Blog Posts

Welcoming kirsten aumua

20/6/2021

Kirsten with Bobbi the pup.

We are pleased to introduce Kirsten Aumua, who has recently joined the Champion Centre as our Kaiwhakapuāwai in the Family Support Team. Kirsten is Ngāi Tahu and has a background in social services and education. She is mother to two adult tamariki (children) and taua (nana) to her mokopuna.

Kirsten’s role is to support whānau, walking alongside them on their journey at the Champion Centre. Kirsten primarily supports Māori and Pacific Island whānau, as well as other families.

As part of the team, Kirsten is available to support whānau to access community resources/services and provide support at specialist appointments, if required.

Kirsten is passionate about sharing her knowledge of Te Reo Māori (Māori language) and Tikanga Māori (culture and customs), whilst pursuing her own Te Ao Māori journey.’ Kirsten is working within most of the centre programmes, so if you see her around the Centre feel free to say ‘Kia Ora’.

‘Poipoia te kākano kia puāwai’ – Nurture the seed and it will blossom.

callum's perceptive eye

19/6/2021

Callum loves calendars (and dates in general), brown seagulls, rainbows, music and capturing photographs of the world around him. Callum is 22 years old, lives in Christchurch and is on the autism spectrum. He is a graduate of The Champion Centre and both he and his whānau hold this place close in their hearts.

Callum is an avid photographer and his photos are an expression of who he is and what he loves. They give us a glimpse into how he sees the world. He loves taking photos of sunrises and sunsets, as he says, ‘they are what music looks like’.

After leaving school, Callum set up his own business, The Offbeat Lens. He plans to use his photographs to create prints, calendars and art pieces.

For Callum’s whānau, the Centre is more than an early intervention provider, it is a place that provides connection, and the people who work there give their all to ‘hold space’ for the children and their whānau. Callum is kindly donating 50% of profits from the sale of his cards to the Champion Centre. Packs of cards are available at the Centre or here on Trade Me

Callum

A selection of Callum's cards

Sign language sessions are a hit

18/6/2021

Liz Townshend works as a Communication Facilitator at the Champion Centre. With her husband James, she recently ran Sign Language sessions for caregivers, early childhood and Champion Centre staff. These packed sessions were both interactive and practical; geared towards beginner and intermediate learners. James and Liz discussed how to include features of Sign Language into songs and books as well as how to integrate visual communication into everyday interactions.

Feedback from the sessions has been fantastic, and Liz and James were delighted to have such enthusiastic participants!

James' first language is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) and he is well-respected in the field of Deaf Education. Liz and James have raised their daughter with Down syndrome in both English and NZSL.

Liz and James Townshend, with James signing 'rhinoceros'

'CONNECT' NEWS, MAY 2021

8/5/2021

Step by Step
By Lauren Porter, Champion Centre Clinical Director.
If you had been a visitor in our transition to school session a couple of weeks ago, you could have joined us for group music. During music we – the children, the parents and the therapists – did a lot of standing, stomping and moving. We used our feet, we made noise, we created rhythm and beat. Some of us sang whist we stomped, others were quiet, even with eyes closed. The music session was enjoyed by everyone. If you had been a visitor, you probably would have liked it too. You might not have known why all that stomping and moving was so important.

Learning to understand the world is a process of steps. Often we aren’t aware of what those steps are because they unfold without much thinking or attention. We must be aware of our bodies, our sensations, and the coordination of ourselves in space and with others. We must become aware of our family and caregivers and find a way to communicate and connect. And with each of these steps we must find a way to stay regulated – emotionally steady and at ease – so that we can take in, process and feed back the information that is present.

Music and movement can provide a way to achieve the regulation necessary to open up to the world. For one child in our session, stomping with movement and music is currently an important pathway to finding her way from overwhelm to calm. With stomping comes vibration, effortful control, expression, patterning, sound, rhythm, predictability, body coordination, and a whole-system integration. With stomping comes relief and the freedom to now give her focus to other things, other people, and other ways of engaging and interacting. This does not mean that stomping will always be necessary. Instead, it is a bridge and a learning as her body and brain find ways to create pathways of growth. It is also good fun, a form of play, and something that her peers and all the rest of us can join in with.

Stomping and moving together to music that day in programme was about so many things. It was an experience of connection and relationship where we all joined together and got to know each other better. It was a scaffolding of neurodevelopment, physical integration, and emotional awareness. It was the coordination of expertise from the music specialist, the play specialist, the early intervention teacher, the speech therapist and the parent to find a small piece of child-led intervention and support. And it was an expression of what the child has told us about who she is, what she needs, and what her next steps are for ongoing development.

Sometimes what happens in a session looks like simple child’s play. And it is! The world of child’s play is also a world of comprehensive planning, attunement, responsiveness, awareness and integration of intervention.

