Getting Out There - 2022-23

Lightatthe endofthe Tunnel

Supporting residents Getting Out There

Accessible servicesand facilities

Advisory groups

Whangarei District Council has three Advisory Groups that meet monthly:

•DisabilityAdvisory Group (DAG)

•PositiveAgeing Advisory Group (PAAG)

•Youth Advisory Group (YAG).

The purpose of these groups is to provide Council with advice about policies, plans and projects from the perspectives of the community sectorsthey represent.Accessibility for everyone is akey priority for both the Disability and Positive Ageing Advisory Groups. Inclusion for all young peopleisone of the key focuses for the Youth Advisory Group.

CitySafe

CitySafe is a collaborativeproject between Council,the New Zealand Police, and NorthChamber aimed at ensuring a safer and accessiblecity.

The 0800 258 258 CitySafe toll free number enables peopletoreport safety problems such as graffiti, broken or damaged streetlights, damaged footpaths and trip hazards, bikes in the mall,skateboarders in the CBD or people behaving in an unsafe way. Our friendly CitySafe Community Officerspatrol the inner city

7daysaweek and, along with the monitored CCTV cameranetwork,are the eyes and ears for public safety.For more information visit www.CitySafe.co.nz

Library services

•Large Print

•eBooks, eMagazines and eAudiobooks online

•Half price rentals on Tuesdays forthe over 65s

•Hobbygroups: Library CraftGroup,Creative Colouring-In for Grown-Ups, Flash Fiction and Scrabble 500 Club

•Familyhistory research

•Book aLibrarian for personalised help with using library online services

•Book Outhome delivery service

•FreeStepping Up computerclasses.

Parking &mobility

•70+ parking fee exemption

•Mobilityparking

•DisabilityWorking Parking Permit

•Freeabout town mobility equipment

www.wdc.govt.nz

ReachDeck. This is

Council’s website contains afeaturecalled BrowseAloud. This is afreeprogramme that ‘speaks’ web pages or translates intomultiple languages for people with dyslexia,lowliteracy,English as a second language, and those with mildvisual impairments.

For more information

Whangarei District Council

Forum North, Rust Ave, Whangārei P: 09 430 4200 or 0800 932 463

E: mailroom@wdc.govt.nz

W: www.wdc.govt.nz

Information &Services

Relating to disabilityinNorthland

Linking people,families and carers living with adisabilitytoinformation, adviceand supportintheir community.

March2022 Edition 14

Visit www.tiaho.org.nz/support find out more about whatservices these organisations provide in Northland

In Northland,thereare arangeof organisations providing aDisabilityInformationAdvisoryService. These areknown as the ‘Northland DIAS Collective’. Tiaho Trust supports these organisations by helping to improvethe access to and utilization of their information and services in Northland foryou and your families/whanau.Tiaho Trust is your first pointof call if youare unsurewho to contactorhave anyquestions,call us on: FREEPHONE: 0800 430 3406.

TheDIAS Collectiveprovides various services about aspecificdisability, or disabilityingeneral,such as:

• Adviceand information

• Advocacy

• Communityeducation and awareness

• Supportgroupsand networking

• Home visits

• Access to health professionals

• Referrals and assessments

• Equipment

• Seminars/workshops

• Resources

Together,Tiaho Trust and the DIAS Collective, empowerthe Northland communitybypromoting the disabled communityasvalued citizens who contribute, participate and add to the diversityofNew Zealand society.

ForDIAS contactdetails please refer overleaf

Information &Services

Relating to disabilityinNorthland

Your A-Zdirectory of disabilitysupportproviders:

Alzheimer’s www.tiaho.org.nz/alzheimers 112 CorksRoad,POBox 7027, Tikipunga, Whangarei 0144 0800 004 001

Whangarei (09) 438 7771

Dargaville 022 691 6068

Kerikeri (09) 407 3010

Kaitaia (09) 408 1123 northland@alzheimers.org.nz www.alzheimersnorthland.org.nz

Arthritis NewZealand www.tiaho.org.nz/arthritis Unit B, 383 Khyber Pass Road, Newmarket, Auckland

Freephone: 0800 663 463 info@arthritis.org.nz www.arthritis.org.nz

Blind LowVision NZ www.tiaho.org.nz/blind_foundation

277 Kamo Road,Whangarei Phone: (09) 437 1199

Freephone: 0800 243 333 info@blindlowvision.org.nz www.blindlowvision.org.nz

Brain InjuryAssociation www.tiaho.org.nz/brain_injury 98 Cairnfeild Road,Otangarei PO Box4001, Kamo,Whangarei Phone: (09) 459 5013 northland@brain-injury.org.nz www.brain-injury.org.nz

CCSDisabilityAction www.tiaho.org.nz/ccs 291 Kamo Road,Whangarei PO Box8035, Kensington, Whangarei Phone: (09) 437 1899

Fax: (09) 437 0209

Freephone: 0800 227 2255 Northland@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz www.ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz

Deaf Aotearoa Northland www.tiaho.org.nz/deaf_aotearoa 1A DeveronStreet

Phone: 0800 332 322 national@deaf.org.nz www.deaf.org.nz

Down Syndrome SupportGroup www.tiaho.org.nz/down_syndrome Kara Road,RD9,Whangarei

Phone: (09) 434 6723

Freephone: 0800 693 724 national.coordinator@nzdsa.org.nz www.nzdsa.org.nz

Epilepsy Northland www.tiaho.org.nz/epilepsy Civic Arcade,Level 1

37-41 Bank Street, Whangarei PO Box1074, WaikatoMail Centre, Hamilton 3240

Phone: (09) 438 5498

Freephone: 0800 374 537 northland@epilepsy.org.nz www.epilepsy.org.nz

Huntington’s www.tiaho.org.nz/huntingtons PO Box16181, Sandringham Auckland 1351

Phone: (09) 815 9703

Freephone: 0800 432 825 huntingtonsakld@xtra.co.nz www.hdauckland.org

MotorNeurone Disease www.tiaho.org.nz/mnda YarntonHouse,14Erson Ave, Royal Oak,Auckland PO Box24036, Auckland 1345 Phone: (09) 624 2148 Mobile: 027 202 8166 teamldr@mnda.org.nz www.mnda.org.nz

Multiple Sclerosis Northland www.tiaho.org.nz/ms Civic Arcade,Level 1

37-41 Bank Street, Whangarei Phone: (09) 438 3945 Mobile: 027 539 9883 nthlndms@xtra.co.nz www.msnz.org.nz

ATiaho Trust Project

Muscular DystrophyAssoc NZ www.tiaho.org.nz/muscular P.O.Box300429, Albany 0800 636 787

