A two-day workshop this week informed and involved all kaimahi in the next phase of bringing about Dingwall Trust’s purpose of empowering tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.
The next six months will see Dingwall Trust partner with several organisations to strengthen its mahi to be a positive force for change in the lives of tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau.
The two-day intensive workshop was an opportunity for kaimahi to learn more about Holistic Safeguarding, Au Consulting and Mind of My Own Apps and how they will enhance Dingwall’s practice.
Every single staff member of Dingwall Trust across Residential, Transition to Adulthood, Programmes, and Business Services was invited and encouraged to attend. So it was a chance for everyone to give their perspective, wisdom and suggestions on each of these projects.
Au Consulting
Gloria Ewe of Au Consulting showed the group how the Māori model of good health developed by Mason Durie – Te Whare Tapa Whā – can be applied across the whole organisation to bring about hauora. We were pleased to realise Dingwall already does much of this very well!
Dingwall will work with Au Consulting in the coming months to strengthen mahi conducted by Kaiārahi Rau Rountree, who works to thread kaupapa Māori throughout Dingwall. Au Consulting will help us to authentically connect with Te Ao Māori to maintain sustainable outcomes.
Mind of My Own
The group also heard from Rachel Mackay of Mind of My Own Apps. From January, tamariki at Dingwall will have an account to make reports about their own happiness, wellbeing, and safety. They can then send the reports to trusted adults they choose.
The apps make it possible for tamariki to make their own voice heard when and where they want to and are already used by more than 100 organisations around the world. In tandem with Dingwall’s practice and policies, the apps will empower tamariki and keep them safe.
Holistic Safeguarding
On day two of the workshop, Kim Dickinson of Holistic Safeguarding, who has already started working with Dingwall, gave us more insight on how safeguarding is so much broader than just child protection.
When holistic safeguarding is embedded across the whole organisation, everyone is involved and protected, but tamariki especially. Safeguarding then acts as a fence at the top of the cliff rather than an ambulance at the bottom.
Empathy and understanding
Other sessions over the two days included a presentation from Anna Gundesen from FASD-CAN on foetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Everyone appreciated learning how to be more empathetic and understanding of the behaviour often displayed by tamariki and rangatahi affected by FASD.
Dingwall’s Transition to Adulthood team also showed us the PARTH resources the team has been instrumental in helping develop. The resources help the personal advisors, who mentor and guide care-experienced rangatahi, develop and keep respect, trusted and reciprocal relationships at the heart of working with young people.
Health, safety and wellbeing were recurring themes across the workshop, so it was fitting that Business Services Manager Steffan Sinclair closed out the workshop by introducing the reinvigorated Dingwall committee. Steffan also invited everyone to think about how they can contribute to a culture of safety and wellbeing at Dingwall.
You can read more about Dingwall’s mahi here
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Gloria Ewe, of Au Consulting, centre, with Claudine Young, Dingwall Trust CEO and Rau Rountree, Dingwall Kaiarahi
Rachel Mackay of Mind of My Own Apps, centre, with Claudine Young and Miranda Palmer, Dingwall Programmes Team Lead
Kim Dickinson of Holistic Safeguarding presents at Dingwall’s two-day workshop
Relational Resources For Change
Kaimahi wrote warm fuzzies to each other throughout the workshop.
