Monday 8th July 2013

Funding boost for Christchurch Action Programme brings double benefit

The Christchurch branch of Conservation Volunteers New Zealand (CVNZ) is delighted to announce it has received further funding from Sovereign to extend its Christchurch Action Programme (CAP).

The CAP programme helps to restore earthquake-damaged green spaces while giving marginalised Cantabrians valuable skills and confidence.

The additional funding of $50,000 makes a total of $120,000 that Sovereign has contributed to support the programme. The company came aboard last year as joint partner of the pilot of the programme (along with Todd Corporation and The Tindall Foundation), which targeted mostly young people struggling to find employment.

“The action programme is a practical solution for two of Christchurch’s biggest challenges, post earthquakes,” says Dave Sharp, CVNZ’s South Island Manager. “It gives people opportunities to transition into study or work, and it repairs the environment for the benefit of both nature and the city’s residents.

“Sovereign’s generous support will give more Cantabrians, of all ages, the chance to boost their skills, confidence and wellbeing.”

In the first six months of the programme, 28 volunteers cleared away nearly an acre of weeds, planted dozens of trees and sedges, created or improved nearly a kilometre of walking tracks, recycled more than a lineal kilometre of timber, and built 55 metres of retaining walls.

A poll of a dozen participants in the programme’s first round found that half had since found employment or enrolled in further training programmes, four had committed to the programme’s next round, and two were looking for work.

One participant said the programme gave him “something else to think about besides earthquakes”, and was improving his self-confidence and giving him opportunities to meet new people.

Another said it had been “awesome” for developing her self-esteem, confidence, skills and teamwork, while giving her the opportunity to work outdoors.

A case manager who referred a young job seeker to the programme said she had seen dramatic changes since his involvement.

“His whole body language was different; he appeared confident, bright, bubbly and ready to engage in conversation. He has grown in confidence and now has some choices. I truly believe if CAP weren’t able to offer this opportunity, this young man would struggle to engage in training or work.”

As well as gaining work experience, the participants received training in first aid, power tools and workplace safety, and help with resume preparation and job-search skills. They worked with seven organisations, including the Department of Conservation, the Christchurch City Council and Te Kōhaka o Tūhaitara Trust.

Chief Executive Officer for Sovereign, Symon Brewis-Weston, says the company is impressed with the programme’s results so far and it was an easy decision to approve the extra funding.

“A key focus for Sovereign is to promote wellbeing in New Zealand. The Christchurch Action Programme is making a big impact in a very practical way on the lives of dozens of Cantabrians, while also boosting the wellbeing of other Christchurch residents by restoring their green spaces. We can’t wait to see what this well-targeted programme can achieve over the longer term.”

The new round of the programme, which kicks off this month, has extended its reach to include a wider age group. This has prompted a name change, from the Youth Action Programme to the Christchurch Action Programme.

ENDS

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