One of New Zealand's largest and longest-serving social service and health and disability providers, Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN), has identified several key trends and challenges that will significantly impact our future wellbeing and living standards in a new report to mark its 140th anniversary.
The PSN 140 Years of Service 1884-2024 Anniversary Report also provides a glimpse of past milestones and achievements and an overview of current programmes and initiatives.
The report outlines a rapidly ageing population, increasing demand for mental health services, inequitable access to evolving digital technologies, growing housing inequality, social sector funding and client complexity as issues likely to impact PSN clients and wider New Zealand society.
Addressing these issues will require a proactive approach, collaborative partnerships, and sustained investment to respond with appropriate support to ensure sustainable and equitable living standards, says PSN Interim CEO Kaiwhakahaere Mātua, Pam Elgar (ONZM).
“Over its 140 years, PSN has been a steadfast advocate and supporter of local communities through periods of considerable social and economic uncertainty. We have a long history of working with communities and a good understanding of the challenges and issues confronting them,” says Pam Elgar.
“We have the expertise, experience, and infrastructure to help the government address these pressing social issues and help provide insights on what is happening in our communities and to drive meaningful, lasting change.”
Pam Elgar stressed the importance of non-government organisations (NGOs) and the voluntary sector during the current tough economic times.
“As the government continues to reduce funding to the social sector, it is more important than ever that organisations such as PSN are involved in finding solutions.
“Over many decades, PSN has remained a steadfast advocate and supporter of local communities during periods of considerable social and economic uncertainty.
“In collaboration with government agencies, NGOs and the voluntary sector, we can together improve living standards and achieve equality of outcomes for individuals, families, whānau and communities,” says Pam Elgar.
PSN provides a broad and diverse range of social services and health and disability services through Enliven (health and disability services), Family Works (social work, counselling, parenting programmes, and financial mentoring), Lifeline helplines, and Shine (family violence services).