Meet The Team

I'm Terri Churton, and it's been such a joy serving as a volunteer treasurer for Age Concern Hauraki-Coromandel since January 2020. As a Chartered Accountant running my own business, I have the flexibility to contribute my time to this wonderful cause.

I'm truly passionate about supporting Age Concern, and my commitment comes from personal experience. John and Maggie, Age Concern visitors, used to visit my parents weekly when my Mum had Alzheimer's, and my Dad was her devoted but stressed caregiver. Those visits were the highlight of her week, bringing immense joy and well-being. It's experiences like these that inspire me to advocate for the importance of community care.

In today's world, I believe it's more crucial than ever for people to look out for one another and support our communities. I absolutely love working with our dedicated Age Concern team, and I'm thrilled about the journey we're on to create and implement services that will make a positive impact on the lives of all the wonderful people in our regions. Let's continue to care for each other and build stronger, more supportive communities. Together, we can make a difference!

I'm Francine Hills, the Health Promoter at Age Concern Hauraki Coromandel. My family and I settled in Te Puru after moving from Wales, and we've fully embraced the beauty and lifestyle of Aotearoa. Amidst the joyful chaos of raising a teenager and an almost-teenager, we make time to explore this incredible country. Just last week, we spotted whales from the beach near our house, and this weekend, we marvelled at glow worms. I'm constantly blown away by the splendour of this country.

As a Health Promoter dedicated to addressing the holistic needs of our community in Hauraki Coromandel, my key priorities lie in building our "Steady As You Go©" groups and "Chinwag Cafes" across the Hauraki Coromandel peninsula. These initiatives aim to promote strength, balance, and social connection, which are vital components of overall health and well-being.  Additionally, I'm busying myself with a new initiative, Co-Lab Movement Creation, which collaborates with community members to develop tailored movement programs that meet their specific needs.  If you're interested in joining our initiatives or have ideas for incorporating movement into existing organisations, don't hesitate to reach out. 

Warmest wishes 

Dr. Francine Hills (Ph.D)

I am the newest Kid on the block, well - in the team, having only started in February in the role of  our Community Engagement Coordinator.

I have a background in nursing, care work, working with special needs children, and administration. I have also been a visitor for Age Concern for many years and loved every minute of making that difference in someone’s life.

I have 3 grown up daughters and 5 grand daughters who at the moment are all living around the Coromandel Peninsula. This is going to change soon when my eldest daughter, her husband and their young daughter are ‘emigrating’ to the South Island!! Sadly, my husband has got Huntington’s disease and a year ago went into full time care over in Whitianga. Adjusting to life on my own has taken a while, but the opportunity to work in this organisation has come at the perfect time in my life, and being so dear to my heart it truly is my dream job.

 I want to bring the knowledge of Age Concern into every community, so people can discover what we offer, and where support is when they need it. 

I look forward to meeting a lot of you along the new road in the journey of my life ……..

Jo

Kia ora, my name is Vallanique, or simply Val. I've been a local of Thames for over 25 years and am a loving mother and grandmother to 4 adorable grandkids. I gave up nursing and started working as a therapist. I have served as a volunteer for the Hauraki/Coromandel Age Concern team since 2017. I serve as an Age Concern Thames volunteer counsellor. Nothing is too large or small for me; I just arrive with kindness, a good attitude, and an open mind. I deal with trauma, anxiety, and depression.

I also work alongside the folks in the community who attend the social group called Chin Wag  It's all about connecting with other like-minded people in a caring, supportive, and safe environment over a cup of tea.

 Just call us to see if there is a Chin Wag social group near you.