MEDIA RELEASE
December 2, 2008

Celebrating 100 Years Of Working With The Community

Presbyterian Support Upper South Island celebrates its centenary on December 4, 2008.
A not-for-profit profit social service organisation working for a just society, PSUSI is one of seven independent regions that make up Presbyterian Support New Zealand. Its region extends from Mid Canterbury to Nelson and the Marlborough Sounds.

The emphasis of the centenary celebrations will be on how PSUSI’s motto, “People helping people”, contributes to community life, says Chief Executive Vaughan Milner. “From its early days, the organisation has got on with its work quietly and with a sense of determination to improve society,” he says. “Over the years it has varied its services to meet differing needs, especially amongst the frail elderly and vulnerable young.

“Institutional and residential care featured significantly until the turn of the last century. Nowadays the focus is on supporting people to live meaningful lives in the community, in contact with family or friends they love and who love them back.” This focus is a response to older people feeling lonely and isolated, and many families and young people being adrift from people who can give help and support when they need it. “We believe people being able to participate and have a sense of belonging are essential for social justice and compassionate communities in the modern world,” Mr Milner says.

Presbyterian Support’s services are provided under the brands of Enliven Positive Ageing Services and Family Works. It also works collaboratively with a wide range of other organisations and is involved in advocacy both for individual clients and through lobbying local and central government. More than 7,000 people used Presbyterian Support Upper South Island’s services last year.

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