Sylvie Gibbins (Philanthropy Manager) and Ngaia Richardson (Volunteer Manager) respectively of Presbyterian Support East Coast (PSEC) spoke with great enthusiasm about their organisation.PSEC started as an independent local charity in 1946 with the Hillsbrook Childrens’ Home in Havelock North. They currently employ 250 staff throughout Hawkes Bay delivering crucial social services worth $12 million every year to people on the East Coast who most need them. They need to raise $1.3 million each year to keep their services free.
Guest speakers Sylvie Gibbins and Ngaia Richardson with Bruce Martin and Bryan Mathews
Their services are Family Works – social services for children and families.
Last year they employed 43 professional staff and gave crucial support to 2154 clients in Hawkes Bay and Gisborne.
Enliven – Older peoples services. This encompasses Restorative home support, Enliven Centre in Pakowhai Rd, Community day programmes and retirement flats. Specialist staff includes nurses, social workers, and a dietician. Last year 6610 people learned how to love their later life with 106 caring staff employed in Hawkes Bay and Gisborne.
Enliven Disability Services – Innovative support for people living with a disability. The services are based at Gloucester Street, Taradale and comprise Rowan –residential care that fosters choice and independence, and Mosaic innovative support for students to live the life they choose. Rowan provides 24 hour residential care for 22 flatters with 37 staff, while Mosaic has 4 staff supporting 65 students a year with day courses and activities.
In addition to the services, PSEC provides they also operate 3 charity shops, rely on 250+ active volunteers who give 25,000 +hours annually, and partner other organisations to raise funds for their services.