Social Work and sports

Peter de Boer has worked at CRS on and off for the past twenty years. He recently started in a new role as a Mental Health Social Worker in the team supporting people affected by the 15 March mosque attacks.

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Peter graduated in 1987 with a Diploma in Social Work. Over the course of his career, he has worked in a number of areas including Burwood hospital spinal unit, Christchurch public Hospital, in mental health and as a Probation Officer.

“I’ve come full circle.”

After working for several years in Central Otago, based out of Alexandra, Peter returned to Christchurch in 2000 and started working with Refugee Resettlement Services (as CRS was then called). After five years in the organisation, he moved into other fields including alcohol and drug work and psychiatric emergency work. He also undertook further study, completing a Postgraduate Diploma of Health Science. From 2010, Peter provided alcohol and drug counselling through the Christchurch City Mission in a role that also incorporated mental health.

In September 2019, Peter started back at CRS. In this new role, he provides mental health support to people affected by the 15 March Mosque attacks.  Peter is also a qualified Personal Trainer and a keen sportsperson who is always keen to pass on his knowledge in these areas to clients and staff alike.