JULY 2019

Open Afternoon at Stanmore Road

Bring family/whanau, friends or other support people

Friday 26th July at 1:30pm

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Julie’s News and Views

Have you looked on our webpage lately? We’ve spent a lot of time reviewing and updating the content. You can find programmes for all our bases – and this Newsletter there. These are easy to download onto your computer or phone so you can quickly check on what is happening at Step Ahead. We have some exciting activities coming up this month, from beginner’s pottery to self-massage, woodwork and some interesting visits and sports activities. Also don’t miss our mid-winter lunch on 21st June, we have arranged a mystery entertainer who will rock your socks! We have space for 40 people so book in as soon as you can. We will look forward to seeing you there! Don’t miss entering our competition to design a new banner for our Newsletter. Further information is in the Newsletter. As well as the glory a great prize of $30 Step Ahead dollars is up for grabs for the winner. Don’t let the cold keep you away during the winter, Step Ahead is always a warm inviting place to be. I look forward to seeing you all here in the coming months.

Julie

Ski Day Our Ski Day this year will be on Friday 9th August with a backup day of Friday 23rd August. While we usually head for the Porter Heights field, this year there is a possibility of going to Mt Hutt. We will keep you posted about the location. The cost for the trip will be advised and it will include the cost of ski-hire and tows. Contact Chris or Di for details.

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Newsletter Header Competition - Calling all artists

We are planning a new format for our Newsletter and are looking for someone to draw or design a new banner for the top of the first page. The current one, which has been a fantastic representation of what Step Ahead is all about, has been the same for over 10 years. It is time for an update. All entries will be collated (anonymously) and we will then ask our members to vote on the one that best represents Step Ahead. Conditions: We would like the words “Step Ahead” amongst the artwork and as our Newsletter will soon be in colour please feel free to make your entry as spectacular as you like. Applications close 5:00pm on 21st June with voting to take place the following week. Please give all entries to Kylie before 31st July. As well as the glory of your work being on every Newsletter we have a prize of $30 Step Ahead dollars to spend on any Step Ahead activity you wish. We will look forward to seeing the entries.

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Indoor Sports at Puriri St Hall

We are going to hold a monthly indoor afternoon sports activity for both Stanmore and West at the Puriri St Hall. Sports to be offered will include uni-hoc (indoor hockey), volleyball, indoor soccer, indoor bowling, and team games. We will kick off on Thursday 4th July leaving Stanmore at 1:00pm and starting at Puriri at 1:30pm.

Elvis Memorabilia Museum Visit

On 29th July the Stanmore Women’s Group will be travelling to Ashburton for the day. Along with the usual op shopping and places of interest to visit is a new attraction, “an enormous memorabilia collection of all things Elvis” collected since 1956, by local man John Lobb. John is generously opening his private collection for us to enjoy. So be sure to book your place early so you don’t miss out!!

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Stanmore Road visit to the Cotter Medical History Trust Museum

Wednesday 17th July at 1:00pm

Several members expressed an interest in visiting this museum of

medical history. We last visited in September 2014!

The museum houses an extraordinary selection of old surgical

instruments, a valuable collection of microscopes, laboratory, dental

and nursing artefacts, pills and potions, photographs, books relating

to all aspects of health care etc. It is the largest collection in the

country. One of the oldest, a compound microscope was

manufactured in 1765. The museum is not open to the general

public, visits are made by arrangement.

Two buildings in Lady Diana Isaac’s Heritage Village, on the

Hillmorton Hospital site hold most of the collection and is where we

will be visiting.

A gold coin donation is appreciated.

See you there!

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Music at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in Manchester Street

Wednesday 3rd July ($5.00) 12:00pm at Puriri or 12:30pm at Stanmore

On the 1st Wednesday of the month Stanmore is combining with Puriri St to attend a concert at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in Manchester Street. These concerts are weekly and present a variety of sololists, ensembles and orchestras. You will hear experienced local professional players, and also advanced performers from Canterbury University’s School of Music, and some local secondary schools. Come along to be entertained and to support the performers. Book in as usual.

Step Ahead Art Exhibition 2019

Step Ahead will again be holding an exhibition of members work later this year to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week. It will be at the Eastside Gallery, on the corner of Stanmore Road and Worcester Street, opening on Monday 7th October.

We are calling on our many talented members to contribute to the exhibition. Whether you express yourself creatively through art, stone carving, mosaics, craft or your photography, we invite you to take part!

The deadline for all entries is Friday 6th.September.