Phone: 09 415 5682 Mob: 021 824 018 info@mda.org.nz www.mda.org.nz

NorthAble www.tiaho.org.nz/northable 40 John Street, Whangarei

Freephone: 0508 637 200 northable@northable.org.nz www.northable.org.nz

Equipment Showroom: 73 John Street, Whangarei (09) 430 3469 www.equipmentplus.org.nz

LYNKZ: 0508 637 200 42 John Street, Whangarei

Parent toParentNorthland

www.tiaho.org.nz/parent2parent

Mob: 027 808 3942

Freephone: 0508 236 236 northland@parent2parent.org.nz www.parent2parent.org.nz

Parkinson’s Northland www.tiaho.org.nz/parkinsons PO Box11067 Manners St, Wellington 6142 Freephone: 0800 473 4636 info@parkinsons.org.nz www.parkinsons.org.nz

Stroke Foundation

www.tiaho.org.nz/stroke

Whangarei &Districts Freephone: 0800 459 954 northland@stroke.org.nz

MidNorth/Far North

Freephone: 0800 566 383 far.north@stroke.org.nz www.stroke.org.nz

TiahoTrust

EachyearTiahoTrustproducethis magazine‘GettingOutThere’to highlightwhatdisabilityservices areavailablethroughoutNorthland.Not onlydoweprofile16disabilitysupport organisations,wealsoprovidestoriesabout peoplewhousetheirservices.

Thisyearourmagazinethemeis“Lightatthe endofthetunnel”–Positivitythroughdiversity andadversity

Ithasbeenanespeciallyhardyearfor everyoneduetoCovidandthishascauseda lotofanxietyintheDisabilitycommunity.We werenotabletohostourbiannualGettingOut ThereEXPOthisyearorlastyearduetoCovid restrictionsbutthereis“Lightattheendof thetunnel”wewillbehostingthiseventon Friday11thAugust2023from10am–4pmat ForumNorthinWhangarei.Ifyouwouldliketo beinvolvedwhetheritbeanentertainer,stall holder,volunteeronthedayorhaveageneral enquirypleasecontactus.

ThiseventistheonlyEXPOinNorthland thatspecificallyconcentratesonDisabled andSeniorCitizen’sneedsbeitequipmentor servicesavailable.

TiahoTrustoffersfreeindependent advocacyservicestodisabledpeopleortheir familymembers.Ifdisabledpeopleortheir familymembersfeellikeyou’rebeingtreated unfairlybecauseofyourdisabilityoryoufeel youaren’tgettingthesupportsorservicesyou areentitledto,contactTiahoTrust.

TiahoTrustendeavourstomakeour communitymoreinclusiveanduserfriendly todisabledpeoplebyprovidingtheir“No Problem,You’reWelcome”DisabilityAwareness CustomerServiceTrainingtoavarietyof organisations.Weutilisefacilitatorswithlived

experienceofdisabilitiestodeliverthistraining usingexamplesoftheirownlivestoeducate organisationsonhowtodeliverexcellent customerservicetothelargedisabilitymarket segmentinourcommunity.Wealsoprovide ainingforHealthProfessionalswhichis endorsedbytheRoyalNewZealandCollegeof GeneralPractitioners(RNZCGP).Wenowoffer thistrainingviaZoomwhichmakesiteven moreaccessible

Inadditiontotheabovewealsooffer cessibilityAuditsfororganisationswho wouldliketomaketheirservicesandvenues cessibleandwelcomingtoeveryone.

ThewordTiahotranslatedintoEnglish means“Shining,radiatinglight”.Wehope thatthismagazinewitharticlesabout people’svariousjourneysandtunnelswill giveyouLightattheEndofYourTunnel.

TiahoTrust

GroundFloor,TaiTokerauMaoriTrust BoardBuilding3-5HuntStreet POBox374,Whangarei Phone094303406

Freephone08004303406

Emailinfo@tiaho.org.nz

Webwww.tiaho.org.nz FacebookTiahoTrust

WHEN: Friday 2nd December 2022 10am -2pm

WHERE: To be confirmed, advertised in November 2022

Light at theend of thetunnel

Cecelia O’Dell

Cecelia O’Dell wasone of the founding Trustees of Tiaho Trust.She wasonthe Board of Trustees forover12years. Cecelia is a Mediator with the Human Rights Commission. She is from Terarawadecent.She has been through many tunnels, some, with light at the end of them. Iasked her about some of them.

Wheredidyougetyourexquisitecultured Englishaccentfrom?

IgotitfrommyCatholicupbringingatSt JosephsConventinPanguru,duringaperiod oftimewhenIfeltthatthenun’sprimarygoal wastogettheseMaorinativestunedinto civilisationbyensuringwespokeandacted justlikethem..Formetherewasno“lightat theendofthistunnel”asIrecallismyparents tellingustheyweren’tallowedtospeakinTe Reoathomeanymore,thatwehadtospeak Englishifwewantedtogetoninthisworld.

Attheimpressionableageof5Ifeltwehad ourMaorinessdrummedoutofus.Fromthe conventschoolIwenttohighschoolwhere schoolcertificatewasthehighestqualification youcouldachieve.Mysiblings,unlikeme,went toboardingschooltofurthertheireducationas Irefusedtoagreewithmyparent’swishes.

MyaccidenthappenedinJanuary1974on ourwayhomeaftermybrother’s21stbirthday partyasapassengerinthecar.Webelievethe drivereitherfellofftosleeporhadablackout asthecarwentofftheroadandhitapower pole.Iwaspulledoutofthecarinahurry, (notbyparamedics)whichresultedinamajor spinalinjury.Iwas19yearsold.Rehabilitation over6monthsinvolved,learninghowtousea wheelchair,totransferfrom/tothewheelchair, carorbed,toeatindependentlyandwrite, drawetcasIlosttheuseofmyhandsandlegs. Thesurgeontoldmealmostimmediatelyafter theaccidentthatIwouldneverwalkagainso IfantasisedthatIwouldprovehimwrongby walkingoutofhospitaloneday

Lifeafterthatwasverydifferent.Mywhanau, friendsandworkmatesweren’tsurehowto actaroundme.Iwasyoungandtherewas anexpectationthatmyparentsorafamily member,wouldtakemehometocarefor me.Sixmonthsintomyrehab,myemployer (UEBIndustries)createdanewpositionfor metoenablemetoreturntowork.Thejob entailedscanninghard-copydocumentsonto microfichewhichwasn’tallthatstimulating andcertainlynotlong-term.Butthe‘lightatthe endofthistunnel’wasthatitgotmebackinto therealworldandgavemeapurposetolive.

FromthereIdecidedtoreturntoschoolasan adultstudenttogetmyUniversityEntranceas Iwantedtobeateacher(remedialEnglish)at thetime.Whenlookingforcollegesthatwould acceptmewithmylevelofinjury,itbecame apparentthattheCollegesweren’tgeared uptoaccommodateanyoneinawheelchair HillaryCollegewastheonlycollegeinSouth Aucklandwhichwouldacceptme.Fortunately forme,therewerewhanauattheschoolwho werewillingandabletosupportmeintermsof accessto/fromclassroomprefabs.

