Pat has been part of life at Iona Care Home for more than 30 years, and her involvement in community singing continues to bring comfort and connection to residents. She first came along to support an older woman at a singalong and simply stayed.
Today, Pat is there every Wednesday morning, supporting the session alongside pianists and fellow volunteers. About once a month, she leads the singing. Residents are invited to choose their favourite songs when they can. When they can’t, they sit and listen, and the music still reaches them.
Pat recalls residents by name, often alongside the song they loved — from It’s a Long Way to Tipperary to Sunshine of Your Smile. One moment that stays with her is seeing a woman from the dementia unit sitting quietly, then noticing she was mouthing the words to a song.
Volunteering fills Pat’s days with something she enjoys. She says it is lovely to know she is doing something worthwhile. Recently, a resident leaned over, touched her arm and said, “Oh, we do love you coming.” For Pat, it is simply nice to feel appreciated — something she says reflects the care shown by Presbyterian Support Otago.
More information about volunteering.
Spring People Newsletter 2026
Residents’ art show at Ross Home
The walls of Ross Home’s large entrance lounge were recently transformed for a special exhibition showcasing artwork created by residents... read more
Still Singing after 30 Years
Pat has been part of life at Iona Care Home for more than 30 years, and her involvement in community singing continues to bring comfort and connection to residents.... read more
Family Works Buddy winter outing
Adult and young buddies from the Dunedin and Balclutha Buddy Programme came together recently for a mid-winter outing – an afternoon of ice skating!... read more
Learning Together to Strengthen Communities
In July, members of the Presbyterian Support Otago’s Senior Leadership Team attended the New Zealand Council of... read more
You are invited to our AGM - All welcome!
Thursday 29 October, 5.30pm, Burns Hall, First Church grounds, 415 Moray Place, Dunedin.
To RSVP please email team@psotago.org.nz
A proposed constitution change will be presented at this meeting.
Presbyterian Support Otago has partnered with EveryWill, an online platform that helps you create a legally valid Will from the comfort of your own home for FREE.
Through this partnership, we hope to make will writing more accessible and remove some of the financial barriers that can prevent people from putting a will in place.
Having a will in place is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your wishes are known and the people you care about are looked after.
After providing for family and friends, some people choose to include a gift in their will to support a cause close to their heart, leaving a lasting legacy.