Talk to Karen, Selwyn, Kevin or Di for more information.

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Open House Afternoon at Stanmore Road

Friday 26th July at 1:30pm

This is an opportunity for members, family members, friends and support people to come along for the afternoon, visit our house, meet staff and one another as well as see and hear more about what happens at Step Ahead. Light refreshments will be served. Book in as usual. See you here.

Stanmore Road Guest Speaker

Awareness Thursday 11th July at 1:30pm

Awareness is a forum of consumers who have experienced mental illness or addiction whose aim is to make a difference to the mental health and addictions sector. They provide support for individuals, through advocacy, education, and the opportunity to comment on mental health, alcohol and other drug sector policy. Come along to hear more about what Awareness offers and how it all works See you there

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Member Staff Liaison Meeting at Stanmore Road

Thursday 30th May 2019

Attendees: Cushla T, Alan S, Alan W, Barbara R, Michelle C, Kimberlee C, Daniel V, Kylie, Shell, Barb, Di, Karen and Chris. Chairperson: Cushla T. Highlights from last month: Warwickz Farm visit. Mosaics group. Everything! Painting Techniques and art groups. String Art. Stone carving. Visit to Volunteer Canterbury. Air NZ Hangars visit. Karaoke night. Last Month’s New Programme Ideas: Op shopping trip to Methven and Ashburton programmed in July. There isn’t enough interest to programme ice skating. Skiing is programmed in August. A trip up the Gondola would be good for summer. Day trip to Okains Bay also idea in the warmer weather. Indoor go carts is very expensive. There will be a sing along at the mid-winter lunch. New Programme Ideas: Transalpine trip to Greymouth would be too expensive. Tour of the Court Theatre. Double Decker Bus ride. Indoor archery.

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Staff Notices: The mid-winter lunch at the Richmond Club will be followed by entertainment. There is a guest speaker from the Public Trust on 13th June. On the 1st Thursday in July indoor sports is happening at Puriri Street. The Holistic wellness group is watching YouTube documentaries in June and will be doing First Aid in July. Anything else anyone would like to say? Monday Step Ahead is closed for Queens Birthday weekend. Thank you to Cushla for chairing. Meeting Closed at 1:45pm

My Music Dream

I was overjoyed to hear that there was a keyboard at Step Ahead at Stanmore. I decided to go in to Step Ahead and try doing some music composing at Stanmore Road. When I got to Step Ahead I was delighted to find the keyboard in good condition, having been looked after really well: with the really good pitch sound wise. With me getting totally immersed doing what I’ve been really passionate about over the last 21 years in my life, composing music in really safe place, at Step Ahead. With keeping my music dream, the music side of things alive at real cost, paying a terrible price, the music side of things alive in my life: a price completely worth paying up until now.

William S

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Visit to Volunteering Canterbury On May 22nd a small group of members visited Volunteering Canterbury to find out a bit more about what it takes to join this organization and what they are all about. Situated in the Christchurch Community House Offices at 301 Tuam Street, Volunteering Canterbury is amongst many other non- government organisations which all gel together as a hub, sharing resources and supporting one another to provide fantastic services for people in the Canterbury region. We were met by a lovely welcoming lady by the name of Glenda, who explained that Volunteering Canterbury match volunteers up with such a large

variety of different categories of voluntary work in Christchurch and Canterbury. If you wish to become a volunteer the two ways to get the best out of your volunteer work is to either go through the website or to make an appointment at the centre and get assistance to apply. We learned that volunteering, or service to community can play an integral part to mental well-being, if a person has the time to give. It can help build skills and find individual flair while giving something of yourself to others. This was a very informative and motivating visit and there is information available about Volunteering Canterbury on the noticeboard at Step Ahead. Are you interested in finding out more??? Go to www.volcan.org.nz or phone 366 2442 to make an appointment to discuss your options further.

