Services:

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

North Canterbury Community Services for Older People

Ngawi Thompson Centre

Click here for Ngawi Thompson Centre contact details

Click here to see brochures on services offered through the Ngawi Thompson Centre

Meal Service

Reasonably-priced frozen main meals, light meals and desserts are available from the Ngawi Thompson Centre, 258 High Street, or they can be delivered to older or disabled people for orders over $20.

Home Maintenance Service

We can put older people in touch with reliable, trustworthy tradespeople and handymen. Services include plumbing, gardening and electrical. No job is too small, and all workers have been
interviewed by us and provided referees.

Carer Sitter Service

A developing service which enables carers to take care of their own needs.

Community Volunteer Support

We have a team of trained volunteers who can be matched with older people in the community to visit regularly, help with shopping, transport to special appointments in Rangiora and Christchurch, or just phone for a chat.
Contact Kaye Vessey or Raewyn Backhurst, phone 313 8588

Social Work

Confidential support for older people living in their own home and/or in the North Canterbury community. We work with individuals, couples, families or carers on issues of concern as an advocate, source of information, a referrer to other services, or as a "listening ear". Interviews can be in your own home or at the Ngawi Thompson Centre.
Contact: Jeanette Wakefield or Sue Holton, phone 313 8588

HomeLink

HomeLink is a personalised service to add value to the lives of older people. It offers:

• Regaining and maintaining independent living
• Returning to activities you enjoy
• Continuing with interests
• Accessing the places and people you need
• Enjoying your familiar environment
• Living safely at home

Support workers will support you in the ways that you decide, and will not take over what other people are doing to help.
There is no charge for this service. Contact Vicki Lucas, phone 313 8588

No Falls, No Fear

Falls are a leading cause of injury in older people, but most falls are preventable. TAI CHI classes improve strength, balance, and co-ordination for people 65 years or older. Other benefits may include increased enjoyment, wellbeing, confidence, and decreased fear of falling. FALLS PREVENTION SEMINARS are informal and interactive. Topics include identifying and minimising fall risk, positive ageing, and health and wellbeing. Volunteer peer educators are trained for community education. THE OTAGO HOME-BASED EXERCISE PROGRAMME is one-on-one exercise for older, more frail clients, delivered by a registered nurse in a client’s home.
Contact: Raewyn Backhurst, phone 313 8588, Phillipa Nicoll 03 363 8221

HomeShare

HomeShare is a new service in North Canterbury which offers:

• A small and personalised service where older people can enjoy
  companionship and activities in a private home within their own community
• An opportunity to enjoy a home-cooked meal with others
• The chance to make new friends and renew old acquaintances in a very small group setting.
• Socialisation for the isolated or disabled person or the person who has difficulty getting out

HomeShare is available in rural areas, and will be offered by friendly people in their own homes. There is no charge but donations are always welcome.

To find out more, contact Kaye Vessey, 313 8588

Totara Club (formerly Murray Club)

Click here  for Totara Club contact details

A centre for older people open Monday to Saturday, Totara Club provides a place to meet together, share a hot meal, outings, entertainment and a range of activities. New friendships are made and old acquaintances are renewed. Experienced, caring staff are assisted by enthusiastic volunteers. Transport is arranged. New members, enquiries and visitors are welcome.
Contact: Co-ordinators Jo Maxwell or Francie Kersey, or social worker Jeanette Wakefield, phone 313 8588

Volunteers

 If you have the time and you would like to be considered for a volunteer position at the Ngawi Thompson Centre.Click here