capable and more self-confident.”

West Auckland mum Annmarie had always looked forward to her daughter’s teenage years.

“But once she reached them, she became impossible; lying, hanging out with unsuitable friends, avoiding school and staying away from home for nights at a time. When she did put in an appearance, she would treat the house like a dump and behave rudely and defiantly. It was a terrible time for our whole family,” Annmarie recalls.

“I was desperate. But when a friend suggested I contact TOUGHLOVE, I held off for two whole years, believing that, as a parent, I should be able to handle the situation without help from a bunch of strangers.

“What changed my mind was when Emma ran away for two weeks, and I had absolutely no idea where she was.

Even when she returned, I was afraid that my much-loved daughter would end up dead if I didn’t get help.”

When Annmarie took the plunge and went to her first TOUGHLOVE parent support group meeting, it started a process that would turn her whole family’s life around.

“At TOUGHLOVE, I was surrounded by people who had been through the same worry and heartache but had come out stronger, more capable and more

is essential

self-confident. From them, I learned that I had to put boundaries in place, stop making empty threats and stay consistent.

“When Emma disappeared again, I went to the homes of all her friends and knocked on the door to see if she was visiting. I was determined to know where she was spending her time and who she was spending it with. Without TOUGHLOVE’s support, I doubt I’d have had the gall to do this.”

Emma, now in her 20s, is a mother herself and has put her wayward teen years behind her. But Annmarie still attends a regular TOUGHLOVE parent support group, helping others cope with the trauma of their teenage children’s unacceptable behaviour.

TOUGHLOVE has been running weekly support groups since the 1980s, assisting demoralised parents of teenagers across New Zealand.

Auckland support group facilitator Peter Altmann says it’s a mistake to assume that unacceptable teenage behaviour is only found in less affluent areas.

“Our experience is that it affects every section of the community equally,” he says.

“These parents will usually be experiencing a massive loss of confidence, as well as shame, grief, worry and embarrassment.

It puts a huge strain on relationships.

“When they first approach us, most parents are looking for a quick fix. Along

TOUGHLOVE TOUGHLOVE is Child, Youth and Family accredited, with most parents approaching the organisation through word of mouth or via referrals from social agencies, teachers, doctors, counsellors and other professionals.

Parent support groups meet on weekday evenings. Participation is confidential. Newcomers pay a one-off joining fee of $40, with a gold coin contribution for subsequent sessions.

WEB LINK www.toughlove.org.nz

with helplessness and hopelessness, there’s often a deep-seated anger that their teen hasn’t turned into the person they’d hoped for.

“At TOUGHLOVE, we stress that there are no quick fixes. Parents, just as much as their children, may need to change their behaviour. Typically, parents need to step back a bit from confrontation and stop getting angry.

“There’s a widespread misconception that TOUGHLOVE stands for a harsh and punitive approach to dealing with out-ofcontrol teens. That’s simply not our position.

“Instead, we stress that teenagers need a clear sense of structure, boundaries and consequences. Our name reflects the realisation that parenting is a tough job and that love is an essential part of it.”

RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 13

All welcome Being an accessible hotel takes more than just a sticker on the door, says CQ Comfort and Quality Hotels Accommodation Wellington (CQ Hotels) General Manager Olivier Lacoua.

It means that all guests with disabilities can be confident they’ll be comfortable and welcome. “You can put a wheelchair on the ground and go anywhere,” says Olivier.

CQ Hotels – located in the capital’s Cuba Quarter, which provides the origin for the name CQ – is one success story of the Be. Welcome Programme, run by Be. Accessible.

Be. Accessible works to create a more inclusive and accessible society by running programmes that promote the accessibility message and educate people about accessibility and why it is good for everyone.

“At least 20 per cent of New Zealanders have some sort of impairment that means many buildings and experiences aren’t accessible to them,” says Megan Barclay.

Megan directs the Be. Welcome programme, which advises New Zealand businesses on how they can make themselves more accessible for people with impairments or access needs.

“That’s not just people with mobility issues; it’s also those with sensory, cognitive and learning challenges,” Megan says.

“These people find themselves excluded

14 RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014

from employment, education and businesses and services that are all designed to accommodate the other 80 per cent of the population. We want to change that.

Be. Accessible wants to create a New Zealand with a truly inclusive society that’s a role model across the world. But to do this, we need to change people’s attitudes through our programmes, such as Be. Welcome.

“At the moment, when you talk to some business people about accessibility, their eyes glaze over, and they just don’t see it as an issue. But that’s because they don’t understand what the issues are and how easily they can be fixed.”

Be. Welcome at CQ Olivier Lacoua is one person who does understand, and he sees accessibility as an issue, which is why he signed up for the Be. Welcome programme.