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Stanmore Writer’s and Book Group

Each member of the group suggested a noun for the group to use in a writing exercise. The words suggested were: lizard man, escalator, unicorn, darkness, jazz and beehive. They could use one or more of the words in their prose or poem. Does this escalator go up to heaven If it does I hope I get in Jesus forgive me for my sin If I’m left behind in the darkness May a magical unicorn Fly me away Tina G I found out my partner is a lizard man I feel despairing now I’m having his baby which will have Scales instead of hair Tina G We found a unicorn at the end of the rainbow, “ Blame the price of gold for that” said the leprechaun Dave H There was a power cut and it was dark, so much darkness, then, there was a knock at my front door. Standing outside in the dark was a unicorn, a lizard man and a jazz group and a beehive outside as well and then they all came in and we all used the escalator to go upstairs and I used a very very big torch so I could see where I was going Ellie N As they drifted away, they could see the pair of unicorns, with their glittery horns and pink manes and tails, standing up to their fetlocks in the rising water Georgia R

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Member Staff Liaison Meeting at Step Ahead Puriri Street

Monday 27th May 2019

Attendees: Aynsley B, Susie W, Patrick K, William S, Paul M, Rodi B, Constance B, Jill K, Lynne G, John B, Kim H, Linda S, Kevin, Barb, and Di Chairperson: Paul M. News round and feedback from last month: Keyboard at Stanmore Road is great. There is also a keyboard at Puriri St and two guitars for members to use. The Salvation Army is opening a new family store at 359 Riccarton Rd, opposite Countdown. Trip to Geraldine was great. Women’s Group trip to Oxford and Cust very enjoyable. The uphill chairlift walk was worth the effort. Great sense of achievement especially doing it in the allocated time. Hagley Park walk – preparation going well. Weather depending this Saturday Step Ahead will be doing the walk. Kevin will check for messages on the morning. Day trip to Kaikoura was good, although not much time there. Making Bird Feeders and Frisbee Golf were very enjoyable activities. Karaoke evening activity was lots of fun. Does the finish time need to be made clarified? E.g. 8.30pm. Last Month’s New Programme Ideas: Kevin will talk to Shell about making a woodwork game. Caddyshack City Mini Golf is on the programme now and will be until the 10 Pin Bowling venue is open again. There isn’t enough interest in ClipnClimb at the moment. A visit to the Antarctic Centre will be arranged. In July there will be a DVD afternoon. A visit to West Melton Pottery is planned in June. A midday meal will be planned in July.

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A classic movie at the New Brighton museum is on the June programme. New Programme Ideas: Snow trip to Arthurs Pass. Short walks around Cheviot. Trip to Dressmart. Day trip to Temuka to visit Temuka pottery and the Shearers Quarters. Trip over Evans Pass from Lyttelton to Sumner. Men’s Group meal out. Barb asked if there was interest in making Flax Flowers, String Art and writing your Life Story. Continuing with the beginners tramping and gardening on Thursdays. Op shopping on a regular basis, possibly Thursday. Staff Notices: The whiteboard for expressions of interest is now being replaced with paper forms that will be kept in a folder in the kitchen area. Tai Chi is starting again on Monday 10th June. If you are intending to do this activity please see Kevin to complete some minor paper work. If you are keen to be involved in volunteering at a Rest Home talk to Kevin. If there is enough interest a guest speaker regarding vaccinations can be arranged. A guest speaker from the Mental Health Foundation was suggested, to talk about the All Right Campaign, perhaps during Mental Health Awareness week. Another guest speaker could be from Comcare Active Life. Thank you to Helen for making some new cushions for Step Ahead West. Anything else anyone would like to say? Thank you to Paul for chairing the meeting. Meeting Closed at 1:40pm

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Christian Fellowship Verse Philippians 2:1

Your life in Christ makes you strong and his love comforts you.

STRING ART WITH BARB AT PURIRI STREET

Come and enjoy the retro craft from days gone by

July 15th @ 10:00am ($2.50)

July 22nd @10:00am ($2.50)

July 29th @ 10:00am no charge to finish off project

BOOK IN TODAY!!!!!

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Winter Tips for Staying Well

1. Have the flu vaccination – it may be free.

2. Wash your hands regularly – winter illnesses are easily spread

by hands.

3. Exercise daily – for 20 or 30 minutes.

4. Eat healthy foods – it helps build your immune system.

5. Get fresh air in your home – open windows during the day, even

for a short time.

6. Reduce dampness – keep the bathroom door closed when

showering or bathing.

7. Quit smoking.

8. Cough into your arm, not your hand. This minimizes the spread

of bugs because we touch many things with our hands

throughout the day.

If you are not feeling well, please stay away until you are feeling

better so as to not spread the bugs.

Use Healthline or your GP clinic after hours for advice. You can get

free health advice from registered nurses by phoning Healthline on

0800 611 116.

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Member Staff Liaison Meeting at Rangiora 13th May 2019

Attendees: Bruce T, Graham L, Leanne M, Barbara S, Fiona S, June V, Warren C, Dale B, Geoff T, Clare H, Jeanette B, Seaton C, Kenneth M, Anna and Chris.