>Read More...

Charlotte earns scholarship

5/5/2021

Champion Centre graduate, 18 year old Charlotte Holt, has earned a scholarship to study law and arts at the University of Canterbury, through her dad's work at the Lyttleton Port Company. Way to go Charlotte!

Charlotte's parents say Charlotte has a lot of empathy for others and has a strong sense of social justice and this could be attributed to her time attending the Champion Centre as a young child. She was a very relaxed but ‘floppy baby’. Charlotte was diagnosed with mild to moderate hypotonic cerebral palsy at 6 months by a paediatrician. Charlotte’s family was surrounded by friends’ children who had disabilities and they didn’t treat Charlotte any different.

‘We never put a label on Charlotte’s condition,’ says Mum, Jane.

She initially attended Milestones Centre for 3 months, to bridge the gap before she started at the Champion Centre at 9 months of age. Their fear as parents soon faded as they thought, ‘what would we do if we didn’t get into the Champion Centre? Their fears faded once wthey entered the Centre and received a lot of support from the staff and each other.

Charlotte started attending the Centre, mainly with her mum Jane, at 9 months old, once a week initially then fortnightly until just before she was two, at the end of 2004.

Charlotte’s Nana’s often came to the Centre for Charlotte’s sessions. ‘My mother often found it quite emotional when she visited the Centre, seeing what all these amazing children were achieving,’ says Charlotte’s dad, Chris.

‘While at the Champion Centre, Charlotte became very able, with her fine motor skills. As well as sessions at the Centre, we took her swimming a lot,’ says Jane.

‘Charlotte definitely developed her personality and talent from the Champion Centre, she received a lot of attention. She has become very independent,’ says Chris.

‘The staff that work there are incredible, very dedicated and amazing. Early intervention is so important, it’s your lifeline’, says Jane.

Growing up she danced, sang, played sport and was very rhythmic. She then joined her two older sisters at Villa Maria College, where she became an esteemed public speaker and achieved her grade 7 Trinity Speech and Drama exam.

Last year, Charlotte applied for a tertiary scholarship through Chris’ work at the Lyttleton Port Company, that was available for children of employees to apply for. Through a selection process Charlotte was awarded the scholarship. It is worth $10,000 and will be used to pay Charlotte’s university fees over two years.

Charlotte says, ‘perhaps from my time at the Champion Centre and my love of public speaking, I gravitated towards studying social justice and law at university. It’s an opportunity to give back.’

Charlotte with her cup for, 'The student who has made the most progress' and a 'Cultural gold' certificate. Villa Maria College prizegiving, 2020.

Charlotte with physiotherapist, Deborah.

eie support in the community

4/5/2021

Many children who attend the Champion Centre are also enrolled at a local Early Childhood Centre. Children over the age of three, are typically supported for one or more sessions a week by an Early Intervention Educator (EIE).

We have a wonderful team of 17 EIE's as part of the Champion Centre. These highly skilled specialists support children to achieve their goals and take their place in their community.

Eli reading with Dad, Robert.

Eli with one of his favourite touch and feel books alongside EIE, Carol Roberts.

Senior EIE, Marie Stevenson retires

3/5/2021

A love of working with children and parents, started a 26-year journey for Marie Stevenson, working as a Senior Early Intervention Educator (EIE) with the Champion Centre.

‘I have always believed in the philosophy of the Champion Centre. I feel very privileged to have worked here for so long and witnessed the Centre grow from strength to strength,' says Marie.

Wendy Entwistle (Executive Director and Marie's former manager) says, ‘Marie's boundless energy, immense skill as an educator, and her absolute love of her work has never diminished throughout this time. She will be greatly missed, by staff and families alike.’

Marie with two of her grandchildren.

‘My husband Gav and I are looking at doing some great Kiwi walks and camping under the stars. I’m looking forward to spending time with my whānau and friends and Covid willing, some overseas travel.’

Marie retired from her role in mid-April. We wish her all the very best for the next stage of her journey.

fundraising concerts

30/4/2021

The Loyal Variety Concert presented by Stedfast Brass
Saturday 26th June, 7.30pm, The Majestic, 189 Durham Street

The Steadfast Brass play a selection from pop songs to jazz standards, classics to golden oldies. Each year the band puts on a major community fundraising concert called ‘The Loyal Variety Concert’. Over the years the band has been able to assist many organisations throughout the city, including, CanTeen, Life Education, The Christchurch City Mission and the Salvation Army Emergency Services.