“When I came here three years ago, I was impressed that the hotel has nine fully accessible rooms. Since then, we’ve done a lot more to improve accessibility for various types of impairments – and it’s not just about people in wheelchairs. For example, we’ve

also made several improvements for people with hearing or vision impairments, too.”

As part of its accessible approach, CQ Hotels’ food and beverage menu is in Braille, and its website is geared to the accessibility market, providing a virtual tour of the hotel, even down to providing the exact dimensions of bedrooms and bathrooms.

“People with disabilities have to research and plan their travel a lot more carefully, and a lot of them are too scared to travel because they’re worried about not being comfortable or being a nuisance,” says Olivier. “I don’t want our visitors to feel that way, so we’re always thinking about how we can make our hotels even more accessible.”

Olivier says it’s not just about people with disabilities; it’s also about being aware of the older generation and parents with young children.

Accessibility drawcard The word is out that CQ Hotels offer good accommodation for people with disabilities.

“A few months ago, Deaf Aotearoa gave a dinner for 100 people here, and the reason they came here was because a dozen

Olivier Lacoua signs “congratulations” to Rachael Cappage of the Deaf Arts Network for winning a Big “A” community partnership award. or so of our staff know New Zealand Sign Language,” says Olivier.

Supporting staff to learn to sign is one example of the ongoing training CQ Hotels provide to ensure that their staff understand people’s needs.

“Our staff can mostly only sign the basics, but it means that people with hearing impairments can feel more confident about being understood here. We are the first hotel to train our staff in sign language, and I’m really proud of that,” Olivier says.

To ensure CQ Hotels staff learn the right ways to approach someone with access needs, they have undergone training via Be. Accessible’s Be. Confident programme, and the hotels hold re-induction sessions each year, updating staff on accessibility issues and improvements.

Partnerships vital For Olivier, accessibility is about working with partners too, such as Arts Access Aotearoa. Olivier sponsors the CQ Hotels Wellington Community Partnership Award at the Arts Access Aotearoa 'Big A' awards each year.

In the hotels’ atrium is suspended a large and striking installation by a local artist, who happens to have an intellectual impairment.

“I really liked his work, so I met him and asked him to create something for me to fit the space,” Olivier explains.

“We have also had brainstorming sessions with people with various disabilities, asking what they see as problems. Next we’re working on installing steps to make our pool and spa more accessible,” he says.

There’s also been a conscious effort to hire staff members with disabilities.

In France, where Olivier is from, by law, companies must hire one person with a disability for every 20 employees, and Olivier would like to see such a law introduced here.

He’s setting a fine example, working with Emerge Supported Employment Trust (Emerge) to source suitable staff.

“At the moment we have a young man who works only three hours a week, but it means he has a job, a badge and a uniform and is part of a team. Working here has been fantastic for his confidence, and it sends a message to the team that we’re serious.”

WEB LINKS Be. Accessible Be. Accessible is a social change initiative that aims to make New Zealand more accessible for everyone.

It supports organisations and businesses to become more accessible for customers and create meaningful opportunities for employees with disabilities, as well as developing the leadership potential of people with disabilities.

Learn more by visiting: www.beaccessible.org.nz

RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 15

Steve Logan and youth programme participants

New tastes and encounters Award-winning restaurateur Steve Logan is explaining his menu – but not to his typical clientele.

The 25 hungry teenagers are in Wellington for a big day out, including spending behind-the-scenes time with the Royal New Zealand Ballet and a three-course lunch at Logan Brown restaurant.

“One of the entrees is gravadlax – that’s salmon that’s been cured in vodka,” Steve says. The mention of vodka gathers a few guffaws from the largely under-age group.

“It won’t have any effect!” he adds.

“The beef, a bavette, is a long, flat cut of flank steak that, in the old days, the butcher would have taken home for himself. It’s usually served rare – I hope that’s okay.”

16 RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014

A few doubtful looks, but the beef still proves a popular lunch choice.

The 25 young people are part of the 2014 Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, which is run annually for 100 outstanding young Aucklanders.

The young people are nominated by schools, Police or social workers for their determination to make good choices and do well, often in challenging circumstances. They spend five days packed with new experiences and meeting high-achieving Kiwis. It’s fun, challenging and aims to open their eyes to new opportunities – maybe even a new career.

“That’s certainly what I’m aiming for,” says the man responsible for this group, Peter Sykes of the Mangere East Family Service Centre. “It’s about taking them out of their comfort zone. For my group, that starts with getting them on a plane and heading to Wellington for the day. For a lot of them, it’s their first time on a plane. I aim to expose them to different experiences that might get them thinking in a different way.”

After arriving in a rainy Wellington, the group tours the Weta Cave in Miramar – the mini-museum, shop and theatrette that explains the creativity behind the awardwinning creative design company Weta

Workshop and a highlight for many Youth Programme visitors.

