By PSS | Posted: Monday April 9, 2018
After a 27 year career in social work and grief counselling, Cathy Hanson-Friend is now embarking on a new role as Enliven’s Pastoral Visitor.
The bubbly new staff member says her role is as much about offering spiritual support to residents as it is about being an advocate for them, and she comes into the role with an understanding that spirituality means different things to different people.
“It’s about connecting with residents and identifying what their needs are, whether they be faith-based, spiritual or it might be emotional support,” she said.
“I have a real passion around supporting and assisting people, and feel very privileged to be able to do this work.”
Originally from the UK, Cathy and her family moved to New Zealand when her children were toddlers and landed in Invercargill.
She worked in Child Protection in the UK, then in New Zealand took up a role with Oranga Tamariki (then Child, Youth and Family) and worked for seven years for Hospice Southland as a Family Guidance and Grief Counsellor.
She has also studied palliative care and counselling at post-graduate level.
“Personally I’m not aligned with any church or religion, and I am very open-minded and open to any and every belief and faith.”
“Sometimes it can be easier for people to communicate their physical needs, but their spiritual and emotional needs are so very important as well.”
After working in grief counselling, and having been through her own personal challenges and adversities, Cathy is well aware of the importance of self-care. As such she is very conscious of her own nutrition, she is a yoga practitioner and meditates regularly.
She also enjoys walking her dog, reading and gardening and is a PADI-qualified (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) diver.
Life tip: “Many people spend too much time trying to be the captain of someone else's boat; learn to be a lighthouse and the boats will find their way”
Most played song: ‘Something inside so strong’ "Labi" Siffre
Favourite colour: Toss up between orange and green
Ideal holiday destination: Anywhere in the Pacific Islands
Favourite hobby: Yoga
Why you have a love for older people: They have amazing wisdom, insight, strength and a lifetime of stories
Last book you read: ‘Small Great Things’ - Jodi Picoult: I REALLY recommend it……………This novel tackles the profoundly challenging yet essential concerns of our time: prejudice, race, and justice. “SMALL GREAT THINGS is the most important novel Jodi Picoult has ever written. Frank, uncomfortably introspective and right on the day’s headlines, it will challenge her readers...The difficult self awareness is what sustains this book...forcing engaged readers to meditate on their own beliefs and actions along with these characters....It's also exciting to have a high-profile writer like Picoult take an earnest risk to expand our cultural conversation about race and prejudice.” Washington Post
Mondays – Peacehaven Village 10.30am-3.30pm
Tuesdays – Vickery Court 10am-2pm
Wednesdays – Between Vickery Court and Peacehaven Village
Fridays – Walmsley House 10am-1.30pm
If you would like to make contact, Cathy's phone number is 03 211 8239 or email is chanson-friend@enlivensld.nz