Services:

• Older People
• Youth, Children & Families
• Mental Health
• Elder Care Canterbury

NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOCUSES ON FAMILY
AND COMMUNITY

“It feels good to be stepping into an organisation that recognises that families in all their diverse forms are cornerstones of society,” says Vaughan Milner, the new Chief Executive of Presbyterian Support Upper South Island.

Mr Milner brings with him extensive experience in the social service sector, both in Presbyterian Support and in the public service. He was formerly Director of Family and Community Services at Presbyterian Support Otago, and before that held senior management positions with CYPS/CYFS in both Christchurch and Dunedin.

“We recognise that families face many complex challenges and need to feel valued and supported, with access to resources. Presbyterian Support Upper South Island is determined to contribute to activity that improves our communities for families, as well as working with people within their family system,” he says. “Our aim is for a fair and inclusive society.”

Following a strategic review last year, the organisation is looking to build on and around its traditional strengths in work with frail older people and vulnerable youth. “Older people are living in their own homes for much longer and increasingly want real choice and responsiveness in the way services are provided,” Mr Milner says. “There is a need for a range of more comprehensive support services that enable older people to live safely and with dignity in familiar surroundings.”

In addition to practical care and assistance, a major focus in work with older people is to increase their connection with others and reduce social isolation. Services like falls prevention, social work support, daycare or educational and therapeutic groups are some of the things offered to assist. Presbyterian Support Upper South Island is actively working to provide integrated and co-ordinated case management services in the community, seeking to work collaboratively in this activity with Primary Health Organisations and District Health Boards.

“Our traditional strength in work with young people provides a springboard to engaging with broader family networks and to developing services that prevent life's challenges and crises becoming overwhelming or entrenched,” Mr Milner says. “Being a reasonably coping parent is an under-rated achievement. We intend to advocate for families in ways that promote the value of parenting and intergenerational connections as an important part of raising all our hopes for the future.”

On a personal note, Mr Milner is pleased to be back in Christchurch, where his parents and other extended family live, and where he lived during the 1980s while working at Kingslea. He also has a strong sense of connection to Banks Peninsula through many childhood holidays spent at his grandparents’ place in Okains Bay. “I am also looking forward to learning more about other parts of the South Island where Presbyterian Support has a presence,” he says.