Waikato Burn Support Charitable Trust 
Annual General Meeting 26th April 2006
Education Officer's Report

If Julie is reading this Report then I will have sent my apologies for not being there, my daughter is likely to be in labour and in that case I will be -otherwise occupied!

(Editor's Note: the report was, as it happens, read by Colleen herself -for more 'labour' information you will have to contact Colleen!)

A Good Start: This year has started well with 41 visits booked and more coming in on a regular basis. I am sure we will meet and exceed the Ministry of Health requirements.

Mel Smith: I would please welcome Mel Smith to our meeting. Mel has expressed a desire to become part of the Board and offer her experience both professionally and personally.

• Workshop: I attended a workshop by invitation at Waikato University on the 20/02/06. The subject was "Beyond Vicarious Trauma". The presentation was delivered by a Canadian Doctor, Jessie Sork. The information covered working in an environment of Trauma, e.g. car accident survivors, burn survivors, family guilt and the ripple effect of trauma. It was very beneficial and helpful to be able to discuss with other professionals some of the frustrations of working with the public on such a sensitive subject. The cost was $35.00 which I pre-paid to secure my place. I am happy to email the notes from the course to anyone interested.  Contact Me via our Contact Centre
• Kindergarten bookings are very good this year however school bookings seem to be less forthcoming. There could be a number of contributing factors in this, e.g. 2 year planning schedules and/or curriculum overload. I plan to address this issue with a term 2 reminder flyer going out to schools.  I am confident this will bring more school bookings for the year.
• Expo: I will be participating in the Wellchild Expo in Huntly in May.
• Speaking Engagements: I have begun to develop a good list of community groups and contacts over the past 12 months and the word is spreading that I am available to speak when requested.  There is a definite need in the community for burn prevention programme presentations for the older people of our community. This need is being addressed and researched by both myself and other DHB agencies for future planning.
• Ministry of Health Contract: I met with Karen Evison at the MoH last week and we discussed the new service plan that will take affect this July. I have also advised her that we would like a 3-year contract.  I am at present developing a revised service plan, however much of this will remain the same as the past plan with some additions to areas of community needs. The board will have an opportunity to sight the plan prior to formal application.  My impression from Karen is that the Ministry have recognized that our programme is very well received and valuable and she sees no reason why things should change in the area of funding and support from the ministry. If anything it will be increased.
  She has asked that I consider some professional development courses, e.g. a First Aid course. Which I will endeavor to do later in the year.

I am enjoying my job very much and feel our client base is growing. I have had wonderful responses and lots of positive input this year already.

Please feel free to contact me with any ideas or comments.
Regards to you all.
Colleen Caldwell.
Education Officer.