Independent Support Networks

Independent Support Networks

ISN is a private mobile service which has commenced in Christchurch and North Canterbury.  The service is MOBILE, specialising in SUPPORT and ADVOCACY to all ages.

The MOBILE service is the first of its kind in Christchurch and New Zealand, and was founded by Ray Beal (photos) who has a vast experience in problem solving through networking and advocating for individuals. (Diploma Social Services, Police Diploma).

ISN is an ideal “service provider” for individuals of any age seeking support and/or advocacy for life events that have become overwhelming or difficult for them. Family members have engaged ISN to support loved ones.  Social services and other professionals who are concerned about their client or any individual can contact ISN or alternatively encourage the individual to text ISN 020 4070 2039.

Once an individual contacts ISN and leaves their name and phone number, a mobile representative will contact the caller and, if desired, arrange a home visit without obligation.  Alternatively, the individual can nominate a meeting place for the representative.

What is special about ISN?

• First mobile services covering Christchurch and surrounding areas.
• Specialises in support and advocacy.
• Visits are without obligation to continue service.
• Private service, minimal cost.
• ISN clients are of all ages.
• No restrictions on number of visits.
• Continuous service each week to ISN clients.
• Assistance with transport (special conditions).
• Professional, qualified and caring staff.
• 24 hour access – text or landline.
• Visits not restricted to Monday-Friday.
• Service provider for Age Concern Canterbury Inc.

Families, doctors, medical and health representatives, hospitals, counsellors, social services, church representatives, police, solicitors, businesses and organisations can encourage clients/customers/individuals to text “Support” and name to 020 4070 2039.

Who are ISN clients?

• Individuals coping with family and life difficulties.
• Elderly, ill health, social isolation, minimal support.
• Parents with children removed by any person or agency.
• Negotiation, dispute resolution advocacy.
• Individuals who appreciate a private and professional service.
• Family members can engage ISN to support loved ones.
• ISN can be engaged as welfare officers.
• Stressful Family and Civil Court proceedings.
• Stressful Criminal and Traffic Court proceedings.
• Social services referrals requiring extra support.
• Counsellors’ referrals requiring extra support.
• Solicitors’ clients requiring extra support.
• Individuals coping with mental health issues, depression, burnout.
• Individuals with ill health, injuries, disabilities.
• Medical and health representative clients requiring support.
• Individuals where social services, agencies disengaging services.

Other Features of ISN:

• Though ISN is not affiliated to any other social service, whether statutory or otherwise, ISN does complement and support all agencies and professionals working to improve the quality of life for the individual or family.
• ISN staff network closely with numerous competent and ethical social service agencies to ensure clients’ needs are met, followed by regular home visits by ISN staff to ensure support and continued advocacy during difficult times are being carried out.  Simply, ISN staff become the client’s broker of human services, advocate, support person and social change agent, just to name a few.

Fees:

ISN is private and not government funded.  Existing clients, some of whom are beneficiaries, have complimented ISN on the affordability of this continuous, professional service.  The cost is exceptionally low.  Clients in the middle and high income sectors have also praised the initiative of bringing this service discreetly to their doorsteps.  Elderly clients have been delighted with the personal service.

The first home visit discusses what the service can offer, along with the minimal fee of the service which is paid via weekly automatic payment which can be terminated by the client if they wish to dispense with the service.  No monthly account or demands for payment.  Confidentiality and privacy is assured.  Clients, past and present, have praised the service and the initiative of bringing this long overdue service to Christchurch and North Canterbury.

ISN is a new mobile private service seeking to carefully analyse a clients needs that have been identified and then carefully planning how to improve the clients quality of life by providing support and advocacy on a continuous basis.  If ISN can achieve their aim then our service has contributed to the well being of the individual and family, and to the well being of the wider community.

Testimonials

• Though clients have accepted that, on occasions, ISN is not an “immediate response” service, they have been impressed with the response time of representatives contacting them by phone and the first home visit being within 24 hours, often within eight hours.
• Clients have appreciated additional home visits due to unforeseen circumstances or concerns.
• Clients have praised the diversity of the service as often their concerns cover numerous aspects of what is going on in their life.
• Clients have appreciated the “no cost” for transport to and from appointments organised by ISN.
• ISN staff complements and assists existing social services and professionals that are working or about to work with the client.  Clients have appreciated this.
• ISN does not terminate with clients, close the file and withdraw without discussions with the client.  Clients may dispense with ISN services anytime and reconnect without obligation.  Clients have appreciated this flexibility.
• Elderly people have complimented the service, commenting on additional help and support.  ISN are service providers for Age Concern Canterbury.
• This MOBILE SERVICE is unique in the social service sector in Christchurch and it has been encouraging and rewarding to receive these positive comments by clients, social workers, health representatives and other professionals.

Please do not hesitate to have any individual text “SUPPORT” to 020 4070 2039 if you feel our services would be of benefit to them.  We care for their care.  ISN will endeavour to improve their quality of life by carefully analysing their needs and putting a plan in place to make their life enjoyable again.