This year we are thrilled the band is proudly supporting The Champion Centre through ticket sales which can be purchase by contacting:
Rose - E: ROSEBRIAN@XTRA.CO.NZ or P: 03 359 9254 or
KIM - E: KIMBLACKMORE1@YAHOO.COM or P: 027 223 4386

Voices in the Community presented by the Vocal Network.
Saturday 19th June, 3pm, the Piano, Armagh Street

A capella singing group presenting, ‘Voices in the Community,’ will perform at the Piano. Their repertoire covers a broad range of musical styles, including contemporary cappella, jazz, and barbershop. They will be joined by several other wonderful performers and all profits will be donated to The Champion Centre.
"You're the quintessential barber-pop group" - Deke Sharon (Pitch Perfect and The Sing-Off).
Tickets available: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2021/voices-in-the-community-v/christchurch

A successful golf fundraiser

29/4/2021

Champion Centre graduate, Bella, certainly showed her skills, lending a hand on the BBQ. Pictured with ‘The Highlanders’ team; Darryl, Greg, Daryl and Richard

Friday 26 March saw a perfect forecast for the Champion Foundation Trust’s Charity Golf Day at Christchurch Golf Club. With a full register of 'serious golfers', they set off to pitch their golfing prowess against each other and help to make a difference to the long-term sustainability of The Champion Centre, through The Champion Foundation’s fundraiser.

Many thanks to Craigs Investment Partners, the day’s major sponsor and all those whose generous support and contributions made this event a big success, with $31,000 raised on the day.

MANY THANKS TO...

We’re feeling very fortunate that one of our own Centre dads has very kindly organised a donation from his workplace, Mitre10 Mega Papanui. This generous gift has covered the purchase of a SafeSpace table (to match our gifted SafeSpace chairs) It's going down a treat with the morning teas for our little ones! Thank you very much.

The Champion Centre team of specialists offer children the best possible start to their lives to be able to reach their full potential. The total funding the centre receives from Government falls $7 000 short for each child at the centre. This $700 000 shortfall relies on fundraising and donations.
Call Karon Storr on 03 383 6867 to discuss ways to give.

'CONNECT' NEWS, march 2021

26/3/2021

Directors' kōrero

Kia ora koutou,
As families who attend the Champion Centre know, every day around 20 children with their parents and caregivers join their early intervention teams for a busy morning of activity. Each child’s programme is individually tailored to their developmental needs, full of play, and involves a combination of fun, hard-work and connection with others. All activities are carefully planned by our very skilled and experienced staff, but really, it’s the partnership between staff and parents /caregivers that makes the real difference. You’re the people who know your children best of all, and we thank-you for joining us every week.

In this newsletter, we are once again delighted to showcase news from around the centre and from our graduates.
Ngā mihi nui
Wendy and Lauren

Lars in the driving seat
Lars Welford, aged 7, had fun trying on his uncle's helmet that goes with his uncle's 'retro-styled' e-bike. As a recent graduate, it was great to have an update from Lars' dad on how much he is enjoying school. Lars is now year 3 at Cotswold School, which he loves and demonstrates this by running to class each day!

The caretaker has recognised Lars' love of gardening tools and regularly gives him a 'whir' with the leaf-blower. As autumn approaches, the leaf-blower's appearance will be keenly anticipated.

News from our playroom
Ted is learning to dress himself, so Emma, one of the Playroom Specialists, used the dress ups for him to practise his skills. He was so proud of himself, as you can see by the look on his face! While Ted needed a little support, with repeated opportunities to practise he will absolutely master these skills

Q & A with retired Musical Play Therapist, Julie Wylie

Photo, The Press, 2020.

Music plays an integral part of life at the Champion Centre, woven into the fabric of nearly every part of the programme. This is largely due to the effervescent and passionate Musical Play Therapist, Julie Wylie. Julie has dedicated 28 years of work to the Champion Centre, however it is time for Julie to pass over the baton. I sat down with Julie and had a chat.

How did music become so prevalent at the Champion Centre?
Back in the early 1990’s, speech language therapist, Jan Murphy, the Centre therapists and I were looking into how music affects the brain and wellbeing. I started writing and reflecting after every session, then I came across an amazing book on music and the mind and I thought ‘this is the beginning’. I could see that music could bring parent and child into synchronicity.

What insights into music did you discover in the early days?
Discoveries with neuroscience have shown that music can contribute to each child and parent's wellbeing. When the child is in a calm, regulated space then they can learn. The elements of music can be used in very specific ways to promote well-being and regulation. Musical rhythm, melody/tune, dynamics (loud or soft), form (clear beginning, middle and end of a song or piece of music), the specific sounds of instruments and harmony all have an impact on the brain's systems. Music that has a steady beat, close to a resting heart rate, encourages the lower parts of the brain and the body to come into synch and produce a feeling of calm. Depending on how they are used, they can either contribute to regulating or deregulating a child's systems.

