World Continence Week
This World Continence Week our focus was on tamariki (children) and teenagers, and the help that is available for them and the whole whānau (family).
Beloved New Zealand entertainer Jason Gunn shared a special message for parents whose children are struggling with bladder or bowel issues and urged them to call Continence NZ for support. We are delighted with the response to the campaign. Jason’s video reached more than 46,000 people, and calls to our helpline increased by 81%.
Over 5,000 copies of our digital Continence Guide for Tamariki and Teens were distributed, along with printed resource packs for healthcare professionals around the country. Thank you to those who hosted a ‘wee chat’ and supported the campaign.
Education and events
As the second Omicron wave continues to disrupt life around the country, we have made the decision to host a face-to-face education event in early 2023. This event will provide a valuable opportunity for professional development and networking. Thank you again to our members for your patience as we have had to work in different ways to provide education during the pandemic. While we work on the finer details of this event, we have online education courses available in our member portal, and via our website.
We have recently developed two new online courses, supported by the IHC Foundation. The first course is a disability education and support programme for teachers, teacher aides and parents. We have also developed a continence training programme for disability services to use and share with those caring for and supporting disabled children and adults living with continence issues. Both courses are available via our website, and you can contact us at info@continence.org.nz if you require any additional information.
CEO recruitment
We have appointed a new CEO, Laura Fear, who will join the organisation on 5 September. I will remain in the role until this date, then move into a part-time position as Funding and Planning Manager, with a focus on developing and funding projects.
Laura joins us from CARE Waitākere Trust, a West Auckland social service. She is passionate about supporting people to live full and whole lives and caring for the vulnerable in our community. Laura spent 12 years working in banking and technology before moving to the not-for-profit sector. She has been actively involved in her local community for more than 20 years, volunteering in a variety of roles for not-for-profits. We look forward to welcoming Laura to the team.
The five years I have spent in this role have been a privilege, and I would like to reiterate my sincere thanks to our Executive Committee, the Continence NZ team, and our members for their support over this time. I would also like to thank Rowan Cockerell, Jacinta Miller and Jenny Kruger, for their support.
I look forward to supporting Laura as she leads the team from September, and continuing to support the organisation in my new role.
Louise Judd
CEO, Continence NZ
Author(s)
Louise Judd
CEO, Continence NZ
