Active Southland’s holistic approach to community wellbeing has been the drawcard for new Active Lifestyles manager Jill Sinclair. 

Jill started in the role a week ago, looking after the team running the Green Prescription, Active Families, and Toku Oranga (Access and Choice) services. 

It’s a big job – Green Prescription and Active Families service the entire Southland region, mostly by phone, but also through in-person clinics in Tuatapere, Nightcaps and Otautau, and Toku Oranga has recently expanded to include health coaches and community support workers in five GP practices (Invercargill Medical Centre, Queens Park Medical Centre, and South City Medical Centre in Invercargill and Gore Health and Gore Medical Centre.). 

While the role will be a challenge, it is one she is excited to have taken on. 

“I love the whole ethos of Active Southland. It recognises that there is so much that influences a person’s overall health and wellbeing. To be part of an organisation that is actively working towards helping reduce the barriers for people to achieve their optimal wellbeing is hugely exciting. There is so much potential in what we can do.” 

While supporting the team on the fantastic mahi they are doing with Green Prescription, Active Families, and Toku Oranga is her main goal, she is also keen to lift recognition of that work in the community, and promote accessibility and inclusivity. 

“Everyone wants to be well, and if people aren’t, we want to know what their barriers are, what do they need to have their needs met.” 

A nurse for 20 years, Jill has worked in both primary and secondary care, and also in the adult education space. She has a Masters of Nursing, has studied health law, and is presently studying applied management. 

A born and bred Southlander, Jill is married with an 18-year-old son, and loves spending time outside, trail running, bush walking, and playing or coaching hockey. 

Trail running events are her passion, but the self-confessed nature junkie says she’ll “give anything a go.” 

And that includes being open to opportunities her new role at Active Southland may bring her and the team. 

“This is an opportunity to work with a wider spectrum of the community and make a difference in the lives of a wider portion of that community. 

“I think we all need to challenge ourselves (professionally and personally),” she said. 

Article added: Tuesday 26 October 2021