ImetmyhusbandwhileIwasinhospital,so he’sonlyknownmewithmydisabilitywhich madeiteasierforarelationship,withoutany preconceivedideasorexpectations,togrow Wemarriedtwoyearsaftermyaccidentinthe middleofmyUniversityEntranceexams.As employmentwasn’taviableoptioninthose days,Iundertookvoluntarywork(helping childrenwithliteracyskills)atalocalPrimary Schoolnearbyandanotherschoolwith childrenwithdisabilities.Ialsohelpedadult studentsathomewhichsubsequentlyledto paidemploymentworkingwithMaori,Pacific Island,EuropeanandnewmigrantsinSouth Auckland.Iwasherefortenyears.

Howdidyoustartyourcareeratthe HumanRightsCommission?

Iheardfromafriendthatapositionwasbeing createdwiththeHumanRightsCommission forapersonwithadisabilityandfundedby theStateServicesCommission.(mainstream).

AttheinterviewIwasaskedwhatIneeded todothejobandthenecessarysupportwas subsequentlyputinplace.Ialsobecameaware that,‘disability’wasabouttobeincluded asaprohibitedgroundundertheHuman RightsAct.Theroleinvolvedtakingallcalls ofallegeddiscrimination.Thirtyyearslater I’mstillworkingwiththeCommissionasa mediator.Whilethisrolecanoftenbestressful, overtheyears,it’staughtmetobeabetter listener,tobemorepatientandempathetic, tobenon-judgementalandtomaintainones professionalismwhendealingwithchallenging behaviours.Offcourse,Istuffupattimesbut that’spartofbeinghuman.

Hastherebeenanincreaseincomplaints totheCommissionasresultofCovid19and isthere“Lightattheendofthetunnel?”

TheCommissionhasseenahugeincrease incomplaintsoverthisperiod.I’vealsoheard howtraumaticitsbeenformanypeople,for thedisabledcommunityespeciallyinrelation tocareduringthelockdownperiod.There weremanyindividualswhoweredeniedaccess toservicesbecauseofthenon-acceptance bysomebusinessesofthemaskexemptions foranumberofreasons.Formeitcan involvesomethingasbasicaspeopleputting themselvesineachother’sshoes–seeingit fromtheirperspective,peoplewhogenuinely havedifficultywearingafacemaskbybeing challengedfornotwearingafacemaskor thelegitimacyoftheexemption,asopposed tobusinessestryingtosurviveinthecurrent climate,havingtoabidebyvariouspolicies, regulations,lawsetc

Yourhusbandisabuilderandasa resultyouhavehadmanynewhousesand experienceofshiftingisthatstressful

Shiftingisstressfulandweshouldbeguru’s atitbynowconsideringthenumberofhouses myhusbandhasbuiltandmovedfromoverthe yearsbutthepositivefromtheseexperiencesis thatyoulearnnottohoardthings.

Youhavejustmovedintoanothernew houseisthere“Lightattheendofthe tunnel?”

Weconsiderourselvesveryfortunateaswe havearoofoverourheadsunlikemany,we haveourhealthandI’mabletocontinue workingfromhome.We’restillunpacking andfindingwherethingsshouldliveandmy husbandisalsoinvolvedinanotherbuilding projectinMitimiti.Formepersonally,thisthe biggest“Lightattheendofmytunnel”asit’s backinmyhometown.(turangawaewae)

AlzheimersNorthland

AlzheimersNorthlandsupportspeoplewith allformsofdementia.Advisersarebased incommunitiesthroughoutNorthlandto providealong-termpointofsupport

GeneralManagerKevinSalmonsaidsupport isoftenneededformanyyears.

Theorganisationoffersone-to-onesupport overthephoneandinperson,offering expertise,practicalknowledgeandsupport

Therearealsosupportgroupsforcarers, wheretheycanshareexperiencesandgain strengthintheknowledgetheyarenotalone.

Homecarerseminarsalsohelptogive caregivers,whoareoftenspouses,further understandingofdementiaandtoolsfor copingwitheverydaychallenges.

Dayprogrammesarepopular,providing asafe,funandstimulatingenvironmentfor thepersonwithdementiaaswellasgiving thefull-timecarersamuch-neededregular break.Onceclientshavebeenapprovedbythe DistrictHealthBoard,sessionsareprovided freeandtransportcanbearranged.

Socialactivitiesincludesing-alongs,music therapy,bakingandcooking,applepeeling, soupmaking,scienceexperimentsandcraft projects

Activitiesofteninvolvenostalgiaasclients canoftenrecallmemoriesfromlongagorather thanshort-term

Staffalsopromoteandencourageclients tomaintainfamiliarskills,independence andself-worthbyassistingwithstaffhelping settablesformeals,foldingwashing,

dryingdishes,helpingcleanupafterlunch, maintainingthevegetablegarden,settingup activitiesandinsomecasesassistingstaff withleadinganactivity

AlzheimersNorthlandalsoofferseducation sessionsforprofessionalcareproviders, communitygroupsandbusinessesthatwant tobemorehelpfultopeoplewithdementia.

Theone-daycourses,calledUnderstanding Dementia,areheldindifferentareas ofNorthland,andsessionsprovide opportunitiesfordiscussion,interactive exercisesandprintedresources.

AlzheimersSocietyNorthlandInc

Address112CorksRoad, Tikipunga,Whangarei PostalPOBox7027,Tikipunga, Whangarei0112

Phone0800004001

Whangarei(09)4387771

Dargaville(022)6916068

Kerikeri(09)4073010

Emailnorthland@alzheimers.org.nz

Webwww.alzheimersnorthland.org.nz

Light at theend of thetunnel

Gaye Chaplin

Fiveyearsago,GayeChaplinknewlittle aboutAlzheimer’sDiseasesoshenever wouldhavepredictedhercurrentrole asanAlzheimer’scommunityadvisor.But aftertravellingthetumultuousjourneywith herbelovedmother,shewantedtoputher newfoundknowledgetowardhelpingothersso underwentaradicalcareerchange.

“IhelpedmumwhenshehadAlzheimer’s andshecametolivewithus,”saysGaye.“We hadahardjourneywithit,aswedidn’tknow anythingaboutituntilweweregoingthrough itwithafamilymember

“Whenmumpassed,Ithoughtitwouldbe reallygoodtousetheknowledgeIhadgained tohelpsomeoneelsewiththeirjourneythat they’reabouttogothrough.”

Gaye’smumUnaMoirleadanextremely activelife.Themotheroffouroftenhad fosterchildrenandGayeremembersthere oncebeing15livingattheirhouse. shestartedshowingsignsofslowing down,Gayethoughtshedeserved thebreak.

