Media Release
27 June 2006
For Immediate Release

Partnership Proves Successful

South Taranaki pensioners have given a big thumbs-up to the first six months of new management of their council-owned flats. Supported Independent Living Coordinator (SILC) Jocelyn Crompton says the partnership between Presbyterian Support Central and the South Taranaki District Council is going well and has had a positive impact on the tenants.

“The idea behind us taking over the management of the flats was to provide better social services for residents. We’ll be running a formal client-satisfaction-survey later this month, but the informal feedback we’ve been getting has been fantastic,” she says.

Presbyterian Support Central’s has two coordinators who manage the tenancy agreements and who are the central point of contact for residents. They make sure day-to-day maintenance is taken care of and provide advocacy, information and social support for residents. “Our job is ensuring the residents are all well and comfortable, as well as encouraging them to broaden their social networks,” says Jocelyn.

“I feel really secure knowing that someone is looking out for me” says Mrs Jean Vince. Jean, who has been in her Tainui Court flat in Hawera for eleven years, admitted to feeling a bit concerned when initially advised of the new partnership. “I went along to the meeting thinking I might be kicked out of my home, but it’s been just wonderful,” she said. “Jocelyn phones me one week and comes to visit the next,” says Jean. “I tell her “You know where the jug is,” and we settle in for a good old chat over a cup of tea. I really enjoy having the company.”

Jocelyn is also enjoying the relationship she is establishing with the residents. “I’ve gradually managed to build a good rapport with most of the residents - even some of the ones who were wary of having someone ‘poking their nose in,’ have started to come round to the benefits of having someone on their side,” says Jocelyn. “Everyone seems to be responding to seeing a friendly face on a regular basis.”

The Council retains ownership of the 77 pensioner flats, located in Hawera, Waverley, Manaia, Kaponga Opunake, Eltham and Patea, and remains responsible for major maintenance, such as roof replacements and external painting.

Presbyterian Support Central is keen to hear from pensioners and those on an invalids benefit interested in the flats. To confirm your eligibility, find out more information, or to get an application form, please contact Supported Independent Living Coordinators Jocelyn Crompton or Stephan Dyer. Ph Jocelyn on 027 675 1186 or e-mail jocelyn.crompton@psc.org.nz or stephan.dyer@psc.org.nz

ENDS

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