Services:

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

Presbyterian Support's new Nelson service centre opens

360 Annesbrook, Presbyterian Support Upper South Island’s new Nelson Service Centre, opened at 360 Annesbrook Drive, Stoke, on December 14.

The new service centre has been purpose built as a base for all Presbyterian Support  operations in the area, which were previously spread over three sites. It brings the Family Works counselling and social work services for young people and families together with services for older people, including restorative home support, falls prevention, the heat-and-eat meal service, the MACS Club for older people who need support or live alone, and the day programme previously housed at Immanuel House, which supports people with dementia.

The opening started with a dawn blessing by representatives of local iwi. During the ceremony, Rev Harvey Whakaruru said the site, used to refuel cars when it was a petrol station, would now refuel the bodies and minds of people. 

Trevor Wilson, cultural advisor to Presbyterian Support, presented the centre with two kohatu (touch stones) from the Wairoa Gorge: one black argillite to represent the services; the other red jasper to represent the lifeblood of the service. They were placed in the foyer and everyone was invited to touch them as they entered the building, and followed in a procession as each room was blessed. A harakeke was planted at the entrance and people had an opportunity to say what the building meant to them. The blessing was followed by breakfast.

The civic opening took place at 10am, with speeches from Trevor Wilson on behalf of local iwi, Vaughan Milner on behalf of Presbyterian Support and Pat Edward on behalf of the Board of Presbyterian Support Upper South Island.