Next, a visit to the Royal New Zealand Ballet to meet the dancers and watch final rehearsals for their upcoming United States tour.

Then, lunch at Wellington’s renowned Logan Brown, amid linen napkins, elegant tall wine glasses and multiple sets of knives and forks.

“Start on the outside and work in,” advises Bianca Fallon, one of the group leaders. “It’s the same around the world, so if you learn how to use the cutlery here, you can eat anywhere.”

Between courses, Steve Logan takes smaller groups for a tour of the restaurant’s busy kitchens. He’s happy to spend time with the young people, answering questions and pointing out aspects he hopes will interest them.

And while their meal has a usual price tag of $45 per person, Steve has heavily subsidised the group’s fare. It’s the second year in a row that Logan Brown restaurant has hosted a Prime Minister’s Youth Programme group for lunch.

“They’re great kids,” Steve says. “I enjoy having them in. Hospitality is a social business, and it’s part of our values as a

restaurant to play a part in the community.

We’ve got an awesome resource here, and we love using it to help people.

“I get a real kick out of getting them to try something they’ve never tried or seen before.”

Aone is an 18-year-old from Manukau with an ambition to be an audio engineer.

He stood out in last year’s programme and was invited back as a youth leader.

“I’m not an outgoing person. This is a good way for us to socialise with new people, build up confidence and to try new things.”

Seventeen-year-old Jane (not her real name) is in her final year of school and says coming on the programme is a huge change for her.

“This is very cool. We’re very lucky. It’s a way of appreciating how far we’ve come and what we’ve overcome.”

“I have the privilege to do it again; to give some leadership to these guys,” he says as he cleans up his tablemates’ plates.

“We can connect with new people and experience new things. It’s good to get out of your comfort zone instead of kicking around in the hood.”

Fifteen-year old Mere appreciates not sitting in a classroom 'being talked to'.

“I didn’t know it would be like this.

It’s mind-blowing,” she says. And the Auckland experiences are still to come, including a make-over and a fashion shoot.

Veronica, 18, from Mangere, is starting a double major in anthropology and criminology at The University of Auckland this year and plans to join the Police.

PRIME MINISTER'S YOUTH PROGRAMME The Prime Minister’s Youth Programme is run annually by the Ministry of Youth Development and four Auckland youth organisations. It fosters and celebrates achievement for young people from Auckland aged 14 to 17 years, who are facing and managing challenges in their lives.

WEB LINK www.myd.govt.nz/pms-youthprogramme RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 17

Spotlight on Wellington

We were keen to work alongside Visionstream, fostering young “To be back work is people intoinsustainable careers.” wonderful. I feel like I really have a career here.”

Alicia Rangi and Cheyenne Eriha

18 RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014

Wellington A future with Downer There’s a lot more to Alicia Rangi’s new job than digging holes, and the 24-year-old says she loves every bit of it – including the holes!

Alicia, along with Cheyenne Eriha and Nathan Masters, is among 27 Work and Income clients from the Wellington region who began working with Downer last year.

All gained their opportunity thanks to a training programme created by the company and Work and Income to help jobseekers get a foot in the door.

“I love digging holes! And there is so much more to the job,” says Alicia with a smile.“ After not working, this has made me feel better. Downer really cares about us, and it’s exciting to be part of the company.”

Downer Construction is an international infrastructure company with its origins in New Zealand.

Peter Cosgrove, Downer’s Contract Manager, says that Downer knows the value of a quality workforce and needs people who are willing to 'stand up, turn up and front up'.

“We understand completely that we need to invest in our new people, so we developed the Downer Basic Civil Training programme in conjunction with Work and Income. We did this initially to address some serious staff shortages in Christchurch post-earthquake, but we have now spread it nationwide.”

In Wellington, the programme features an initial two-week intensive introduction to the industry for 10 people at a time.

Following the introductory course, Downer offers work to those with the right attitude and aptitude. The newcomers are carefully mentored during their first few months on the job.

Work and Income Employer Services Account Manager, Jamie Kissock is currently working with Downer to develop further employment opportunities for clients. Jamie says that Work and Income needs committed employer partners to move people from benefit to work.

“The relationship with Downer is outstandingly successful,” says Jamie.

Work and Income invests a certain amount in each trainee through its Skills for Industry Fund, but the training is otherwise paid for by Downer.

“Downer knows that if it invests in our clients upfront, it will gain and keep valuable employees. The training provided by Downer is well thought out and continues into employment. At every level, it is well structured and very effective. Any employer would do well to emulate Downer’s approach,” says Jamie.

For new employee Nathan Masters, a monthly meeting with his Upper Hutt case manager Lynda Jenkins and work broker Deborah Kenny led to his referral to Downer.

“To be back in work is wonderful. I feel like I really have a career here.”

