Abstract
This article describes how Presbyterian Support Upper South Island is providing services that nurture social capital in community settings in North Canterbury.One such service within the ‘SAGE’ programme is described. The SAGE programme is a family mentoring service which matches older volunteers with families and is a service that is considered to be responsive and flexible. The interconnected multi-layered approaches within this service nurtures the bridging between individual, family and community environments in a preventative way. The resulting improvements in social connection are small but important steps in strengthening the fabric of local community development and in creating a better sense of belonging for all involved.
Highlights
The 1980s and 1990s led to radical changes in the family structure and functioning in New Zealand during a period of enormous social and economic change
Due to increasing rates of separation and childbirth outside marriage, rates of sole parenthood have risen significantly in recent decades, and children are being raised in a diverse range of family circumstances (Ministry of Social Development, 2004)
It is argued in this paper that the SAGE programme helps to redevelop and nurture social capital and offers opportunities to build social cohesion through redeveloping and strengthening support networks through a variety of means
Summary
The 1980s and 1990s led to radical changes in the family structure and functioning in New Zealand during a period of enormous social and economic change. It is argued in this paper that the SAGE (mentoring) programme helps to redevelop and nurture social capital and offers opportunities to build social cohesion through redeveloping and strengthening support networks through a variety of means. As a response to the above research needs analysis and combined with its own service delivery knowledge of community needs, Presbyterian Support became involved in developing the SAGE programme in North Canterbury.
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