“Mumhadareallybusylife andshewasalwaysgivingto otherpeople.Onceshegot intohersixtiesandstarted notwantingtodothings,like givingupdealingwithbanking, insurancecompaniesand anythingtodowiththephone,I thought,right,I’mgoingtostepup andhelp,anddidn’tthinkmuch

Thingsbecamemoreapparentwhen Unawouldgethalfwaythroughasentence andforgetwhatshewastalkingaboutso hedoctorwhereshewas 72,withAlzheimer’s lyUnawenttolivewith andherhusbandandsonsat uralhome,inapurposehouseontheirland. wasstillworkingthen,” Gaye,whoseroleshave iouslyinvolvedadmin, untingandpayroll.

“However,itbecamereally entthattherewasnoway ork.Igaveupmyjoband fulltimecarerformum.”

Gayedescribesthefollowingthreeyearsas an“isolatingjourney”

“Everyone’sjourneyisdifferentbutit’savery isolatingjourneytogoonforacarer.Some daysyoudon’tevengettohaveashoweror doanythingforyourselfasitisjustfull-on.But, evenifIhadknownwhatIwasabouttogo throughfromthestart,Istillwouldhavedoneit asmymumwasamazinganditwasaprivilege tolookafterherinherlateryears.Andwedid havefunattimes–we’dhavelotsoflaughs withher.”

UnalivedwithGayeandherfamilyforthree years,spendingherfinalmonthsinfulltime care,beforeshepassedawayinFebruarythis year,aged76.

Gaye,meanwhile,hadbegunasa communityadvisorwithAlzheimer’sNorthland tohelpotherfamiliesonsimilarjourneys

“I’dbeenthroughthepracticalsidesocan empathisewiththem,”saysGaye,addingthat shehasalsopartakeninmanytrainingcourses.

“Alotofmyclientsarehusbandandwifeand Iknowit’sdifficultforthemasthey’rewatching theirlifepartnerfadeaway.Iknowitwasmy mumbutshewasthewomanIrespectedthe mostinlifeandIwatchedmymumfadeaway forfiveyears.Wewerereallyclose,I’vegot somanygoodmemoriesofmumsoItryand focusonthose.

“IlovemyjobandIlikehelpingpeople–I’m probablyabitlikemumlikethat–soIcansee myselfbeinghereforawhile.It’sprobablymy foreverjobnow

Una Moir and GayeChaplin

Una Moir

Arthritis Supportingpeoplewitharthritis

Arthritisisapainfulanddebilitating conditionforanyonebutforthosewho aretryingtoearnalivingthedifficulties canbeevengreater.

Theymayhaveproblemsgettingtimeoff worktogotospecialistappointments.Workers ha lltheirsickle ke

Oritmaybethenegativeperceptionsofwork colleaguesthataddtothestress.

Ontheotherhand,flexiblehours,modified equipment,understandingcolleaguesand managerswhotakeapositiveleadcangoa longwaytowardsmakingsurethatworkplaces ssibleandwelc fo eople th

areofworkingage.Musculoskeletaldisorders likearthritisareamongtheleadingcauses ofdisabilityandrepresentahugefinancial burdentotheNewZealandhealthsystemand theeconomy

ArthritisNewZealandprovidesinformation andsupportforpeoplewithallformsof arthritis,atanyage.Whilethereisnocure, mostpeoplecanlivefulfillingandproductive liveswithearlyintervention,goodtreatment andself-managementtools.

Wealsoadvocateforallthoseaffected byarthritis,includingfamilies,andprovide trainingforhealthprofessionalsthrough workshopsandseminars.

ArthritisAssistandPeerSupportare availableon0800663463orinfo@arthritis. org.nzduringbusinesshours.Theseservices canprovideinformationontypesofarthritis, treatments,painmanagement,nutrition, employmentissuesandaccesstoother supportservices.Thereisanactivearthritis supportgroupinWhangareiandwater-based exerciseclassesarerunindependentlyatthe AquaticCentre.

rthritisNewZealand 0800663463 www.arthritis.org.nz cebookpage o@arthritis.org.nz

Safeguarding your Future

Enduring Powers of Attorney (“EPAs”) allowyou to decide who looks after your property and welfareifyou lose the ability to do it yourself. Ourfirm offers Will and EPApackage deals at competitiveprices. Contact our wills and EPAspecialist PatGrace today for afriendly chat.

Contact us for furtherdetails Level 1, 151Bank Street, Whangarei P(09) 4373070| F(09)437 2070

Email: patgrace@malawyers.co.nz|www.malawyers.co.nz

Whangarei Support group were delighted that local MP Emily Henderson-(back rowsecond right) attended their meeting in June discuss their concerns and answer questions, particularly around the issue of drug impaired driving legislation.

Light at theend of thetunnel

JodieGrey

MynameisJodie.IwasdiagnosedwithOsteoarthritisat37 yearsold,itwasashocktomeasIalwaysthoughtArthritis wassomethingthatatonlyaffectedsomeonewhowas60+ Atthetimeofmydiagnoses,wehadanArthritisEducatorthat wouldcomeintomyGPspracticeonceaweek.Iwasbookedinto seeherandfoundoutalotaboutarthritisandwastoldabouta 20+supportgroupthatwasruninWhangarei.

Ididn’tattendthegroupasmuchasIwantedtobecauseIwas inaformofdenialaboutmycondition.Overthefollowingyears myarthritisgotworse.Mykneesweretheworst.Iwasstrugglingto walkandwasinsomuchpain.Ireconnectedwiththe20+support groupandstartedattendingthearthritisswimminggroupatour localpools.

ItgottothestagethatIneededtwokneejointreplacements, butnoorthopedicsurgeonwouldtouchmebecauseofmyage,as kneejointreplacementswereonlygiveninyour50sandIwastoo young.Icouldn’twalkrelyingheavilyoncrutches.Iwasinsomuch painandmykneejointswereboneonbone.

Iwasfinallyreferredtoanorthopedicsurgeoninthehospital whowasamazing.Lightattheendofthetunnel!Onmyfirst visitheapologizedtomefortheterribletimeIhadhadwiththe orthopedicsurgeons.Healsosaidthathavingsurgeryshouldnot bebasedonyouragebutonhowtheconditionwasaffectingmy qualityofllife.Ihadmyfirstkneejointreplacementaatheageof 46andmysecondonedoneattheageof47.

Iamnowanadvocateforarthritissupportingothers,asIfound throughmyexperiencethathavingsupportisveryimportant, whetheritbefromotherpeoplewitharthritisorthemedical profession.Arthritisisnotsomethingthatyoushoulddoonyour ownitaffectsyourlifeinabigway,sometimesinawaythatcan becomesoveryoverwhelming.