Work broker Deborah Kenny say working with Downer means that jobseekers can look forward to a fulfilling vocation and a better future for themselves and their families.

Another new employee and former client Cheyenne Eriha says she’s wanted a job in construction since she was 15 years old.

“It’s my dream job. The course was really good. I recommend it to anyone.”

Peter Cosgrove says the construction industry will always require good workers.

“Cheyenne, Alicia and Nathan all have long-term futures with Downer. They can all progress into more senior roles.”

Key facts Partnerships between Work and Income and employers exist in important industries such as construction, hospitality, retail and security, but Work and income is keen to work with all employers.

159 jobseekers in Wellington gained work as a result of industry partnerships in 2013.

Employers can save time and money with skilled work brokers doing the leg-work to match suitable candidates to vacancies.

Work brokers can help employers find staff throughout New Zealand.

Free phone 0800 778 008.

WEB LINKS Employer Services www.workandincome.govt.nz/ business Looking for work www.workandincome.govt.nz/ looking-for-work

RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 19

Spotlight on Wellington

Kathrine and Karen When Kathrine smiles across the counter at a customer, it’s hard to imagine that she struggled even to make eye contact the first time she met Karen last year.

Karen Murphy, a work-focused case manager at Work and Income in Porirua, saw Kathrine shrink into her hoodie as she approached.

Depression, anxiety and complex issues at home had forced Kathrine to leave her job in 2008, and for five years, she’d supported her two children on a sole-parent benefit.

With her support worker next to her, Kathrine mumbled and cried her way through much of the meeting, anxious about the situation she was in and unsure of how to move forward.

As a work-focused case manager, Karen works closely with people who are struggling to get back into work and are at risk of staying on benefit without extra help. The intensive, personal support of work-focused case management is aimed at people who face more challenges than other people. It’s a new way of working for Work and Income, but the practical, problem-solving approach is getting results for many longer-term clients.

Karen and Kathrine talked about Kathrine’s hopes for the future and what could help Kathrine to get there.

They agreed to meet again in three weeks’ time when Kathrine had done some thinking about what she wanted from her life.

At Kathrine’s second meeting, she left her support worker waiting at reception while she and Karen talked.

Since the last meeting, Kathrine had been thinking about her goals and situation. She wanted to be independent and working, but things were holding her back. Together, Karen and Kathrine started to focus on the specific barriers that were stopping Kathrine from finding a full-time job.

20 RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014

Karen Murphy and Kathrine They agreed that a retail training course would boost Karen’s skills and –

jobseeking. There wasn’t a support worker in sight.

importantly – her confidence to gain the

The day before this meeting, Kathrine

work she wanted. There was also the

had cold called 19 local retail outlets and

issue of clothing. Karen had little in her

applied for seven jobs online. A few days

wardrobe suitable for a professional work

later, she was called in to attend her first

environment and no money to buy new clothes. She was also worried about how she’d cope if she did get a job.

Karen suggested a grant to help with the clothing issue and discussed options for ongoing community support when

interview in more than five years.

Kathrine phoned Karen shortly after – not only to cancel her benefit, but to share her success.

She’d been offered a job and wanted Karen to be the first person to know.

“Kathrine is a star,” says Karen.

Kathrine found work after her training

“She’s an inspiration to her children and

course.

someone whose success inspires me to

By the time Kathrine and Karen met again, Kathrine had successfully completed training and had started

help more of our clients.”

Spotlight on Wellington Employer Kapua Hollings with Breannah Salmon

Sticking with Breannah When you’re 19 and have tried for months to find work since leaving school, a little extra help, a determined trainer and an understanding employer can make all the difference.

When Breannah Salmon’s Work and Income case manager told her about a training programme that could help her gain skills to find work, Breannah seized the opportunity.

Tree House is a Wellington-based training provider contracted by Work and Income to work with clients who need help to get a foot in the door of the job market.

Breannah signed up for a 13-week front-of-house hospitality course.

“It’s pretty competitive out there finding work,” says Tree House manager Simon Doherty. “We make sure our trainees are as well-equipped as we can make them, so that when an opportunity arises, they can step up to the mark.

“We stay well informed about what employers want and need. There is a real range of hospitality venues out there, all

different, all run by different people and requiring specific skill sets.”

Often trainees move straight from the course into employment. But although Breannah loved the Tree House course, gained an array of life skills and all the hospitality skills she needed for her first job, something was missing. She lacked confidence in her abilities, and this showed through to prospective employers.

Tree House was not about to abandon her, however.

“We stayed in touch and on the case,” says Simon. “She was certainly employable and not far from being able to take up a job.”

That’s where the Featherston Bar and Grill came in.

“Although the Featherston is a very busy venue and needs staff with experience, I recommended Breannah because of her passion, positivity and drive,” says Simon.