You refer to yourself as the conductor, what do you mean?
I like being the conductor not the leader; the parent is the leader as they can carry the music on at home or anywhere. For example, today I asked one of the dad’s in the baby programme if he sung with his son. He said he had a terrible voice and I said, ‘I’ve heard you, you can sing.’ His eyes lit up. Your wife and your voices are the most important voices in this world for your child. He looked really excited. ‘I have a guitar at home, but I never touch it. My nanny lived next door to us when we were growing up and she sang to me all the time,’ he said. Then the whole story came out about the Māori side of his whānau and how his nanny played the guitar and sang him lullabies when he was growing up.

What things have you witnessed over the years?
I have been privileged to see and hear things with parents. Looking back, I have probably seen a miracle every day. I have seen children sing their first words, take their first steps and dance to music. I’ve had a parent who is so full of grief, then something will happen in the music session which is hilarious. The parent then has a good belly laugh and comments that they haven’t laughed like that since baby was born. It’s a cathartic experience for parent and child.

There was one little boy on the autistic spectrum, aged 4. He looked like an angel and had the most incredible voice. Nobody was seeing anything cognitively, but music seemed to make a remarkable impact on him. This little boy has such strong musicality. I asked his mother to play him Mozart and he stood with his ear to the radio. There was a concert coming up at the Christchurch Town Hall with NZSO, and I took him and his mother to the orchestra. I wanted him to experience live music. We sat up above the stage and orchestra. They played classical music and during the performance the little boy took my arm and conducted. At the end, the conductor got up and bowed to us. This would have been an indelible experience for both the mother and child.

Have any graduates of the Centre gone on to pursue music?
We have a number of children who have grown up to be incredibly musical. Thomas Eves is the chief trumpeter at the CSO, and Jasmine Butcher is studying music at university. Another boy, Rohan Soper aged 17, who was born premature, has been learning percussion and has sat an exam through Trinity College. India Neville, now 21, is studying at a music academy in Canada.

Where to now for music at the Champion Centre?
I believe everything has a season. I’ve done everything I’ve been asked to and wanted to do, and now it’s time to bow out. Music at the Centre is in very capable hands, as we have five talented music specialists, led by Sarah Marra. When I started at the Champion Centre, I was crying out, ‘please consider music.’ Now wherever I go people are singing and using music. All the therapists are using music in the most incredible ways.

What’s in store for Julie Wylie now?
I’ve been on this journey and it’s way bigger than me. I have my musical school in the community and run workshops for teachers and parents. I have also developed a Postgraduate Certificate in the Psychology of Musical Play Therapy. I am writing a lot and there are numerous stories to tell about my work with children at the Champion.

Julie captures it poignantly when she says;
‘every vignette is so special and every child I’ve met has taught me so much. It’s not about their limitations but about how children can fly musically. When you allow them to find their voice and let them be the leader, they take you on the most miraculous journey.’

We express our gratitude to Julie for all her years of passion and dedication to our Champion Centre families.

A big thanks to...
Thank you to all who shared and bid on the auction for the Crusaders membership pack, including the signed home jersey and Rugby Park tour. It was a fantastic outcome, with the auction yielding $1520.

The 2nd signed jersey and Rugby Park tour auction also sold at auction for $655.

attention all red and black rugby supporters - 2nd auction

3/3/2021

The Crusaders Home Jersey is a nod to the Crusaders legacy, this is one for those supporters who show unrivalled dedication to Red & Black. It's a chance to own a piece of the Crusaders history, memorabilia that's priceless. It's also a chance to make a big difference to our Cantabrian families, and their young champions.

This Crusaders fundraiser is to raise money for The Champion Centre. With a shortfall of $7000 for every child receiving our free early intervention programmes, to address annually, we are thrilled to be gifted a signed Crusaders Home Jersey to auction to the highest bidder.

The highest bidder will also a receive a tour of Rugby Park with Crusaders CEO, Colin Mansbridge.

Don’t pass on this! Help to 'realise every child's potential.'
BID ON THE AUCTION HERE: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/sports/rugby-league/apparel/jerseys/listing/2997965649?ed=true&bof=lzfFL7TB

Calling alL red and black supporters!

