Gov Gen New Patron for Family Help Trust

New Patron for Family Help Trust

Christchurch based support organisation for at risk children and their families, The Family Help Trust, has announced that New Zealand’s Governor-General, Dame Silvia Cartwright, PCNZM DBE, is their new patron.

Trust Chair, Sally Thompson, says she is thrilled that Dame Silvia has agreed to join the Trust as Patron, a position that was left vacant after the death of Dame Dame Ann Ballin O.N.Z, in September this year.

“We are sure that the Governor General is an incredibly busy person with a huge demand from groups to take on roles such as becoming a patron. Ann Ballin was a tireless promoter and supporter of Family Help Trust, and we know the Governor General will be just as supportive in her new role with us,” she says.

In a statement from Government House, Dame Silvia says;

“In its short history, the Family Help Trust has become a major force in the area of early intervention for the benefit of children growing up in dysfunctional families.

The Family Help Trust recognises the problem of intergenerational family dysfunction, thus contributing towards long-term solutions for at-risk youths. I am delighted to be able to support this important and worthwhile organisation."

Additional facts:

Family Help Trust has seen around 500 families and 1,000 children in the last 12 years.

A recently completed independent evaluation has shown that children are safer after 12 months with Family Help Trust than before the families began working with the Trust. There is currently a waiting list of families wanting to join the FHT programme. Non-intervention at an early stage costs 19 times more than effective early intervention, as carried out by the Family Help Trust (Source: 1992 Michigan Study) and that's just the financial cost - the social costs are enormous, and what price can you put on the life of a child and a family?

Family Help Trust operates with a team of 3.5 social workers and 3 support staff.

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