Connect 19

As 2023 draws to a close, we can say without a doubt that our year has been busy and fruitful. A total of 207 tamariki and their whānau joined us at the Champion Centre. We farewelled 45 children, as they began their school journey, and our Early Intervention Educators supported 66 children in their local early childhood centres. 

At our recent AGM we were reminded once again of how special the Champion Centre is, and of its important place in our community. Three Mums of recent ‘graduates’ spoke from the heart about the challenges of their own personal journeys of raising a child with disabilities - the joys their children bring, and the unique and vital support offered by the Champion Centre and our staff. It was a privilege for all in attendance, (supporters, families and staff), to hear these personal accounts. Thank you to Chelsea, Julie and Natasha for your contributions. 

In this newsletter you can read about ‘Noah’s Journey’. We are grateful to Cassie for sharing with us the impact that the Champion Centre has had for her son Noah and their family. You can also read more about the new Champions’ Alumni, an exciting new initiative for all associated with the Champion Centre past and present. 

As we enter the festive season, we wish to thank all of our supporters who have contributed to the success and operations of the Champion Centre. Without your ongoing generosity we could not provide the comprehensive services we do. It is our supporters, our whānau and our staff who make our Champion Centre community ever stronger.  

Wishing everyone a relaxing and safe holiday season.

Wendy and Lauren

CENTRE HAPPENINGS

Mums' Night Out

This November saw the return of our annual Pamper Evening for Mums. Our ‘Mums Night Out’ was a wonderful event just for Mums who attend the Champion Centre to have a relaxing evening out, to connect with other Mums and be pampered. Staff and volunteers, (including a number of past parents), provided a range of therapies including massage, reflexology, manicures and foot spas. Drinks and nibbles were provided, and a good night was had by all. Thank-you to everyone who helped to make this such a successful and fun night. 

Family Christmas Party

A much-awaited highlight of every year is our Christmas Party for families and extended families. Santa always makes a very special appearance, and there are opportunities for photos for those who wish. This year the ‘man in red’ did not disappoint and a fun time was had by all. The party also offered a festive music session led by our musical play therapists and face painting. Once again, we offer sincere thanks to the Patterson family who so generously catered the event, as they have done for so many years now. 

Champions' Alumni - Reconnect with your Champion Centre whānau

We are super excited about the development of an Alumni for the Champion Centre which is being rolled out with the support of the Champion Foundation Trust.

Hundreds of families, staff and supporters have been part of the Champion Centre over the past 47 years and the aim is to create a place for people to reconnect and revitalise some incredible bonds that were forged. Whether you are an existing or past family or friend of the Centre all are welcome to join. Grandparents, parents, siblings, aunties and uncles, friends and staff you are all part of the Champion Centre whānau! 

Last month, an initial 'fact-finding' evening with current and past families and staff highlighted the genuine need and desire for people to connect and share their experiences. The attendees suggested a range of potential activities including family events to reconnect, share information and have some fun. The events could range from adult-targeted speaker events to family fun days where alumni have time for more organic chats and the opportunity to create new friendships.  

The Champion Centre and the Champion Foundation Trust will have a dedicated page for the Champions’ Alumni on their respective websites which contain all relevant information. They are also considering a dedicated Alumni Facebook group. 

Everyone is welcome to join. Contact Emma at emma@championfoundation.co.nz if you would like to be on the Alumni mailing list. Help us create what we hope will become a fabulous Alumni group! 

Thank you!

​We wish to say a big thank you to Julie and the Lewis family who not only spoke incredibly at our recent Annual General Meeting but also donated this original artwork piece to the Centre for us to hang proudly at the entrance. 

Noah's journey

Introducing Cassie, Noah and her whānau

Cassie attends the Champion Centre every week with her 3-year-old son Noah. Originally

from California, Cassie was living in Blenheim with her husband, Nick, and their older daughter when Noah was born with Down syndrome. Reflecting on the challenges ahead, and with the support of her family, Cassie decided she would be a strong advocate for her baby and strive for the best life she could for him. After some investigation into the services available and following a trip from Blenheim to Christchurch to visit the Centre, Cassie and Nick decided to relocate their family to Christchurch to be closer to extended family support and to attend the Champion Centre. 

We sat down with Cassie who shared with us some of her thoughts about the Centre and in particular, the most important things that have really made a difference. We are delighted to share these reflections here. What better way to understand the impact of our services than to hear directly from whānau.  

