Meet Pam

A real lover of variety and being of service in as many ways as she can, Pam loves when no two days are the same. She sees no challenge as being beyond hope or help. With 10 years at Victim Support in her career before coming to us in 2017, she’s everything you’d want in your corner: grounded, trustworthy, resourceful and strong. 

What does it take to be a great Family Support Coordinator at Child Cancer Foundation? 

It takes excellent communications skills, empathy and patience. Also, the ability to work effectively within various cultural dynamics is highly valuable. 

What are the top things you enjoy about being an Family Support Coordinator? 

Having the chance to walk alongside whānau of all kinds, with varying needs for support. Collaborating with struggling whānau to help find them the resources they need to function as best as they can during a very tough time in their lives. 

This role – it’s sad at times, especially when you lose one of them. It’s also very rewarding and I just love the interaction with different whānau and walks of life. Each one is different. It means so much when they can trust you – to tell you their stories, about cancer or not.  

Working alongside doctors, nurses and social workers – we’re all in it for the same reasons.  

The teamwork. My Child Cancer Foundation teammates, especially I get to see them in person. 

And having Monica Briggs as our boss makes a big difference – she is so on board with everything, and really helpful for our Rōpū team, trusting us in our decision-making.  

What does a typical week look like in your job? 

It usually involves checking and responding to emails, organising home visits for the week, checking in with whānau by message or email, loading case notes, ordering financial support and attending Teams meetings. 

I also serve as Pou Manaaki (Pillar of Support) at Child Cancer Foundation, meaning I organise projects and liaise with our Te Rōpū Manaaki.  

As Pou Manaaki, I offer guidance to ensure our organisation is doing its best to honour te reo me ōna tikanga (the language and its practices/customs), working closely in partnership with kaumātua (respected Māori elder of status within the whānau/community), and where possible, supporting a deeper relationship with mana whenua. 

I also work as part of the Remembrance Day Group, ensuring our bereaved whānau are feeling seen, connected and supported in ways that are accessible to them. 

What fuels your passion for your work? 

I personally love to go over and beyond what is required and am always looking for ways to improve or contribute. Learning something new or improving on a particular skill is also very motivating for me. 

What is the most challenging part of your job? 

To take each challenge as an opportunity, understand my strengths and weaknesses, and seek advice or help where needed. 

What makes you the right person to support the children and families you work with? 

I would consider myself very self-motivated and a great culture fit – someone who is passionate about what I do. My communication skills, empathy and patience go a long way in this role, and I have the knowledge, resources and services at hand that can assist families in need. 

How do you maintain a good work/life balance? 

By dividing responsibilities at home and work, managing my time and energy to meet both professional commitments while prioritising self-care and wellbeing. It’s really important to “disconnect to reconnect”. 

What do you think families appreciate most about what you do? 

Probably what’s most important is being there for them in their darkest times. It requires building trust with loyalty and open communication, and spending quality time alongside them. Identifying their cultural values is also significant, especially where they are different to mine. I consider each whānau as truly unique.