5/2/2021

We have an outstanding membership package up for grabs. Here’s the game plan…

2 x 203 Memberships
PLUS a Signed Crusaders Home Jersey
PLUS a Tour of Rugby Park by Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge

The 203 Membership is a nod to the Crusaders legacy. Represented by the most games ever player for the Crusaders, this is for those members who show unrivalled dedication to Red & Black. It's a chance to leave a lasting impression, to write your own name in the history books, and to leave your mark as an elite member of the Crusaders Club.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:

6 Crusaders home games in premium seats including finals
203 Membership Lounge access on game-day
Free entry to pre-season games played in the Crusaders region
Dinner in the 203 Membership lounge for the opening game of the season
Crusaders beanie & Cap
Premium carpark pass
30% discount on shop.crusaders.co.nz
20% discount on tickets for all Crusaders away games in NZ
Invitation to Captains Run BBQ and Season Launch
Access to Crusaders members website login & invitation to Crusaders FB Members community

This incredible package has been gifted to the Champion Centre as a fundraiser, as the 203 Membership packages will go to the highest bidder. Don’t pass on this!

Bid on the auction here: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/sports/rugby-league/other/listing/2991487869?bof=sD87ILMz

'connect' news february 2021

4/2/2021

Welcome back/Nau mai hoki mai

Directors, Dr. Lauren Porter and Wendy Entwistle.

Nau mai hoki mai/Welcome back to all our families and Champion Centre supporters.

In the last few weeks the Champion Centre has been ‘buzzing’ as staff, families and children re-connect after the summer break. It’s been wonderful to see all the growing and learning that has occurred.

This year we will be in touch more often, with a monthly newsletter. We want to show you a little more of what happens at the Centre. ‘You’ are what makes our community special, so we’re keen to hear from current families, Champion Centre graduates and our supporters.

If you would like to share any stories or photos please contact our Communications Advisor, andrea.heffernan@championcentre.org.nz

Painting fun...

Louis working on his standing while painting for the first time. Great job Louis!
A great example of how our team work together to support all aspects of children’s development. Here our Physiotherapist and Early Intervention Teacher have jointly planned a fun activity.

Kobe heads off to school

We were excited and a little sad to farewell Kobe, as he makes his way to school. Thankyou for your heart felt words Hal. We think you are pretty awesome too. Go well Kobe and stay in touch.

'This is the last day at the Champion Centre for my beautiful Grandson Kobe, before he starts school. He has done so well and progressed unbelievably and that is because of the people that work here. They are the most amazing and caring people and I would like to thank them so much for everything they did for Kobe. They all "changed Kobe's life" and they should be very proud of that.'

Honouring Jan Murphy

Jan with two of her grandchildren.

Over 40 years of dedication by former Clinical Practice Manager, Jan Murphy, was recognised on the Queens New Years' Honours list. Jan became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education and children with intellectual disabilities.

Jan was drawn to the Centre in the 1970s. 'It was a strong time for human rights, Vietnam and anti-apartheid. It was a time when children with additional needs didn't have the rights they have today or access to services.

'You say to yourself "social change needs to happen here," because these children don't have the rights that other children have.'

''It has been a privilege to work with so many courageous children and their families and whilst I am overwhelmed to receive this award, I feel that in part I receive it for them,' Jan says, emphasising the Champion Centre embodies a team effort,' says Jan.

We express our heartfelt thanks to Jan for all her years of dedication to our Champion Centre families.

High school for Liam

It's always great to hear news from some of our graduates. We can't believe you've started high school Liam. It seems it was just the other day you were coming to the Champion Centre. We're so pleased you're enjoying school.

'Liam has just started high school. He is in the Kohanga Ako unit at Riccarton High School. He is enjoying it so far. When I ask him what he did at school, he says, "lots of good things." 'He is now 170cm tall, or at least he was in September, he is probably taller now. ' (Elise, mum)

Golf fundraiser, Friday 26 March

The Champion Foundation Trust present the first fundraising event for the year. This is a great corporate team building event or a perfect opportunity to invite some clients for a day out. Get together a team of colleagues or friends together. Enter either as a team of four or individually. Only places for four teams are still available, so get in quick!

If you would like to sponsor a hole or donate a prize in this tournament, we would love to hear from you! > for more info and to register

What a champion!

We are overjoyed (and overwhelmed), Annabelle Latz smashed the 36 hour 100 mile Tarawera Ultramarathon in a staggering 32 hours! What an achievement from the sister of Centre graduate Nick, who is about to celebrate his 40th birthday. Annabelle raised an incredible $2500 on her Givealittle page. She has chosen to support The Champion Centre's 'Musical Play Therapy' programme..

The Champion Centre team of specialists offer children the best possible start to their lives to be able to reach their full potential. The total funding the centre receives from Government falls $7000 short for each child at the centre. This $700,000 shortfall relies on fundraising and donations.

A big thanks to...

As if the fabulous donation in support of our technology programme wasn't awesome enough, we are so grateful to Trevor and the team at Haydn for enabling the purchase of six SafeSpace toddler chairs. These safety designed, stackable chairs with a three point harness provide supportive seating, enabling safe eating, learning and social interaction at the table. The difference this donation makes to our children, families and staff is immense.

Spread the word!

