Services:

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

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

Falls Prevention

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: Hilary Childs 373 8280,  Phillipa Nicoll 363 8221,Raewyn Backhurst 03 313 8588.

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

SupportLink

SupportLink is a specialised service that supports older people who are experiencing changes related to memory loss and/or dementia which may be affecting their lives. SupportLink assists them to maintain their independence and remain in their homes safely for as long as possible.

SupportLink is a combination of the Enliven services of Presbyterian Support (USI) in the Canterbury area.  It provides a range of services which can include day programme attendance, social work, family support and education, community support worker. A member of the SupportLink Team prepares an individual’s Support Plan; a mix of services that is tailored to an individual’s support needs. This plan is flexible and can be adjusted as needs change.

SupportLink includes support for those who care for these older people at home.

SupportLink is currently a ‘pilot project’ funded by the CDHB as part of their strategy to enable older people to continue to age in place and is free to participants.
Contact : Coordinators Vicki Lucas or Sue Holton 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 please click here for the email form or Ph 03 313 8588 and ask for Kaye