Lifewithoutlimitsistheaimof BlindLowVisionNZ

Everyday,anaverageofsixNew Zealander’sturntoBlindLowVisionNZ forsupportwithsightloss.

The organisationadvocatesfor accessible andinclusivecommunitiesbecausethey believe people with sightloss should be able togetaround publicspaceslikeany othermemberofthecommunity,accessthe same information, andpursuethe careerof their dreamswithoutunnecessarybarriers Age-relatedconditions inNew Zealand are risingasour populationages,so we also wantNewZealandtodobetterattakingeye health seriously

Thefourmostcommoneyediseasescausing blindnessandpartialsightareage-related maculardegeneration,diabeticretinopathy, glaucomaandcataracts.BlindLowVisionNZ helppeoplewhohavelimitedusefulsight, makingitchallengingtodosomeday-to-day tasksevenwiththebestcorrectivelenses.

Threequartersofthepeopletheyhelphave somevision(whichtheycalllowvision),and theremainderareblind.

BlindLowVisionNZisNewZealand’s leadingprovidingpracticalandemotional supportforpeoplewithvisionloss.Our visionrehabilitationarepersonalizedtomeet yourneedsandgoals,howeverbigorsmall. Clientscanregisteronlineoroverthephone togainaccesstoawiderrangeofsupport andresources.

BlindLowVisionNZofferculturalsupport forMāoriandPacificclientsandtheirWhānau,

communityandfriends,aswellasservicesto helpbusinessesandeducationalinstitutions caterforemployeesorstudentswhoareblind orhavelowvision.Someclientsexperience dualsensoryloss,sodeafblindservicesare alsoavailableanywhereinNewZealand BlindLowVisionNZhasanextensivelibrary, withcollectionsandservicesincludingthe EasyReaderappandtheAmazonAlexaEcho device.Helpwithdailylifeandtravelling aroundthecommunityisanimportantservice, includingtrainingwithacaneorguidedogon publicorprivatetransport.BlindLowVision

NZalsoprovidesadviceonmakingthemostof technologytohelpwithindependence. Ifyouhaveanyquestions,callourteamon 0800243333oremailgeneralenquiries@ blindlowvision.org.nz

Youwillfindusat: 277KamoRoad,Whangarei Phone094371199

OfficehoursMonday–Friday 9amto2pm Websitewww.blindlowvision.org.nz

Kyren Andrews

Light at theend of thetunnel

SteveBradley andGDArchie

Havinglivedalmost15yearswitha guidedog,Stevesaysthatguidedogs arehislife.

Stevedidn’talwaysfeelthiswaythough.He saysheinitially“rebelled”totheideaofgetting aguidedog,duetoacceptinghisvisionloss.

WhenStevewas16yearsold,hewas diagnosedwithglaucoma.Hesayshedidn’t paymuchattentiontoituntilabout15years agowhenhisvisionstartedtogetworse.

Agoodfriendofhissuggestedhegetaguide dog.IttookalotofconvincingtogetSteveto beopentotheidea.Nowhesayshewouldbe “deadinwaterwithoutaguidedog”

Steveandhisguidedogshavebeengoingto andfromhisplaceofworkatInlandRevenue inWhangāreiformanyyears.Theytravel frequentlyonplanestoo.

Asanactiveperson,Stevesayshewantsto beoutwalkingeverydayuntilhecan’twalk anymore.Hisguidedog,Archie,makesthat possibleforhim.

BeforeArchie,Stevehadtwootherguide dogs,CasperandHadley.Heexplainsthateach guidedogservedadifferentpurposeinthat pointinhislife.

Stevedescribeshowhefindsitdifficultin betweenguidedogsandhastogobackto usingawhitecane.Thattransitionperiod inbetweencanbetoughasheissousedto havingaguidedog.Hesaysnothingcompares tohavingaguidedog.

“Idon’twanttobewithoutaguidedogever” Steveexclaims.

NotonlydoesArchiehelpStevegetaround safely.ArchiealsogivesSteveaconfidence boost.Havingaguidedoghaschangedthe personSteveis.Havingasenseofsecuritythat Archieprovideshimwithallowshimtomove throughspaceswithconfidence.

StevesaysthatArchieisaverysocialand playfulpup

“Whenhehashisharnessonheiswellbehaved,withouthisharnesshe’sanutter”

Guidedogsarelikefamily,Stevesaystheir companionshipandtheirrelationshipishard toexplaininwords.

“Foraseriouslyvisuallyimpairedperson, aguidedogislikehavingacar.Puttingthe harnessonisliketurningthekeyinacar,it givesyoumobilityandyoucanessentially gotomostplaces.Thedifferencebetween havingadogandnothavingadogisasbig astheocean.”

• Ophthalmic EyeExaminations

• Cataract Extraction and lens implant

• Pterygium Excision plus conjunctivegraft

• Injection forwet age related Macular Degeneration

• Glaucoma treatment • Cataract surgery

FORALL DISEASES OF THE EYE

EyeSpecialists:

David Dalziel and Andrew Watts

Phone: 09-972 7022

12 Kensington Ave, Whangarei

Email:pceyes@xtra.co.nz

Website:www.bit.do/EyeCentre

TheBrain Injury Association

TheBraininjuryassociationNorthland isaNot-for-profitorganisationthat providessupportforpeoplelivingwith theeffectsofbraininjury.Supportisalso extendedtofamilymembersandcarers,or anyoneassociatedwiththeperson’scare,or rehabilitation.WecoverfromWellsfordtoCape ReingainthefarNorth.

TheeffectsofaBraininjuryonpeoplecan belifechanging-apersonmayhavememory loss,fatiguetonameafew.Personality changescanleadtorelationshipbreakdowns, lossofemployment,financialproblems,and homelessness.Theissuescanbeverycomplex andoftenthereisnoeasyfix.

Weofferpracticalsupport-tounderstand braininjuryanditseffects.Weprovidepeople withtheskillstocopeandnavigateduring thisoften-confusingtime.Wecanadvocateon client’sbehalfandmakesuretheyhaveaccess toappropriateservicesaswithabraininjury oftenfinditverydifficulttoengagewithsocial agencies,theycanbecomeoverwhelmedand oftengiveup.

Statisticstellusthat99peopleadaywill sustainsomeformofabraininjuryinNZ, thatisoneevery15minutes.Northland isoverrepresentedinthesestatistics. Braininjuryisoftenreferredtoasa“silent epidemic”or“Hiddeninjury”asoftenthereis

novisiblephysicalchangestoaperson.This meanstheclientsbehaviourisoftenbeing questionedwithoutlookingatthereason behindit.

Overthelastyear,ourorganisationhas seensomechanges.MandyForbeshasbeen appointedasOfficeManagerandFundraiser. Mandycomeswithanursingandbusiness background.BrendaWilliamshasalsojoined ourteamasaLiaisonOfficerworkingfulltime alongsideofourotherLiaisonOfficerVikki Herdman.Brendabringswithher27yearsof experienceintheHealthandDisabilitySector.