If you know of any ‘past’ families, who used to attend the Champion Centre, or indeed anyone else who might like to receive this newsletter, please either ask them to call us on 03 383 6867 or email office@championcentre.org.nz

'champion connection,' december 2020

27/11/2020

Introducing the two new Centre Directors

Wendy Entwistle, Executive Director
Wendy was appointed Executive Director following the retirement of Dr. Susan Foster-Cohen in August this year. A registered Social Worker, Wendy has a Diploma and MA in Social Work, coupled with a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management Studies. For nine years, from 2003 until 2012, Wendy led the Family Support Team at the Champion Centre and was part of the Centre Management Team.

In 2013, Wendy moved to Hamilton and led the Consumer Engagement team at the Waikato District Health Board, where she established and supported the inaugural Consumer Council for Waikato DHB.

In 2018, Wendy moved back to Christchurch and is delighted to return ‘home’ to the Champion Centre. She took on the role of Early Intervention Services Manager, leading the team of 18 Early Intervention Educators, as well as being part of the management team and supporting a range of executive functions.

Driven by principles of equality and inclusion Wendy says: ‘A significant part of my professional life has been spent at the Champion Centre and I feel a strong connection and loyalty to it. For years the Champion Centre, in partnership with families, has provided a vital service for many families in Christchurch.’

‘I am especially grateful to Susan for her support over the years and wish her well. Moving forwards, I am excited to partner with Lauren as part of the new leadership team, ensuring the Champion Centre continues to thrive for many, many years to come’.

Lauren Porter, Clinical Director
Lauren was appointed Clinical Director in October. A registered clinical social worker, Lauren holds both an MSW and PhD in Social Work. Her PhD was completed at the University of Canterbury in 2017 under the supervision of Patricia Champion, with a focus on first time mothers and their premature infants. Lauren has been in direct clinical practice since 1995, working with children and families for most of that time.

Lauren lived in Germany in the mid 1990’s for five years, where she worked for the US military, supporting adolescents and their families. She then took on the role of Programme Director for a city-wide child sexual abuse treatment programme. In 2004, Lauren and her colleague, Kate Dent Rennie, formed the NZ-based Centre for Attachment, an agency that provided direct training, consultation and intervention to parents, infant mental health professionals and government.

In 2014, Lauren and her family relocated to Australia, where she worked for both Griffith University and Southern Cross University in teaching and supervision roles. Since returning to New Zealand early this year, Lauren has been Clinical Manager of Massey University Wellington's Student Health and Counselling Centre.

Lauren's appointment to the Champion Centre is a homecoming in profound and important ways. Not only is she returning home to Christchurch, but she is taking up a role that fortifies her most meaningful professional connections: to infant mental health; to Patricia, Jan and the team; and to the relational support of our youngest members of society. Lauren is excited to partner with Wendy, to learn from both Wendy and the team, and to dedicate herself and her professional energy to the best future for the Champion Centre.

December fundraising initiatives

26/11/2020

Rural ram sale to yield hefty donation
Our wonderful Champion Centre family Mark and Joanne, and their awesome young 'champion', Ted, are very kindly donating the proceeds of one ram in their annual Ram Sale 2020. Lot #7 ram will be auctioned at The Gums sheep farm in Cheviot on Thursday 3 December from 1pm .

The Champion Centre would love you to help with Ted's fundraiser by making a donation, large or small, in support of the no.7 ram. For more information www.thegums.nz

To donate: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ted-and-the-gums-ram-sale-fundraiser-for-champions

Sonya's long, luscious locks are coming off!
Sonya Chamberlain, one of our Early Intervention Educators, will be shaving her head in a bid to raise funds for the Centre. Her beautiful long locks will be coming off on Monday 14 December, 4pm.

Sonya says, ‘I want to shave my head to raise money for the Champion Centre, because I'm continuously surprised when I say I work for the Champion Centre, that a lot of people have never heard of us! This may help to raise awareness of the wonderful work of the Centre as well as raising much needed funds.’

Sonya is taking donations until the end of December.
To contribute: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/losing-the-locks-for-our-champions

Stunning photo auction
‘Mainland’, a photography exhibition and auction, with works by Kevin Clarke. Kevin is an international award-winning professional photographer based in Christchurch.

Kevin is very kindly donating a portion of the proceeds from his art auction to the Champion Foundation Trust.
1-6 December 2020
'Pumanawa' at the Christchurch Arts Centre www.cmgstudios.co.nz
#championcentre #CmgStudios #KevinClarke

adventure runs through the veins of the latz siblings

25/11/2020

The family of Nick Latz says that the impact the Champion Centre had on Nick's life is immeasurable. Nick (39) has Down syndrome and younger sister Annabelle will be running the Tarawera 100 miler Ultramarathon, in Rotorua in February to raise funds to fill the significant financial gap the Centre must fill every year.

