Mid and South Canterbury Services

Anglican Advocacy – Ashburton & South Canterbury

Life can feel overwhelming when you’re facing difficult systems or stressful situations. Anglican Advocacy is here to stand alongside you, offering free, personalised support when you need help navigating challenges.

Our service provides advocacy and practical assistance for a wide range of issues—including Work and Income, employment, tenancy, ACC, family disputes, health services, and more. Whether you're unsure how to approach a complex situation or simply need someone in your corner, our trained volunteer advocates are here to listen and help.

We believe advocacy is about creating understanding and fairness—for everyone involved. By promoting respectful communication and empathy, we aim to ease tension and work toward positive outcomes.

Our process is simple and supportive. Our coordinator will get in touch to understand your situation. Then you’ll be paired with a trained advocate who will meet with you to hear your story. Your advocate will help you prepare for meetings, conversations, or hearings, and can attend with you as your support person. Finally, if needed, we’ll debrief together and help plan your next steps.

This free service is available to anyone in the Ashburton and South Canterbury regions who needs support and someone to stand with them. We’re here to make sure your voice is heard and your rights are respected.

Need support or want to learn more? Please reach out—we're here to help.

Ashburton:

Email: advocacyashburton@citymission.org.nz

Phone: 027 220 0400 or 0800 787 855

South Canterbury:

Email: AdvocacyTimaru@citymission.org.nz

Phone: 021 990 768 or 0800 787 855

Oceans Grief & Loss Programmes and Peer Support

Grief is a deeply personal experience, but it doesn't have to be faced alone. The Oceans Grief and Loss programmes provide supportive, peer-based environments for people of all ages navigating loss in its many forms—whether through death, separation, relocation, or other life changes.

We offer tailored programmes for different age groups:       

Children’s Programme: One-hour sessions over eight weeks.

Teen Programme: Six 80-minute sessions.

Adult Programme: Two-hour sessions over six weeks.

Each group is kept small (no more than six participants) to ensure a safe and nurturing environment. Two trained and compassionate facilitators guide the process, helping participants share their experiences, explore their emotions, and learn healthy ways to live with loss. Over time, participants often discover that they are not alone—and that their feelings are valid and shared by others.

Grief Cafes

In addition to the structured programmes, we also host monthly Grief Cafés in Waimate, Timaru, Temuka, and Geraldine. These informal gatherings are open to anyone experiencing grief of any kind. There is no set agenda—just a welcoming space to talk, listen, and connect with others over a cuppa and some kai. Our experienced grief facilitators are present to support these gatherings.

For more information about locations, upcoming dates, and how to join a group or café, please get in touch.

Email: Oceans@citymission.org.nz

Phone: 0274 OCEANS (623 267) or 0800 787 855