Auckland High Schools Donate Artwork To Thrive, Challenge Trust's New Eating Disorder Service
Tuesday 16 November 2010, 11:43AM
By Alexander PR
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Art students at several large Auckland high schools are exhibiting their work in an unusual way – on the walls of Thrive, the new eating disorders service launched last month by leading recovery provider Challenge Trust.
Thrive operates from two buildings in Parnell, Auckland, including former halls of residence which, at the time they were identified for the service, were somewhat spartan in appearance. As part of a makeover designed to make the residence homely and comfortable for clients, Challenge Trust asked local schools to donate art for permanent display at Thrive.
“We requested art from a number of Auckland schools in the fortnight before the launch, and were given works by art students at St Peter’s College, Botany Downs Secondary College, and Epsom Girls’ Grammar School,” Challenge Trust CEO Clive Plucknett says. “I would like to sincerely thank, on behalf of our clients and the whole Thrive team, the art teachers and students of these schools.
“We were absolutely delighted with the response to our request, both in terms of the generosity of several dozen art students, and at the exceptionally high calibre of what has been donated. The quality of the work is extremely impressive, and we are proud to have New Zealand art of this standard on permanent display at Thrive.”
Works received included oils on canvas, watercolours, collages, prints and photographs. In accordance with Challenge Trust’s request, all reflected the ‘thrive’ theme.
Thrive is the result of an $8 million contract between Challenge Trust and the Auckland District Health Boards to provide residential and day programme treatment to 15- to 24-year-olds with eating disorders. It is the first service of its kind in the upper North Island.
About Challenge Trust
Challenge Trust is a charitable trust which commenced operation in 1993 and now has 280 staff providing services to more than 1,500 people out of 24 sites in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty regions.
Challenge Trust’s clients include people affected by mental illness, physical disability, intellectual disability, addictions, dual disability and dual diagnosis. The organization has contracts with District Health Boards, the Accident Compensation Corporation, MOH, MSD and other government departments, and an increasing number of private clients.
Services provided include 24-hour residential accommodation, community support to people living in their own homes, educational services, employment and life skills training, advocacy, information, employment opportunities, family/whanau support and various housing options.
The Trust is governed by a Board which employs a CEO to lead the organization and head the Executive Management Team.
Challenge Trust has modelled itself as having the rigour and professionalism of a corporate, blended with the innovation and heart of a non-government organization (NGO).