Over 200 pre-school children with significant disabilities each year rely on the critical early intervention work by the Champion Centre. The Centre receives 78% of funding from the government and relies on grants and fundraisers for the rest. Unable to access some of its traditional funding streams due to Covid, the organisation is this year fighting to make up a shortfall of approximately $600,000.

Annabelle Latz remembers her bigger brother attend the Champion Centre and knows first-hand how much the early intervention therapy helped him to lead a full and independent life.

‘It’s a privilege to run ultramarathons, and an even bigger privilege to have Nick as my big brother, and have this opportunity to raise money for these youngsters who are starting on their very special journey,’ says Annabelle.

Nick and his sister Annabelle enjoy a walk and a laugh.

Nick’s parents Kate and Peter Latz say that the Champion Centre literally saved them after Nick was born. ‘From those initial feelings of being completely at a loss, we were reassured within hours of Nick’s birth that not only was help at hand, but that there was far more that was normal about our baby than not normal, and we should treat him as the precious baby boy that he was.’

‘As parents, we celebrated every milestone big and small and our initial despair became our greatest joy as we watched our beautiful boy embrace life,’ says Kate.

Nick wearing his bronze medal at the Special Olympics World Winter Games, South Korea.

Nick now lives independently in a self-contained unit in Rangiora, where a support worker visits in the evenings while he cooks his own dinner. Nick will often prepare a meal in the crockpot or use his Weber barbeque to cook some meat, and he makes ‘the best’ salads.

Nick loves to dance! He is currently planning his 40th birthday celebrations next March, which will include some great food, drinks and music. Music is a passion that runs in his family and he’s enjoyed many live concerts over the years; David Bowie, The Rolling Stones and Joe Cocker to name a few.

Conquering personal challenges seems to run through the veins of the Latz family. Ski enthusiast Nick started skiing at the age of eight under the wing of Skiing for the Disabled, with whom he spends almost every Saturday in winter up on the slopes training at Mt Hutt. In 2013, Nick won a bronze medal in the Alpine Skiing Intermediate Giant Slalom at the 10th Special Olympics World Winter Games, in South Korea.

Nick works part-time at F.O.D (Fools of Desire), a café in Rangiora, where he washes dishes and enjoys the camaraderie with his workmates. On his morning break you will see him sipping on a cup of Bell tea.

‘He’s grown into an awesome, confident guy, and that’s largely thanks to his early years at The Champion Centre. And he’s a rock n’ roller from way back, so it’s fitting that the funds I raise will be going straight to The Champion Centre’s music programme.’

‘As we’ve said in our family, Down syndrome is what Nick has, not what he is,’ says Annabelle.

To give to Annabelle’s fundraising efforts:
https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/httpswwwchampioncentreorgnz

Earlybird, the perfect gift

24/11/2020

Earlybird is a beautifully illustrated children's book that tells the moving story of Peri Pukeko, a baby bird who hatched early, as he gets ready to go home and learns to fly. It is written by Julie Burgess-Manning, illustrated by Jenny Cooper, and created from Dr. Patricia Champion’s themes and storyline. Earlybird has been created by The Champion Foundation and published by Kotuku Press.

Both the Earlybird book and stunning limited edition prints make wonderful Christmas gifts.

Available from: www.championfoundation.co.nz/shop

‘Wishing all our families and supporters a relaxing and safe summer break. We look forward to seeing you in 2021!’
- From all of us at the Champion Centre.

'champion connection,' august 2020

18/8/2020

Korero with Susan
Kia ora koutou, ngā mihinui,

It is with mixed feelings that I write this, my last Director's column, for the Champion Centre's newsletter. After almost 17 years as Director I will be moving on to the next phase of my life at the end of August. Although sad to leave, I am looking forward to having time for research and to adding to the list of publications produced by a range of individuals associated with the Champion Centre over the years. (See our website for the bibliography as well as the other materials for both families and professionals.)

My job at the Champion Centre has been the very best I have had, and I have only appreciation and awe for the incredible work of the Centre. I am therefore extremely pleased and relieved to be able to pass the baton on to Wendy Entwistle, our newly appointed Executive Director. Wendy will soon be joined by a new Clinical Director, and together they will no doubt weather the challenges of meeting the needs of children and families in the years to come.

The Champion Centre is a place that truly translates the science of human development into practice and makes it possible for infants and young children with challenges to their development to reach their full potential. That it has been able to do this for more than 40 years while being chronically under-funded is testament to the dedication of staff and the generosity of private donors and trusts who help us plug the gap between government funding and programme costs.