Theorganisationrunsmonthlysupport groupmeetingsforourclientsthroughout Northland.RegularsupportforCarer’sbevia Zoom.Wealsoproduceregularinformative newsletters.Wearecontinuallyraisingpublic awareness-wecanvisitschools,talkwith Communityorganisationsandweareinvolved inRoadsafetyeducationalprogrammes.We haverecentlyhostedaseminarforhealth professionals,aspartBrainAwarenessmonth andhopetodothisagain

actdetails: ess98CairnfieldRoad, Whangarei alPoBox4001,Kamo. Phone094595013 Emailnorthland@brain-injury.org.nz www.brain-injury.org.nz

Bennett &Associates

On left is Mandy Forbes officemanager &Brenda Williams Liaison officer

Light at theend of thetunnel

Maurice Lambert

MauriceLambertvivid sequenceofeventsl almightycollisionono heandhisbelovedHarleyD acreek.Thenitallwentblank

TheFarNorth58-year-old washeadinghomefromwork 4WDpulledoutinfrontofhim

“Hesuddenlyshootsacross therewasabsolutelynowher himonthedriver’sdoorand handlebars.Thebikewasatta 4WD,Iwasstillattachedtom myhipswrappedaroundthe stillacceleratingbecause,by unconscious.”

Theydidn’tdisconnectunti wentoverabridgeandMaur endedupinacreek

“Iwokeupinthedrainan alreadyturnedmybikeoffand toanambulancedriver,”her brokenleg,smashedshould injury.

“IkindofwishIcouldn’tr prettyscary.”

HewastakentoKaitaiaHospitalandbeing preparedtobeambulancedtoWhangārei, whenhestoppedbreathingandwasrevivedtherescuehelicopterwascalledinstead.

Mauricenowhasatitaniumrightshoulder sohasbecomeleft-handed,andhaslearntto copewithhisbraininjury.TheStopSmoking practitionerforTeHikuHauoraneedsregular

breaksfromhiscomputer,iseasily-distracted andforgetful

“Iavoidmycomputerand,whenIstartto feelfatigue,Igoandhavealiedownandjust closemyeyesandthenI’mgoodasgold,”says theformertruckdriverwhofoughtfatiguefor 30years.

edtheoldpremature aughs.“BecauseI’m things.I’llwalkdownthe forgetwhyI’vegonethere acemysteps.Ihaveto s,socks,socks’,allthe mywifewillcallfromthe adtocopewithMaurice’s earlydays,takinga meachother.Thesedays, Mauricegettingtetchy,she liedown wasgettingoutofhand. upwithmywhingingand heresothebreakwasa ingtobethewayIused ngtogetbetterbutI’m agreatsupportgroupwith ssociationofNorthlandand hereareindirestraitsso tobewhereIamnow ortfrommyclinical apistsandworkcolleagues help tandthatIdon’thaveto beexactlyhowIwasbeforetheaccident.Iam enough,Iamstillalive,Iamverygrateful.”

Maurice,whosesixsonsarerugbyplayers, hasrediscoveredhisloveofreffingbuthasn’t beensoquicktogetbackonhisHarley.

“IdecidedI’mnotquitereadyyet.My Harley’sstillbentupbutIstartitupfromtime totimeandit’sstillgotthatlovelyrumble.”

CCSDisability Action

CCSDisabilityActionisthelargest pan-disabilitysupportandadvocacy organisationinNewZealand.Wehave along,proudhistoryofworkingin partnershipwithdisabledpeople,families andwhānautoprovidededicatedand flexiblesupportservices.

Aswellascreatingindividuallytailored supports,weworkincommunitiesto identifyandremovebarrierssothatall peoplecanleadpositiveandconnected lives.Wealsoadvocateforlocaland nationalpoliciesthatensurethatdisabled people’srightsareupheld.

Whatweoffer

Ourmodelisbasedonputtingpeoplefirst andfindingwaystosupportthechoicesthey wanttomakeandthelivesthattheywantfor themselves.

AtCCSDisabilityAction,webelievethat allpeoplehavetherighttobeincludedin theircommunitiesandenjoythesamerights andopportunitiesthateveryNewZealander mightexpect.

Theseservicesinclude:

•Arangeofrespiteoptionsdesignedto provideabreakforfamiliesandapositive andrewardingexperienceforyourchild.

•CommunitySupportCoordinatorswho provideadvocacyandsupporttoremove

•Supporttoaccesspaidandsustainable employmentbyprovidingindividualised supportforpotentialemployeesand employers.

•Ongoingvocationalsupportservicetoassist disabledpeopletoparticipateintraining, workorcommunityactivities.

•Providingongoingsupport,informationand optionsforyoungpeoplepreparingtoleave schoolforfurtherstudyoremployment

•Workinginpartnershipwithdisabledpeople tosupportthemtoleadindependentlives. Weprovidecommunity-basedsupportand supportpeopletotransitionfromresidential careintotheirownhome.

•AKarangaMahagroupwhosupportpeople ofMāoriandPacificIslanddescentto engagewiththeirownculturalidentitiesand developpersonalleadership

•Administeringthemobilityparkingservice inNorthland,supportingpeopletoparkin accessiblespacesinthecommunity

anybarrierstoaccessingthequality educationofyourchoice.

•Adedicatedyouthteamwhocan offertailoredsupportwitheducation, employmentandcanconnectyouwith friends,youthgroupsandyourcommunity

080002272255

Northland@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz Webwww.ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz

CCSDisability Action is apan-disability organisation, which supports people with awide range of impairments.

Light at theend of thetunnel

eroom

MingMingEdgarlightsuparoomwith aninfectiousenergy.The32-year-old hailsfromDargavilleanddescribes elfasoutgoingand‘upforanything’ Mingisblindbuthasyettomeeta calinstrumentthathecan’tmaster. ’sapassionthatbeganwhenhewasjust t.

lovedlisteningtomusic,soIthoughtI dgivepianoago.Ihadlessonsforalong me.Iplaypiano,violin,drumsandIalsosing ddance.”hesays.

MingMingplaysfortheresidentsofthe hospiceonceaweekaswellasregional ents.“It’simportanttomethatIgiveback opledoseemtolikemymusic,soitIenjoy heexplains.

nessisanotherpassion.Hehasbeen erliftingsincehewas16andisaregular ureonthelocalcompetitivecircuit.He’s otrainingforhalfmarathonandisalso lycompetitiveinAikedo

“Weareonlyhereonearthonce,soyou tomakethemostofeveryopportunity dadventurethatcomesyourway,”explains Ming.

