New start for whānau and young people

Published on 14th of November, 2022

In the year since CMM’s social services division was awarded two significant contracts by Oranga Tamariki, over 50 whānau and young people who faced significant challenges are now on the path to more optimistic and hopeful futures.

One contract was to provide supported accommodation for young people aged 16 to 21 who are leaving state care. CMM has housed 14 young people through this service, with 10 being currently in CMM accommodation. Assistance does not end with the provision of housing. CMM provides holistic support by helping young people learn how to manage a household and the responsibilities of having a tenancy. CMM has also helped them find employment or training, as well as making sure their health and other personal needs are met. This year, two young people have gained new employment while in our service and three have moved on to their own independent accommodation.

The young people CMM has housed speak highly of the impact of CMM on their lives. “You are the only service that has really helped and done what you said you would,” one says. “I love working with my youth worker and all your team. You are really there for me to keep on track,” is the response from another young person.

The second contract was to provide intensive support for whānau in need in the east of Christchurch. CMM was one of only five agencies offered the contracts because we were named by local families as a trusted agency. The Social Services team is now working with over 40 whānau who face complex challenges, such as family violence, mental illness and personal trauma. The team focuses on providing practical support, such as assisting with tidying gardens and cleaning homes, as well as offering emotional support and strategies to help them meet their goals.

“The feedback from whānau has been really positive,” manager Eve Lafferty says. “They tell us they have really appreciated having flexible support that is there when they need it.“