Chairperson: Kenneth M.

Highlights from last month: Trip to Okains Bay. Guest Speaker – Constable Tony. Day out to Christchurch.

Last Month’s New Programme Ideas Trip to Chertsey Book Barn coming up and a visit to the Toy Collectors Museum.

New Programme Ideas Guided Tour of Christchurch Museum. Ferrymead Village. Bird Rescue Oxford. Warwikz Farm. SPCA visit. Wee Dram Farm. City Putt & Cruise Mini Golf. Driving Range in Ashburton. Speakers from Fire Safety/Consumers Institute/Red Cross. Air NZ Hangars.

Staff Notices: Mid-winter lunch at Richmond Club 21st June (Pick up outside Bunnnings on Victoria St 11am). We are planning on having a stall at the Rangiora A & P show.

Anything else anyone would like to say? Thank you for all your ideas, lots to work with. Thanks to Kenneth for chairing.

Meeting Closed at 2:00pm

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Member Staff Liaison Meeting at Ashburton 10th May 2019

Attendees: George W, Desrae T, Christine H, Noeline H, Janet C, Grace M, Sarah T, Annette B, Anna and Julie. Chairperson: Janet C. Highlights from last month: Visit to Warwickz Farm. Last Month’s New Programme Ideas: Craft Day with Karen being planned, will be making soap, wind chimes, flax flowers with Desrae. New Programme Ideas: Daffodil Farm – Methven. Jewellery Place – Ruapuna – Janet to look into. Chairlift at Mt Hutt. Staff Notices: 21st June Mid-Winter Lunch $20 at the Richmond Club in Christchurch leaving Ashburton at 10:00am. Budget Lunches will be at 254 Cameron Street from now on. Working on getting the Step Ahead Mural from the Church. Anything else anyone would like to say? Thank you to Janet for chairing. Meeting Closed at 11am

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Newsletter Contributions and Deadline

The deadline for the following month’s newsletter is the first Wednesday each month.

Contributions from members are encouraged! There are lots of different ways to contribute. For example, perhaps you have a favourite poem, joke, verse, or you’ve enjoyed an activity and would like to write about it and share it with other members.

Thanks to members who do regularly contribute!

Phoning or Texting Step Ahead Puriri Street

Just to let you know that at Puriri St the staff are most likely to be able to answer the phone or check text messages before and after activities. If you have called whilst all the staff are taking an activity and are not able to answer the phone you can leave a message. Messages are checked regularly, and staff try to respond to messages as quickly as possible.

Did you know?

Members can attend activities at Puriri Street, Stanmore Road or Rural bases, regardless of where you joined. Please talk to staff for more information if you are interested.

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Looking for paid or voluntary work? Many of you know Alan from Comcare Jobconnect, as he has been visiting Step Ahead for several years now on a regular basis. Currently he attends budget lunch at Stanmore Road, and if requested at Puriri Street. If you are thinking about the possibility of paid or voluntary work, come along and talk to him.

Would you like to Stop Smoking?

If you want support to cut back or quit, talk to Anna.

Anna has completed some training with Quitline and is a registered Quitcard Provider, able to provide support.

Nicotine patches, gum and lozenges are also available.

Monthly Newsletters and Programmes

Did you know that you can choose to sign up to receive your monthly

newsletter electronically, collect it or have it posted? If you have

chosen to collect it, please pick up on the 3rd Thursday of each

month. You can email us at info@stepahead.org.nz or give us a call

to let us know if you would like to change how you are receiving your

newsletter and programmes.

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Proposed changes to the Newsletter Mailing

Step Ahead is considering changing the way it organises posting the newsletter. Our thanks to the Rangiora members who have been voluntarily doing this job for some time now. It is very much appreciated. The new system would allow the Rangiora members volunteering at the time, to be able to see all Step Ahead members’ names and addresses on the envelopes. If you would not like your name and address to be seen by the members involved in this task please let Kylie know. Our sincere thanks to Rata Foundation for their ongoing financial support

The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those held by Step Ahead. Comments and contributions are always welcome. The editorial team reserve the right to edit any submissions.

Step Ahead Trust Phone 389 4001 P O Box 32 025 Freephone 0800 688 732 167 Stanmore Road Fax: 389 4042 Christchurch 8147

www.stepahead.org.nz Email: info@stepahead.org.nz

Facebook: Please like our Facebook page – Step Ahead Christchurch