Featherston Bar and Grill Manager Kapua Hollings had once been a Tree House student himself. When Simon recommended Breannah for a front-ofhouse position, Kapua was prepared to give her a chance.

“I knew what it was like to be a trainee at Tree House, and I knew that

someone referred by Simon would be worth considering, and I haven’t been disappointed. I admire Breannah; she was nervous and doubted herself to start with, but her personality has shown through.

“I needed someone who would pitch in, take initiative and keep going when we were particularly busy, which we often are. I try to hire enthusiastic people, who are willing to learn and follow directions. I can teach you the trade but not how to work hard – you have to have the attitude,” he says.

Breannah is very enthusiastic about her new job. “I was a bit worried at first. I felt like I was getting in the deep end, but they were there when I needed them. I am getting the confidence I need to for the rest of my career.”

For Kapua at the Featherston Bar and Grill, Tree House and Work and Income, it has been the start of a good working relationship.

“I have been happy to take on other Tree House trainees. The process between Work and Income, Tree House and ourselves works. People are getting jobs, and we are getting good staff,” Kapua says.

RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 21

Spotlight on Southern

We were keen to work alongside Visionstream, fostering young people into sustainable careers.”

“We are really failing our young people. As a community, we need to take a different, more coordinated and collaborative approach.”

22 RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014

Southern Trying new things in South Dunedin The South Dunedin community has come together with a plan of action that gets to the heart of the issues its young people face.

The Youth Action Plan aims to increase attendance at school, reduce youth offending and alcohol and drug use, and increase engagement in education, training and employment.

It’s a trial to see if it’s possible to get better results for young people when community and government social services team up and work differently together.

“Working with young people and the community to help our young people do better in education and life is at the heart of this social sector trial,” says Mary-Ann McKibben, South Dunedin Social Sector Trial Manager.

“Unemployment is one of the biggest issues facing young people in Dunedin,” says Mary-Ann. “The city has one of the largest rates of youth unemployment in the country, which often takes people by surprise.

We are really failing our young people. As a community, we need to take a different, more coordinated and collaborative approach.”

The South Dunedin Social Sector Trial began in July 2013.

The first step was to consult with young people, the community and social services, taking stock of the big issues, what is already happening to support young people and where the gaps are.

“There are already some great programmes in the community. The trial’s job is to add value to those programmes and develop other programmes where there’s a need,” Mary-Ann says.

New programmes range from setting up a youth employment hub in South Dunedin

to targeting school leavers who need extra support to find their path in life.

“It’s important to have aspirational goals: the youth employment hub, if we succeed in gaining funding and community backing, will be a place for young people to get support to find work and to stay in work,” Mary-Ann explains.

The community consultation also highlighted the need for more support for 16- to 18-year-olds transitioning from school to work. The result is an initiative called Moving Forward.

“It’s more than just developing interview skills and CVs. Moving Forward will prepare these young people mentally and physically and get them involved in work experience to give them real-life understanding of what it means to be in work.”

Most programmes involve teamwork between government and non-government agencies and the community. Mary-Ann lists some of the other programmes that are being developed: “We’re setting up a flexible system of support for teen parents to keep them in education. We’re setting up more maraebased interventions to address youth offending. We’re working on ways to promote messages about alcohol and drugs, both for parents and for teenagers.

We would also really love to see agencies working together to create more free and low cost activities for young people in South Dunedin.”

Mary-Ann is passionate about leading the trial to success: “While South Dunedin is the focus of the trial, the initiatives will ultimately benefit young people across the whole city.”

Key facts Young people make up a high proportion of Dunedin City’s population.

Around one-quarter of the city’s population (or more than 30,000 people) are aged 12 to 24 years.

Youth unemployment saw more than 1,500 people aged between 18 and 24 years in Dunedin receiving a benefit at the end of 2013. That’s nearly one in five of all working-aged people in the city.

South Dunedin Social Sector Trial aims to increase attendance at school, reduce youth offending, and alcohol and drug use, and support more young people to be in education, training and employment.

WEB LINKS www.facebook.com/SDSST www.msd.govt.nz/social-sectortrials

RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 23

Spotlight on Southern

New ideas to fight youth unemployment Seeing UK businesses, communities and

government

tackling

youth

unemployment together has shown Emma

Hamilton

some

exciting

possibilities for the Southern region.

Emma, the Southern Regional Labour Market Manager for Work and Income, recently

returned

from

12

weeks

working with the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Much like Work and Income, DWP is the United Kingdom

government

agency

that

works with the unemployed.

“High youth unemployment is a big issue in the UK. But what struck me was the way that the community took ownership and worked with DWP to support job seekers,” says Emma.

“Businesses are also fronting up and taking responsibility to support people into work. It was nothing short of inspiring.”

For example, in the Generation Talent initiative, businesses advertise all new jobs with DWP, and also fund and run events to connect employers and jobseekers for open discussions.

