Robyn Driver (FRANKLIN

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES)

A little support goes a long way. Thanks to Franklin Family Support Services, locals can depend on assistance covering everything from mental health to financial strain and more. Recently, we discussed the work of this vital organisation with its new chief executive, Robyn Driver.

What does for Franklin Family Support Services do and why is its work so valuable?

The vision of Franklin Family Support is ‘empowering people, changing lives’ and our mission is to support and strengthen our Franklin community in the scope of social services. We are a consent-based service provider supporting whaanau in their pursuit to whaanau ora (family health. This means that our friendly team is able to help local families throughout our region to ensure they have access to the all the support they need.

How important is the Heartland Service Centre? Do country people’s needs di er from those of urban locals?

It provides crucial support for rural communities with people who often have less access to online resources and live in more isolated areas. Our weekly service gives rural families immediate contact to support them with IRD, Age Concern, a JP Service and more. Our receptionist, Karen, is the link to the Heartlands Service and she can provide clients with all the information they need.

Does the post-holiday period involve increased calls for help due to financial di culty?

This time of year often brings stress, social issues and financial strain, which all lead to an increase in referrals. Our financial capabilities team focuses on providing tools –such as financial education, reducing debt, tips for money management – so people can manage finances with confidence. In general, we are now supporting families with the financial challenges of the cost-ofliving increases and high mortgage interest rates.

Have you seen increased demand due to the pandemic? If so, what form has this taken?

There was increased need post lockdown [for] immediate support with food – we were able to meet demand through various funding opportunities. While we are not a foodbank, we have relationships with local providers that can help.

We have also seen increased demand for assistance with mental health issues – such as depression, anxiety, stress, tension and loneliness –which have a huge impact on people directly a ected and their families. Our sta is focussed on providing a safe and supportive environment through which our clients thrive. Our trained counsellors, social workers, budgeters and course providers o er the appropriate support and often broker as advocates for our whaanau, ensuring their mana is upheld and strengthened.

Government programmes cover legal and financial services, counselling, health and more, but navigating these can be tricky. Is this where your organisation comes into its own?

We provide a holistic approach to serving our community, our wraparound practice approach ensures whaanau are supported at their time of need through to their needs being met. However, where our service really comes into its own is by recommending other inhouse services to our clients enabling them to further develop their overall health and wellbeing in a setting that is already familiar to them. Another benefit is that our long-standing sta members have worked at Franklin Family Support for many years and know our community very well.

When did you take on the chief executive role? Have you worked with the organisation in the past?

I began my role on January 9 and I’m busy learning more about the way the organisation works. However, I have been a board member for the past five years, so I already knew something of the amazing sta and the wide range of services. I was attracted to the role because Franklin Family Support has such a good name in the community, working to support families and individuals, and I believe I can continue to increase our presence and further our vision.

Previously, you were principal of Te Kohanga School, correct?

I was principal for six years and felt it was time to try something new. I am excited to transfer some of the skills I used as a principal – such a time management, multi-tasking and strategic management – into my new role.

If you could grow any plant or raise any animal (real or imagined), what and why?

I would like to have greener fingers! I have a large vegetable garden and new fruit trees, but they are not growing the best crops. This is something I would like to improve in my spare time so I can provide more fruit, vegetables and chutneys for my family. Now that my children are aged two and four they are beginning to be more interested and ‘helpful’ in the garden too.

If you could be Minister for Social Development for one day, what would you do first and why?

Raise the current remuneration package for counsellors and social workers so it is a more sought-after profession. We would then have more sta available for the many, many people in need of mental health and social support.

If you could invite any three people (living or dead) to dinner, who and why?

Sir David Attenborough – to hear him speak of his life working with animals and the environment; Freddie Mercury – to hear him describe his life at the peak of Queen’s success. And, my paternal grandfather as I never had the chance to meet him.

For details regarding Franklin Family Support Services assistance visit familysupport.org.nz.

For more information about South Auckland Woodturners Guild see www.sawg.org.nz. New members are always welcome.