Improving the physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing of our tamariki and rangatahi (children and youth) is the driving force for the CCN’s Child and Youth Workstream’s new Co-Chair.  

Dave Jeffrey, Healthy Families Ōtautahi Christchurch Manager at Sport Canterbury, has been a member of the group for several years and has recently accepted the Co-Chair role.

Dave says it was an opportunity to continue the great work of Michael McIlhone, who has stepped down from the role and work alongside Co-Chair Ngaire Button.

“I am passionate and driven to help create a more inclusive health system, which encourages collaboration to create healthier, accessible and diverse environments that support the wellbeing of our young people,” says Dave.

“We can all play a role in improving the health of our tamariki and rangatahi and there is a real desire to create change and support the health of our future generations. It’s important that we honour this and advocate for change, especially in key areas such as mental health.” 

There has been a strong alignment between the Canterbury Clinical Network and Sport Canterbury for several years.
 
“Our mahi at Sport Canterbury provides opportunities to influence and improve the health of our priority populations through advocating for change, influencing and building the capability of different sectors, especially in creating a more active region by taking a big picture systems approach.”

Dave is also a member of the Population Health and Access Service Level Alliance (SLA), Pae ora Ki Waitaha working group and the Mana Ake SLA. 

“We’ve had strong connections with Mana Ake for three years. This has included supporting the induction process of Kaimahi to understand the importance of play and physical activity in tamariki and being part of the response team to the March 15 terror attack.”

“The connection to Canterbury Clinical Network also helps us understand where we can further support the communities across the region, which has shaped the changes to how we deliver our Green Prescription service, Community Group Strength and Balance initiative and Active Families contract.” 

Fellow CYWS co-chair and Hauora Māori and Equity Lead Ngaire Button says, “we want to acknowledge the partnership of Sport Canterbury and the valuable contribution they make to our alliances. They are extremely generous with their time, and I think this reflects the true partnership they have with CCN. They also have a very skilled team who share their knowledge and natural talents, contributing effectively to whatever they get involved in”.

CCN Executive Director (Acting) Linda Wensley says we are thrilled to have Dave stepping into the CYWS co-chair role and know he will make a great contribution.