24 RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014

“It breaks down barriers to young jobseekers securing work by creating an understanding of both parties’ needs,” Emma explains. “The collaboration between government and businesses that I witnessed made a huge difference.

“Many businesses and organisations have a corporate social responsibility charter that outlines their commitment to addressing community issues.

Staff are also encouraged to do some volunteering.”

The Community 10,000 initiative sees all DWP staff, regardless of their role, volunteering to work for a day at a charity that has strong links to DWP’s customers or communities. Feedback from the thousands of volunteers has been extremely positive.

“It helps staff get a first-hand understanding of their clients’ needs,” Emma says. “In fact, I had the privilege of volunteering at The House of St Barnabas, which helps homeless people upskill and find work in the hospitality industry.

“Along with helping such a worthy charity, one of the highlights of that day was enjoying my lunch in the courtyard of The House of St Barnabas, which Charles Dickens wrote about in his novel A Tale of Two Cities.”

Applying her overseas experience in New Zealand is Emma’s next goal. She wants to enlist supportive employers into a scheme that not only helps young people into work but openly shows the community that the employer is doing their bit.

“Employers committed to helping young people in the UK are publicly celebrated and acknowledged. They can display a badge that highlights their social commitment and the contribution that they make to the community by tackling youth unemployment. It has made me think about how we can work more collaboratively with our own communities and businesses here in New Zealand.

“Also, how do we as a community help young people in a tight labour market to upskill so that they are employable when jobs are available?”

In the UK, local government really drive the employment message, and Emma has identified this as an area to strengthen.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the Southern mayors and the community agencies that supported my study award application to go to the UK. As clichéd as it might sound, it’s absolutely all about working together.”

Spotlight on Southern

Jamie’s oho When Jamie Addison looks in the mirror, he sees more than just his tattooed face. His moko reveals his Mäori heritage and all that has supported him along his journey.

The 37-year-old, of Ngäti Porou descent, says he has been to hell and back. But he has left behind a life of hard drugs and alcohol addiction, gang affiliations and prison.

“I was brought up in a violent drug and alcohol culture. I was always trying to fit in.”

Crunch time came when Jamie was arrested to curb his aggressive behaviour.

“I was all alone in a prison cell, separated from my wife and kids, and coming down off the drugs when I had an ‘ah-ha’ moment.

“I realised that my family meant more to me than anything. I had to figure out what I could do – otherwise I was going to end up dead or alone.”

Seven years after what Jamie describes as his oho (awakening), he’s turned his life around and his family have stuck by him.

The 20 years he spent on benefits are over, too. Today, Jamie works as an addiction counsellor at Dunedin’s Moana House, helping adult male offenders change their lives.

It’s where he spent 18 months in an addiction programme. Now, he says, it’s his turn to give back.

After graduating from the Moana House programme, Jamie gained a National Certificate in Mental Health and a Diploma in Applied Addictions. This year, he’s still studying.

His enthusiasm is rubbing off.

His wife has gained a National Certificate in Mental Health and Addiction and begins a degree

this year. His sister has graduated from an addiction programme.

Jamie says coming off drugs was one of the hardest things he’s ever done.

“I had seizures, nightmares, flashbacks.

I wanted to leave and say ‘stuff you all’.

“But I had to prove to my wife and family that I really did love them and that I could be a positive role model.”

Jamie also underwent 18 treatment sessions to remove his full facial gang tattoo, supported by the former PATHS employment programme.

At the time, Sue Gale and Joan Sorensen both worked on PATHS, helping Work and Income clients access treatments that would enable them to get back into work.

Sue is now regional health adviser for Work and Income, but she remembers Jamie. She was there for every treatment.

“I’ve never seen such determination to endure such pain in order to achieve, both on a physical and an emotional level.”

Joan, now a Work and Income employment coordinator, says “I’ve never come across anybody who’s had the journey he’s had, come out the other side and achieved what he has.

He leaves me lost for words. He’s even brought me to tears.”

Jamie’s Mäori heritage was also a big part of his turnaround. “I look in the mirror, and what I see now is myself looking back at me. But I also see those who I want to be proud of me, and they are proud of me.”

RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 25

Regional round-up Southern Ready, Steady, Work: The goal of zero unemployment for youth in Balclutha is a lot closer to being realised thanks to the Ready, Steady, Work programme. Under the umbrella of the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs, the programme has assisted 25 youth to develop skills and plans to help them look for work. So far, 18 of the young people have taken up work positions as a result of the programme.

Partnership: Work and Income are working with the Invercargill Licensing Trust (ILT) to encourage young people into hospitality careers. ILT has a well-established, on-the-job trainee management programme, offering up to four opportunities at any one time for suitable young candidates to forge a career in hospitality management.