My parting plea, therefore, is for each person who reads this newsletter to make a donation to the Centre. It could be a regular donation or a larger one-off. Your donation would be the best parting gift I could receive. Please mark it 'Susan's goodbye' so I know you have heard my plea!

Noho ora mai,
Dr Susan Foster-Cohen

Outgoing Director, Dr. Susan Foster-Cohen.

Incoming Executive Director, Wendy Entwistle.

Therapy through arts

17/8/2020

Through the lockdown, arts therapy student Kate Willis realised that a lot of charities were struggling to find opportunities to fundraise. She decided that she wanted to do something, even if it was small, to make a difference. While walking around her neighbourhood during the lockdown, Kate realised that she could create a product that could be a memento to people from this time in isolation and help even just a few people in this strange and hard time. She started drawing and came up with the Teddy Bears in the Window series. She has designed a range of greeting cards that are being sold to help raise funds for three different charities, including The Champion Centre.

'Even to make a small difference to one or two children would be amazing,' says Kate. Kate raised $1000 for charity from her Teddy Bears in the Window card series, of which $300 has been given to the Champion Centre. We are very grateful that she was able to use her talents over the lockdown to benefit the Centre.

Kate occupied with her arts practice.

'Friends in the window' greeting card series.

Kate fell in love with the Champion Centre back in 2015, when she was a volunteer, and was surprised to find out that the Champion Centre wasn't fully funded. 'The work they do is so valuable and life-changing for each small person who is able to attend the Centre. Every person I met in the Centre had a heart of gold and was passionate about what they did, and the children never failed to put a smile on my face with their excitement and contagious energy,' says Kate.

'I am interested in working with people. I have a background in visual arts training and have always been creative, be it dance or the arts, ' Kate says.

Arts therapy or arts psychotherapy is an emerging field in New Zealand. It uses creative modalities, including visual arts-making, drama, and dance/movement within a therapeutic relationship to improve and inform physical, mental and emotional well-being. The reason it is called "arts therapy" rather than "art therapy" is because of the different arts that are used to help people. Arts therapy differs from traditional arts-making or performance in that the emphasis is on the process of creating and making meaning, rather than on the end-product. The therapist and client/s develop a therapeutic relationship with clear boundaries, treatment plans and outcomes. The arts themselves are considered to have healing functions that arts therapists seek to harness to assist their clients to achieve change.

Kate says, 'I stumbled across the postgraduate course at Whitecliffe, an arts college, while I was doing my bachelor's degree in Visual Arts and was excited by the prospect of combining my two passions'. She enrolled in the one year post graduate diploma, which led into two years of the Master of Arts in Arts Therapy (Clinical) programme. Arts therapy students usually come from one of two areas of interest, either social work or the arts side, and any arts modality is welcome. As Kate began looking for non-paid placements through her Arts Therapy study in 2019, she once again sought out the Champion Centre.

Kate started at the Champion Centre as a student intern in the second half of year two of her training and extended it for a further six months. She spent one day each week working alongside the therapists, half of her time in the playroom and the other half in the music room. 'In the music sessions we used a lot of movement with organza ribbon sticks, creating visual imagery to the musical patterns. I worked with music specialist Julie Wylie and have learnt so much from her. In the playroom we explored sensory play with sand, rice or water, allowing connections to be created between the child and their body. We also explored both the doodle boards and paints and created pictures through their creative imagination', Kate explains.

A highlight was when she was working with a child who has a diagnosis of autism. The child made eye contact with her for the first time and it was these small but significant moments that were so special for Kate. Kate finishes her masters' degree at the end of this year and would love to keep working with children in the disability or mental health sector.

Kate Willis' artwork at www.katewillisartist.com

ardern painting yields significant donation

16/8/2020

An 'isolation idea' over lockdown saw professional artist Gwyn Hughes busy with a fundraising initiative in support of the Champion Centre. He was keen to acknowledge the incredible work our Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, was doing during the recent COVID-19 events and began creating a large portrait in oils.

The original artwork was auctioned on Trade Me and took the interest of over 29,000 people. Radio station ‘The Breeze’ interviewed Gwyn, where he told of his passion to support the Centre’s intervention programmes. The auction also got a mention on ‘The Project’ on TV3.

A portrait and landscape artist specialising in commission pieces and original works, Gwyn has a lengthy career in the arts internationally, and now here in New Zealand. He has recently won the ‘People’s Choice’ with the Adam Portraiture Award 2020 through the New Zealand Portrait Gallery.

Gwyn has very kindly gifted oil paintings to both the ‘Art from the Attic’ fundraiser and the 40th Anniversary Gala’s ‘live auction’ in 2018 and has donated $5000 to our early intervention programmes from his depiction of Jacinda Ardern. We sincerely appreciate his time and talents.
http://www.gwyn.co/

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