Supergrans first started in LOWER HUTT in 1994 under the umbrella of Mature Employment Service. The service came to Christchurch late in 1995. It was officially launched in June 1996 and incorporated as a Registered Charitable Trust in 1997.

In 1997 Supergrans moved to Aranui, as this was perceived to be the area of greatest need in Christchurch.

The ‘in home’ programme is about people in a mentoring role, often women though not exclusively, working to pass on their home management, life skills, cooking, budgeting and other relevant experience  to other people.

VOLUNTEERS

Our volunteers come from all walks of life, though we find in general that the most empathetic and successful ones are those people who have survived their own hard times and have developed a true understanding of some of the numerous issues many of our clients face.

TRAINING

We offer a comprehensive training programme which covers topics such as: Report writing; Privacy Act; OSH; Confidentiality; Professional Ethics; and how to look after themselves and not get caught up in the client’s woes to the extent that they become unable to be of help. We also provide a selection of speakers from other Community and Government Groups such as: Tenancy Services; Drug and Alcohol Services; Domestic Violence; Women’s Refuge Programmes; IRD; Work and Income; Human Rights Commission; Treaty of Waitangi Commission etc. 

THE PROGRAMME

When a client is referred to us, they are visited by the Coordinator for an initial assessment of what the specific needs are. Once this has been ascertained, the Coordinator will then match them up with the most suitable volunteer to meet those specified needs. The volunteer then works with the client on a set program with achievable goals for a specified period of time, on a regular basis. The time period varies according to the needs.

Most work is done one to one in the client’s own home using whatever equipment is available in that environment. We are most often asked for help with budgeting and budget meal preparation.

Although we are based in Aranui on the east side of Christchurch, where the majority of our clients live, increasingly over the past few years, we have had referrals from agencies/organisations to support clients from all the metropolitan areas of our city.

All volunteers are screened very carefully and have to provide three referees as well as have a Police Security Check performed, which is then updated every three years.