TheonlythingmissinginMingMing’slifeis aidjob,somethinghehasbeenworking

towardsforsometime.CommunitySupport CoordinatorforCCSDisabilityAction,Phillip Campbellrecentlycameonboardtotryand helpMingMingmakethisareality

MingMinghashisCVatthereadyandoften door-knocksatlocalbusinessestoseeifthere areanyunadvertisedvacancies.

“MingMingisanincrediblepersonand wouldbeanawesomeadditiontoanyteam –particularlyinanyworkthat’scustomerfacing.It’satrueprivilegetoworkwithhim HehasthistremendousenergyandIwant totakethisanduseitinmyworkwithhim. I’mdeterminedtohelphimfindarolethat matcheshispurposeanddriveinlife,”Phillip explains.

BothagreethatMingMing’son-the-jobsupportneedsaren’tanydifferenttonondisabledpeople.WithhisSupportWorker onhandtohelphimnavigateanynew environments,he’shopinghe’llfindsomeone willingtogivehimagosoon.

“Someoneneedstosnapmeup!”A sentimentthatishardtodisagreewith,even afteronlyashorttimeinMingMing’scompany

“I lovedlisteningtomusic, so Ithought Iwould give pianoago. Ihad lessonsfor alongtime. Iplaypiano, violin, drums andIalso singand dance.”

Looking forafamily home?

Choosing therightschoolisjust as important as choosingthe right home.

OneRoof Suburbs gives youdetailed information on schools in thearea, so youcan make an informed decision when choosing your next familyhome.

Find therightschool in theright suburb at www.oneroof.co.nz/suburb

Deaf Aotearoa

DeafAotearoaistheDisabledPersons’ Organisationrepresentingthevoiceof Deafpeople,andthenationalservice providerforDeafpeopleinNewZealand. Itis alsotheNewZealand-representativemember organisationoftheWorldFederationoftheDeaf

DeafAotearoa’sservicesareavailablefrom13 officesnationwide,includingNorthland. These servicesinclude:

FirstSigns

Connectingfamilieswhohaveadeaforhardof hearingchildaged0-5,withNewZealandSign Language,theDeafcommunityandDeafculture.

Youth

EngagingwithDeafyouthandpromoting positiveDeafidentityandleadershipinyoung Deafpeople.

Hauora

Aservicefocusedonimprovinglivesand supportingindependence,including coordinatingaccesstootherservicesand assistivetechnology.

Employment

Aspecialistemploymentservicefordeafand hardofhearingpeople,offeringatransition serviceforschoolleavers,pre-employment support,job-seeking,andsupporting employersofDeafstaff

NZSLPromotion

ThisincludesAdult CommunityEducation fortheDeafcommunity, tailoredDeafAwareness andNZSLcourses forbusinessesand organisations.NZSL isalsoparticularlypromotedduringNew ZealandSignLanguageWeek

NZSLWeek

NewZealandSignLanguageWeekisheld eachyearinMay.Thisyearitisbeingheld fromMonday,10thMaytoSunday16thMay 2021.Tasterclassesareavailabletoregisterfor organisations,businessesandschools.Keep aneyeoutforourNZSLWeekHeroes!

iSign

iSignisanationwideNewZealandSign Languageinterpreterbookingservice.

Translation

NZSLTranslationprovidesaccessand participationfortheDeafCommunityby providingclearcommunicationsforthose whoseprimarylanguageisNewZealandSign Language.Providingaccesstoyourinformation inNZSLmeansDeafpeoplecanbebetter informedaboutyourinformationorservices.

DeafAotearoaalsoworkstoadvocateforthe Deafcommunity,engagingwithgovernment departmentsandotheragenciestoimprove accessforDeafpeople.

DeafAotearoa Address1ADeveronStreet,Whangarei OpenMondaytoThursday9am-4pm andFridaybyappointment Phone0800332322

Webwww.deaf.org.nz Serviceenquiriesandurgentsupport duty@deaf.org.nz

Light at theend of thetunnel

RobynOgatau

TheworkwedointheNorthisvery variedandweneverknowfromoneday tothenextwhatwemaybeaskedto helpoutwith.

RecentlyanexstaffmemberfromDeaf Aotearoacametotheofficetoaskforhelp RobynmovedtoNuieIslandwithherhusband over12yearsagoasitwashishomeland andtheywantedtolivethere.Robynisvery involvedwiththecommunitylifeontheisland wheretheylive.

Overtheyearsshehadbecomefriendlywith VetSashaFarrfromRockVetswhohadbeen visitingregularlytogiveveterinarycaretothe islandanimals.Theyhavealsobeentryingto assistwiththecatanddogpopulationwhich isoutofcontrolanddecimatingthewildbird life.DuetoCovid,theVetsarenowunableto makeregularvisitstoNuie.Overthelastfew monthsRobynandSashahavebeenliaisingto haveRobyndosometrainingtoenableherto microchipanimalsonherislandtocontrolthe breedingofthecatsanddogs.

Robyncametotheofficetoaskfor assistancetobookaninterpreter.SheisaNZ Citizenbutnotapermanentresidenthere eventhoughshetravelstoNZoftentoseeher motherandfamilyandvisitthefamilyhome.

InitiallyIapproachedthebookingagent forinterpreters-iSign.AsRobynwasnota permanentresidentherethefundingwas declined.IthenapproachedWorkbridgeinthe

capacityoftrainingfunds tocovertheinterpreting costsbutasRobynwas notgoingtogointopaid work(herworkontheislandisvoluntary)she wasdeniedfundingherealso

MythirdoptionwasWorkandIncomebut theyadvisedwehadtherighttoapplybutas theircriteriaalsostated‘permanentresidency’ itwouldlikelybedeclinedandtherewould alsobea5weekwaitinglisttohaveadecision.

IthenapproachedVISServiceandwhilst thiswouldhavebeenanoptionitwasdecided thatbecausethetrainingwasover3fulldays, theavailabilityofinterpretersandthelackofa suitablescreenandlinktowifiintheVeterinary surgerythismaynotbethebestoption.

Ire-approachediSignandafterfurther discussionsitwasdecidedthatifIcouldget prooffromtheNZHighCommissionerthatthe workRobynwastrainingforcouldbejustified andtherewasproofofthisthentheymaybe abletohelp.Imadeseveraltelephonecalls toSasha(averybusyperson!)andfinallywe wereabletosecurealetterfromtheHigh Commissioner.ThiswasrelayedtoiSignwho werethenabletoprovideinterpretersforthe3 daytrainingandafterthisSashathenprovided mewithphotosofaveryhappyRobyn.

ThisisoneexampleofthewayDeaf Aotearoaprovidesinformationandadvocacy theDeafpeopleinNewZealandand sometimesfurtherabroad.

How does it work?

iSign interpretingservices areprovided in every setting, including:

• health

• disability support services

• governmentagencies, eg: Work &Income,ACC

• schools

• legalappointments

• work places

• conferences

• socialevents, eg: family reunions, churches, funerals, tangi and weddings.

