Churchill Private Hospital Trust offers Community donations to eligible groups within the Marlborough region, through an application process. As part of this programme we will be highlighting some of the initiatives that have benefited from Churchill’s support. Applicants from local groups and clubs can apply for funding from Churchill to support their work or event which directly benefits the health and wellbeing of the Marlborough community.
Churchill Community Grant recipient, Plunket Marlborough provide a vital and long standing service to local families with children under 5 years of age. Opened just 5 years after Plunket was first founded in 1907, Marlborough Plunket now provides its services to over 1000 babies and young children. Over half of those seen, are determined to be high needs.
Plunket’s Southern Regional Grants Specialist, Julia Rose, says receiving the funds from Churchill will help Marlborough Plunket support local parents of under 5’s, many of whom have high needs. For Plunket, this means, giving parents vital access to a plunket nurse free of charge by holding a weekly drop in clinic; Making Plunket’s rooms available during the week so mums can meet, weigh baby or nurse whilst their baby’s siblings play on the playground equipment provided; Providing kitchen facilities, tea, coffee and biscuits to mums so they can connect with each other and find support.
The Marlborough Plunket family support services help facilitate parent groups which further help connect parents to one another. The key benefits of the Plunket service are to reduce isolation and loneliness, whilst facilitating connection and friendship, peer support and access to local health resources.They also deliver education, provide maternal mental health support, playgroups and run a children’s preloved clothing shop from their Henry Street Rooms, where all items are $1.00.
As the saying goes, ‘It takes a village’ and Churchill loves to see this represented in the collaboration of multiple community organisations, supporting each other for their mutual benefit.
“Our local Community Co-ordinator has been working with the Red Cross and Harakeke as well as the Salvation Army.” says Julia. “We also have lots of local knitters who supply us with knitting that we donate to families in need.”
“We have regular involvement with local authorities like MDC, Kainga Ora, MOE, Citizens Advice Bureau and more. The local libraries have helped us to set up one of our playgroups in a safe space.”
Plunket Marlborough Community Services Coordinator, Amber Clark, says Plunket provides amazing support to families that otherwise might not have it.
“They can’t always get out of their homes so we are able to come to see them.” Says Amber. “And for whatever we can’t supply we can connect them to services and other organisations that can help them.”
Every generation has a Plunket story. “I’ve had elderly come up to me and say they remember Plunket from their time with their babies. It’s a fantastic service.” Says Amber. Thanks to the support from Churchill, Plunket’s support of the newest generation of Marlburians is as steadfast as ever.
“Children are the rock on which our future will be built,” Says Churchill General Manager, Marlise van Staden. “Churchill Hospital is humbled to be able to contribute.”
Learn more about Churchill’s Community Grants.