Making supportive connections with other families

“On joining the Champion Centre Baby Programme, I began to make supportive connections and finally felt I’d joined a community of other families who understood what it is to have a child with disabilities. I hadn’t experienced this before. While the journey for each family is different, I really feel that everyone tries to encourage one another as parents and nurture the relationships we are building while attending the programme together. It has also been particularly helpful to be part of a group in which all of the children have the same diagnosis. Because we come together regularly, on a weekly basis, we are able to support and learn from one another. Meeting with other parents and whānau has been one of the greatest benefits of coming to the Champion Centre.” 

A multi-disciplinary wrap-around service staffed by highly skilled professionals

“Over time I have come to understand just how unique the multi-disciplinary service offered at the Champion Centre really is. Most other health and education departments simply do not work together in the collaborative way staff do at the Champion Centre. I am immensely grateful that therapists operate as a strong multi-disciplinary team to support the best outcomes for Noah. Having all of the therapists under one roof takes the weight off me and allows me to slow down and notice all of the wonderful developmental progress that Noah is making. Having a Speech Language Therapist, an Early Intervention Teacher, an Occupational Therapist and a Musical Play Therapist working together means that I feel really reassured that all aspects of Noah’s development are attended to and that his development is viewed holistically. I have a background in primary school teaching and I understand just how much work goes into the jobs of the clinical staff behind the scenes, including planning, preparation and assessment. The Champion Centre staff are always so willing to do whatever is needed for Noah, and their skill and expertise are just so evident. 

I am also grateful for the wrap-around nature of the service. I truly appreciate being able to just be myself whenever I come into the Champion Centre. I know I don’t have to put on a brave face, as I sometimes feel I need to when I am out and about. I can arrive at the Champion Centre and whether I’ve been having a really good day or a terrible one, I can let the therapy team know, and it will be OK. The team will always make sure I have a cup of coffee and the chance to talk through some strategies to support me and help me move forwards.” 

Supporting communication through sign language

“Supporting Noah’s communication has been a priority for me and my family. We’ve worked really hard and taken every opportunity to work alongside the Champion Centre’s Sign Language Facilitator, Liz. Signing is definitely supporting his language development and thanks to Liz, we now incorporate sign language into every part of their lives. I credit Liz with helping Noah learn and utilise over 400 signs which support him to better express what he needs and what he is feeling.” 

The importance of family support at the Champion Centre – A one-stop shop

“I can’t speak highly enough of the family support offered to me before I had even stepped into the Champion Centre. The Social Work Team and the in-house counselling have just been so helpful. As a mother to a child with high needs, my own needs do tend to come last, and my own wellbeing can get lost in the rush of things. It took me some time to realise that I had been prioritising Noah’s health and wellbeing, while ignoring my own needs, and if I’m not OK, I can’t be there for him. I am encouraged and supported during my Champion Centre journey by someone from within the organisation who is close enough to understand my situation and struggles. This has meant the support is not disjointed and is much more personally tailored to my needs. 

I’ve also recently attended a Mum’s Support Group at the Champion Centre which was incredibly beneficial. Again, it was provided onsite and facilitated by staff who understand what the journey of having a child with disabilities can be like. This makes a huge difference.” 

Looking back at where we’ve come from – Noah’s developmental progress

“It is amazing to have a team working alongside Noah to cheer with me and celebrate his wins. The individualised forward planning of the therapists at the Champion Centre has helped Noah to excel and reach exciting developmental milestones. He is running, riding a balance bike, climbing, and always making people laugh with his witty sense of humour; while his speech is delayed, he has amazing receptive language and understanding, and is able to communicate with sign language. There are so many things to celebrate!” 

We’re grateful to Cassie for sharing her reflections. ​

Acknowledgment

THE PASSING OF CHLOE WRIGHT

It is with much sadness we acknowledge the death of Chloe Wright in September 2023.  Chloe was co-founder of the Wright Family Foundation, a charitable trust, Chloe was a huge advocate for mothers and babies and her life's work revolved around this, leaving a lasting legacy.  The Wright Family Foundation and Chloe Wright were a major funder and supporter of the book Earlybird, a children's book published by the Champion Foundation Trust.  For those of you not familiar with Earlybird, it tells the story of Peri the Pukeko who was born a little too early and details his birth story, resonant with the birth story of many premature babies born in New Zealand.  Earlybird is provided free of charge to families with a premature baby in one of the six NICUs throughout New Zealand as well as being sold online through the Champion Foundation Trust website (see www.championfoundation.co.nz). All profits from the sale of Earlybird go to the Champion Centre.  It was through Chloe Wright's support, her belief in the book, and funding from the Wright Family Foundation that enabled this book to be published.

Wishing you and your whānau a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. See you all in 2024!