Big River Kahui Ako

In 2021 the Big River Kahui Ako which supports the education of young people attending 11 schools in the Clutha region trialed a counselling service for students from Year 1 to 8. The trial was successful and the decision was made to continue to provide this support to young people in 2022 with the hope to make this a long term commitment to the young people in our community.

This year the counselling service, ‘Hearing You,’ is working with students from 12 primary and area schools. The Counsellor, Sue Evans, visits each school at least once per fortnight and meets with students to support them through challenges that they may be facing. Feedback from parents indicates that this assistance is greatly appreciated and this is having a positive impact for the young person both at school and at home.

Funding provided by Clutha Foundation will be used to provide counselling services to primary aged students throughout the district. 

The Trust is made up of representatives from, but not limited to, FENZ, Police, St John, Emergency Management Otago, Health, Victim Support, Red Cross, Search and Rescue, Flood Prevention and Silver Fern Farms, who have their own emergency response team in situ.  It is a very tangible example of the benefits of community collaboration for the greater good.  Community service is the bedrock of rural life, with many people willingly contributing their time, energy and money to improve life for others.  The Clutha Foundation can be a partner in this process, helping people to create lasting legacies to support their communities. 

If you would like to become a donor and help us to support initiatives like the Clutha District Emergency Services Trust, contact us now.