Our Focus
VISION
To build a resilient community where everyone is treasured.
MISSION STATEMENT
To support the development of social, emotional and life skills of young people and their families.
CORE VALUES
Our four core values are:
Justice , Integrity, Respect and Courage…
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CHILDREN 1st Charitable Trust fulfils the intent of The Treaty of Waitangi by valuing and reflecting New Zealand’s dual cultural heritage.
Registered Trust CHILDREN 1st Charitable Trust is a non profit organisation registered with the Charities Commission.
Trust Registration Number: CC49467
Incorporated and registered in May 2013
Organisational Purpose The purpose of CHILDREN 1st Charitable Trust is to establish and operate services for young people and their families to support the development of social, emotional and life skills, with a view to assist them to make a more worthwhile contribution to society.
Our Trust aims to provide external, evidenced based programmes for children in a school setting, that fall within the middle to low range of needing social and emotional support. This objective is to help prevent them falling into the high risk category where they will require an ongoing high level of support.
OUR TRUST
CHILDREN 1st Charitable Trust was established in 2013 because our Trustees recognised a need to provide primary school aged children with extra support to improve their confidence, self esteem and teach them strategies to help them better cope with life today.
CHILDREN 1st is based in Cambridge and we currently offer & facilitate Resilience Programmes for children and their parents in Primary schools within the Waipa and Waikato region.
We have received ongoing support from both Community Waikato to assist in the development of our Trust and Herbert Morton Accountants in Cambridge.
Our Trustees have a positive and mutual respect for each other, are all motivated to help children and passionate about the Trust’s cause.
Three of our Trustees teach in schools in the Waikato and have been actively involved in education and the community for more than 20 years. It is very evident to our Trust that there is an increasing number of children and families that need extra support in coping with the challenges of daily life.
CHILDREN 1st is based in Cambridge and we currently offer & facilitate Resilience Programmes for children and their parents in Primary schools within the Waipa and Waikato region.
We have received ongoing support from both Community Waikato to assist in the development of our Trust and Herbert Morton Accountants in Cambridge.
Our Trustees have a positive and mutual respect for each other, are all motivated to help children and passionate about the Trust’s cause.
Three of our Trustees teach in schools in the Waikato and have been actively involved in education and the community for more than 20 years. It is very evident to our Trust that there is an increasing number of children and families that need extra support in coping with the challenges of daily life.
Chief Executor
Susan Lyon
Chief Executor
Profession – Primary Teacher
Profession – Primary Teacher
Sue is a registered Primary teacher who has worked in multi cultural settings for 30 years.
During that time she has worked in south Auckland as a Senior Teacher and a Deputy Principal at Mauke Primary, in the Cook Islands. Read More
During that time she has worked in south Auckland as a Senior Teacher and a Deputy Principal at Mauke Primary, in the Cook Islands. Read More
Trust Members
Owen Corlett
Chairperson
Profession – Principal Lichfield Primary
Profession – Principal Lichfield Primary
My Name is Owen Corlett
I am the Principal of Lichfield School, in the South Waikato. I have been involved in educating children for over 16 years and have held a range of teaching and leadership positions over this period….
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Pauline Baty
Secretary
Profession – Primary Teacher
Profession – Primary Teacher
My name is Pauline Baty.
I am a Primary Teacher with many years experience in Primary and Preschool.
My current position is the Transition to School Teacher, in a Reception Room, at Leamington Primary School in Cambridge…
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Sandra Hadfield
Treasurer
Profession – Accountants & Property
Profession – Accountants & Property
Sandra’s expertise lies in financial management, particularly in the
education and residential construction sectors. During the 17 years Sandra was
the finance officer of a school in the Waikato, from 1994 to 2012, she came to…
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Lynne Matthews
Trust Member
Profession – Secondary Teacher
Profession – Secondary Teacher
My name is Lynne Matthews.
I am a secondary teacher of more than 35 years’ experience. Most of my teaching career was spent at Cambridge High School and at St Peter’s School, Cambridge…..
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Past Trust Members
Tania Morrison
Profession – Principal Tainui Full Primary
My name is Tania Morrison. I am currently the Principal of Tainui Full Primary School in Tokoroa and I have 20 years experience working with children…
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Testimonials
Mike Malcolm Principal Leamington School
We have all seen first hand the positive impact this programme has had on all the students she has worked with; particularly students who are deemed to be at risk and who have extreme socialisation issues. We have seen changes around children being less anxious, having skills to deal ...
Parent Evaluation 2015
My daughter has gained so much confidence since doing the FRIENDS programme. The Parent handouts and Information Evenings have been very helpful in terms of how to support our children. We talk about the strategies at home and do the relaxation as a family.The facilitator leads by example and shows ...
Parent Evaluation 2014
He understands his feelings better and can articulate to me how he feels but also what he’s going to do about it. He has a better understanding about coping strategies like deep breathing and recognising risks. We talk a lot about the strategies and the things that have affected us ...
Child B 2015
I have made more friends and just feel much happier since I’ve been doing the FRIENDS For Life programme. I’m more confident to speak up and stand up for people. I don’t worry as much and I think helpful thoughts, which makes me feel more positive.
Child A 2014
I am much happier since I’ve been in the FRIENDS For Life programme. I can now share my feelings and I feel a lot calmer and not as angry. I now walk away when being bullied and don’t get into fights like I used to. I am more positive and ...
Research shows
One in five adults and children suffer from anxiety and depression. This is more prevalent than ADHD, drug use, or any other mental health problem. Only 5% of cases receive intervention! ( Andrews, 2005 )
Anxiety and depressive disorders make up 60% of school and work difficulties ( Andrews 2005 ) New Zealand communities have one of the highest rates of bullying, mental health issues, youth suicide and family violence. Read More...
Anxiety and depressive disorders make up 60% of school and work difficulties ( Andrews 2005 ) New Zealand communities have one of the highest rates of bullying, mental health issues, youth suicide and family violence. Read More...