Children’s Day: A fun event for Dunedin children in care was held at a local school on Sunday 2 March.

Canterbury Recruiting retirement staff: Work and Income in Canterbury are working closely with the Terrace View Retirement Village in Ashburton. Since it opened in late 2013, the home has employed several local people, with help from a Work and Income work broker who supports the owner in recruiting staff. The new staff receive on-the-job training.

Celebrate Aranui: Work and Income staff supported the recent AFFIRM community event in Aranui, one of the areas hit hardest by the 2010/11 earthquakes. Staff highlighted employment services and the Limited Service Volunteers (LSV) programme for youth. Many young people approached the stand intrigued by the full-sized dummy dressed in Army uniform.

Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast Training cellarhands: The Marlborough Cellarhand Training Programme shows how central government, tertiary educators and industry can work together to create opportunities and fill skill shortages. Work and Income screens and refers suitable clients to the programme. The Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology provides practical and theory tutoring and oversees onsite training through three major winemakers – Constellation, Devine and Pernod Ricard. For the past two years, 90 per cent of graduates no longer need a benefit. The next cellarhand course gets underway in late February with 18 Work and Income clients taking part.

Children’s Day: Early learning centres; rural education; New Zealand Police; Child, Youth and Family and Barnardos teamed up to create a day of free fun for children on Sunday 2 March.

26 RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014

Regional round-up Wellington Supporting homeless people: The Wellington Service Centre has created a dedicated case manager position to serve clients who are homeless. To date, the case manager, working with other community organisations, has identified 80 clients with no home address. Early successes include placing two of these clients in work and three more in training.

Understanding: Porirua Child, Youth and Family and Te Taumata Hauora o te Aroha recently signed an agreement of understanding to work together to achieve better outcomes for mokopuna and their whänau in the Porirua community.

Community event: Lower Hutt Child, Youth and Family staff took part in the popular Te Rä o te Raukura community festival in Lower Hutt. Staff talked to people and handed out parenting information.

Central Sewing school: New Zealand outdoor clothing manufacturing company Swazi has teamed up with Work and Income and the New Zealand Industry Training Organisation (NZITO) to set up a sewing training school in Levin. Committed to keeping their products made in New Zealand, Swazi have successfully run one training school so far, with three Work and Income participants gaining jobs as a result. Another programme is planned for March.

Acknowledging great employers: Work and Income and the Manawatu and Kapiti Coast Regional Employer Support Committee (RESC) held their first ever employer awards evening to recognise employers’ valuable support of the Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) programme, by recruiting graduates.

The winning employer, ALSCO NZ, will travel to Wellington to receive their award in April.

East Coast Gisborne launched its Youth Action Plan with an event at the Gisborne skate-bowl in January. The plan brings community, iwi and government resources together to better support young people in education and in life. The Youth Action Plan is part of a trial led by the Ministry of Social Development.

The Flaxmere Family Festival was an opportunity for Community Link staff to profile local job opportunities, highlight the Limited Service Volunteers programme for young people, offer SKIP parenting resources to mums and dads, with treats for the kids.

The Gisborne Careers Expo saw social workers and case managers talking to young people about career opportunities with the Ministry of Social Development. StudyLink and Inland Revenue staff teamed up to inform young people about financial options for studying.

Taranaki, King Country and Whanganui Youth to Work Awards: South Taranaki’s first ever Youth to Work Awards were held late last year, by the South Taranaki District Council’s Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs, including the council, Work and Income and representatives from education and industry. The awards recognise employers and training providers who demonstrate outstanding commitment to youth. Winners were JLE Electrical and Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre. A Young Achiever Award went to an outstanding young person in work – Katherine Bosworth, a new librarian at Hawera LibraryPlus.

New meat workers: Seven Work and Income jobseekers are now in work after Work and Income and training provider Feats Ltd approached Riverlands Eltham, offering to provide employment training for people who had not previously worked in the meat processing industry.

RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 27

Regional round-up Bay of Plenty YES: Rotorua’s Youth in Emergency Services (YES) team were runners up in the Education and Child/ Youth Development category at the recent TrustPower Spirit of Rotorua Awards. YES is a joint Ministry of Youth Development and Rotorua emergency services project to help young people connect better with their communities.

Success: The July welfare reform changes are helping more people find jobs or gain skills for work.

On average, 833 Bay of Plenty residents have gained work each month since July.

Keepin’ It Real: Ministry of Youth Development delivered a Keepin’ It Real workshop to Rotorua youth workers in December. Those in attendance gained an understanding of youth participation and developed skills to engage young people in decision-making in their respective organisations.

Waikato Jobs for local youth: Work and Income is working with unemployed 18-year-olds to prepare them for training and work, as part of the Waikato District’s Social Sector Trials. Work and Income and Northern Waikato employers are working together to create job opportunities.

