6 May 2010

Pact officially opened The Armitage in South Dunedin on April 22.

A campus hub has been established at The Armitage with campus tutors and activity support workers. The Armitage also houses the Options Day Programme. The Armitage opened its doors before Christmas but the official opening was delayed so building work could be completed and staff and clients could settle in.

Pact board of trustees chairman Bill Dunbar thanked CEO Louise Carr and the rest of the executive team for their hard work.

The Armitage is named after Pact trustee Bill Armitage. Bill Dunbar told those gathered that Bill Armitage has been a pillar of strength during the many years he has been on the board. Bill Armitage said his great grandfather, lawyer William Downie Stewart, saw there was a need in the community for an organisation to help people needing assistance and in the 1870s he was one of the founders of the organisation that Pact evolved from, PPAS (Patients and Prisoners Aid Society). There has been a family member on the board ever since.

Louise said Pact had a proud tradition and - well-supported by Bill Armitage and his ancestors - always responded to the needs of the local community.

"The Armitage is here today because we saw the need for a different service for the people you see here today, which could better meet their needs. "

Louise thanked Malcolm Cameron, with whom Pact formed an alliance through the Malcam Trust and the Community Max Scheme, run by the Ministry of Social Development. Louise praised their work in renovating The Armitage. She says the scheme enabled the work to be done to a high standard and gave eight young men new skills at the same time.

She also thanked Living Options chief executive Alison Wildey. Living Options in Alexandra had helped provide the idea for The Armitage. Alison had hosted many Pact staff so they could see how successful Living Options was.

"Thank you for letting us share and borrow your vision."

Lana told those gathered that the campus will enhance and extend clients’ lifeskills by offering a range of activities and programmes. She said these will lead to a promising future as they develop new interests and explore different opportunities.

"Everyone is made welcome at the campus...Our programmes aim to evolve as we work with clients to discover the areas they would most like to develop."

Raelene said all 43 Options clients are "absolutely stoked" about the new location.

"Community participation has been around for a long time," Lana said. "But this is going to make sure that it continues."