Child focus at waka ama: Child, Youth and Family social workers and Work and Income staff were out in force at the waka ama sprint nationals at Lake Karapiro in January. They talked with hundreds of people; whänau, families and children – sharing information about support, services and parenting and instigated competitions to highlight the things that children need.

Childrens’ Day: Midlands’ Child, Youth and Family staff were involved in numerous Children’s Day events across the region on Sunday 2 March.

Auckland Working Together to Keep Kids Safe workshop: Child, Youth and Family sites around Auckland will be inviting people who work with children to attend a Working Together to Keep Kids Safe workshop during March and April. The workshops are designed to deliver child protection education and bring key groups together. Visit the Child Matters website to register for a workshop: www.childmatters.org.nz/208/cyf-seminar-registration Out and about: Work and Income staff will be out in the community and taking part in Pacific-themed and child-focused public events across the Auckland region in March and April. Staff will be meeting and talking with parents, whänau, families and individuals, sharing information about the employment assistance and childcare support that is available to jobseekers and families.

Northland Working with young offenders: Youth offending teams are working with Police and other agencies on the Children Who Offend Pilot Project and the Youth Crime Action Plan.

Training partnership: The wood processing industry, NorthTec and Work and Income offer an eight-week pre-employment training programme, which so far has placed 9 out of 11 clients in full-time work. NorthTec plans to continue its training programmes in solid wood processing.

Job fair: Work and Income, the New Zealand Refining Company and its contractors organised a job fair for more than 100 employees whose jobs were affected during a sub-contracting tender round.

Many of the staff were offered new roles with the successful contractors. Work and Income will continue to support the New Zealand Refining Company with other staff changes.

28 RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014

Tips, links and news Housing needs?

See Work and Income, Senior Services or Studylink From 14 April 2014, the Ministry of Social Development will handle applications and assessment for social housing. Currently, this work is undertaken by Housing New Zealand.

The change means that people will be able to get help with their social housing, income support and employment needs in one place.

“Many of Housing New Zealand’s tenants are also our clients,” says Debbie Power, Deputy Chief Executive, Work and Income.

“The transfer will make their lives simpler because instead of dealing with two agencies – with all the travelling, form filling and phone calling this involves – they will deal with only one.”

It also means that a person’s eligibility for social housing will be decided independent of any housing provider.

The change is part of a wider programme to improve the diversity of social housing in New Zealand, making it more accessible to people most in need. It recognises that housing is a key driver for improving health, education, connection to community and jobs.

Over time, the Government’s reform of the social housing sector will provide a greater choice of housing and landlords for people eligible for income-related rent.

Until 14 April 2014, all existing Housing New Zealand tenants and new applicants will continue to deal with Housing New Zealand, as they do now. After 14 April, Housing New Zealand will continue to be the landlord for state tenants, but new applicants will be assessed by the Ministry of Social Development through Work and Income, Senior Services or Studylink.

LEARN MORE AT: www.msd.govt.nz Housing New Zealand tenants can also contact Housing New Zealand on freephone 0800 801 601 for more information about the change.

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Download past issues of Rise from the Ministry of Social Development website.

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Ministry of social DevelopMent

ISSU E 22 – M A RCH 2013

Issu e 23 – J u ly 2013

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

ISSU E 24 – SEP T EM B ER 2013

ISSU E 25 – D ECEM B ER 2013

“He aha te mea nui o te ao?

Mäku e kı¨ atu. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata!”

“He aha te mea nui o te ao?

Mäku e kı¨ atu. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata!”

“He aha te mea nui o te ao?

Mäku e kı¨ atu. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata!”

“He aha te mea nui o te ao?

Mäku e kı¨ atu. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata!”

“What is the most important thing in the world?

I tell you. It is people, it is people, it is people!”

“What is the most important thing in the world?

I tell you. It is people, it is people, it is people!”

“What is the most important thing in the world?

I tell you. It is people, it is people, it is people!”

“What is the most important thing in the world?

I tell you. It is people, it is people, it is people!”

Courage

Think differently

Whakakotahi

Achievement

Tackling family violence – Jude Simpson’s mission

Tanya Black – challenging expectations

Courage to innovate – Levin tests new ways to support young people

A different future – backing people to succeed in work

Speaking out – a voice for disabled children Life-changing choices – teenagers working to succeed

Lifehack – creative answers for youth mental health Tai Tokerau – doing better for Northland’s at-risk kids

Aotearoa Reggae Allstars – singing against child abuse

Home for life – the foster family with a dream home

Between us all – Te Ku-iti unites for young people

It’s Not OK – tackling family violence in the heartland

Never give up – soccer’s Ben Sigmund and Limited Service Volunteers

Onjeurlina Leiataua – our youngest Black Fern From lost to leaders – former refugees make their mark

RISE: Issue 26 – March 2014 29

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