RobynOgatau at the Rock Vets in Auckland completing her training

By Glennis Walkinshaw (previous Northland Facilitator forDeaf Aotearoa)

NorthlandDownSyndrome SupportGroup Charitable Trust

AdiagnosisofDownsyndr hethe duringpregnancyorbir shock.Weareavailablet havehadarecentdiagnosis.We judgmental,supportivelistene

Long-timevolunteerKathy Downsyndromecansometime extrachallengesthatparentsm expecting.Around40%ofbabies syndromearebornwithsome conditionthatrangefrommild Thankfullythingshavechanged forthebettersincehersonhad 28yearsago.Wecanhelppare understandtheimplicationstha childwithDownsyndromema theirfamilyandtoconnectthem familiesiftheywish.

The supportgroup uses ar differentmedia tokeepintouc Northland DownSyndromeS Facebookpageisagoodway toconnectwitheachother,as being avaluable resourcewith uptodate informationonDownsyndrome.

OurGreatM8ssocialgroupforyoung adultsmeetsfortnightlyforsocialoutings suchasTenPinbowling,minigolf,dinners, artsandcraftsandgamesnights.

Monthlygymsessionsheldatthe WhangareiAcademyofGymnasticsarealso popularforallfamilymembersofpeople withDownsyndrome.Thechildrenandtheir

siblingsenjoytheactivitiesandtheparents enjoythesocialnetworkingopportunities andsharingsuccesses.

The NDSGT aimstosupportECE centres,schools,and trainingcentres/ tertiarycollegesworking with learners withDownsyndrome.Weprovide professionaldevelopment days,learning

TIMETO

With astrong understanding of how challenging it is to have a medically fragilechild, Ifeel the importance of giving back to the community to support other families in need and Idonate a portion of every sale ImaketoKindHands Respite Cottage.

021 101 9232 |0800 448 176 steph.porowini@independentagent.co.nz www.stephanieporowini.co.nz 35 Rathbone St, Whangarei CBD 0110

ramstailored toastudent’sneedsand tworking opportunitiessharingideas dgoodpracticewith otherteachers. lso havea wide rangeofeducational oks,readingprogrammes andnumeracy urcestoloan.

OurNorthlandfamiliescelebrateWorld DownSyndromeDay21stMarch.In2021our ofRocksLoopWalkwasheld. Around families,supportersandcommunity berscametogether,dressedinour loursPurpleandOrange,tocelebrate walktheHateaLoop.Childrenhadfun placingdecoratedrockswhiletheywalked oundtheLoop.Unfortunately,thisyear tocovidwewereunabletoholdour wecelebratedinsteadonourNDSSG bookpage importantroleforthesupportgroup promoteandadvocateforpositive tudesinthewidercommunity,topromote ightsandinclusionofpeoplewithDown dromeandtoraisepublicawareness

Generalenquiries02108143744

Emailksadgrove@xtra.co.nz

Schoolsenquiries02108224584

EmailNorthlandDSSG@gmail.com

Webwww.NorthlandDSSG.org

FacebookNorthlandDownSyndrome SupportGroup

Light at theend of thetunnel

LucasBalsalubre

LucasBalsalubre’sentranceintothe worldwasanythingbutordinary.Hisfirst daysearthsideshowedclearlythathe’s afighter.Afterbirththroughanemergency c-section,Lucasthenbattleddilatedkidneys,a holeinhisheartandhighthyroidfunctionfor 20daysintheneonatalunit.Butdespitethe trials,Celyn,Lucas’smothersaysatnowtwoand-a-halfyears,allhersondoesis“lightup theroomwhereverhegoes.”

AdiagnosisofDownSyndromeisastressful timeforexpectantparents,somethingCelyn experiencedearlyinherpregnancywithLucas. At12weeks,herselfandherhusbandweretold thattheirunbornchildwashighriskforDown syndrome.Theremainderofthepregnancy wasspentatscansthatdiscoveredsomething wrongeachtime

Celynsaysshefearedshemaynotaccept herchildduringherpregnancy,butwhenshe clappedeyesonhernew-bornson,shereflects, “itwasjustpurelovethatIfelt.”

Sincethen,Celynhaskeptinvolvedwith NorthlandDownSyndromeSupportGroup andsaysseeingthestoriesofotherparentsof Downsyndromechildrenhasbeenreassuring.

By Brodie Stone

“Justseeingtheirkidsthrive,thathelpedus alot.WerealisedLucascanthriveaswell.”

Butithasn’talwaysbeeneasy.Lastyear, LucaswashospitalisedwithRespiratory SyntacticalVirus(RSV),fightinginWhangarei Hospitalfor12days,oxygentubeandall.But sincethen,hisjourneyhasbeensmooth.

“Bubbly,funandloving”Lucasishitting milestoneswellandattendingvarious therapiesthathaveenabledhimtothrive.

Hecontinuestoflourishwithsupportfrom theNorthlandDownSyndromeSupportGroup, theirlocalchurchgroup,theFilipinocommunity, friends,andfamily.Itmightbeacliché,butthe term‘ittakesavillage’veryclearlyappliestothe

lifeofthisextraordinarylittleboy

Thefuturelooksbrightforherson,and Celyn’shopesforhimarethathereacheshis maximumpotential,“whateverthatis.”

“Inhislittlewayshewillbeabletoimpart somethingtotheworld,”saysCelyn,“wewant hisstorytoinspirepeople,especiallyfamilies withdisabledchildren.”

WHEN: Friday 2nd December2022 10am -2pm

WHERE: To be confirmed, advertised in November 2022

Lucas, Mum Celyn, Dad Jerico

EpilepsySupport Group

JustbeingabletogetonwithLife withEpilepsybeingnomorethana backgroundconsideration.Sowhat doesthismeanforthepersondiagnosedand livingwithEpilepsyduringapandemic?

Livingawell-balancedlifeseemstobe turnedonitsheadwiththeadventofCOVID andOmicronandtheimpactasaresultishard.

Formanytheoverwhelmingfeelingsofnot beingabletocope,increasinganxiety,fear, andsocialisolation,tonameafewwereall influencingfactorshavingasignificantimpact onhealthandwellbeing.

Covidrestrictionsalsomeantmanydidnot accessthehealthcaresystemswhenneeded. Dealingwitheverydaystressandchallenges appearedtobeexhaustingleavingonewith littletimeandenergyforothers

Epilepsycanimpactonpeoplewithepilepsy andwhanauindifferentways.Everyoneisinit together,yeteveryoneexperiencesitdifferently.

Relationshipswereoftenstretchedduring thedifferentCovidlevelswithwhanau experiencingarangeofmixedfeelingsin havingtonavigatethesystem.

Thestressandpressureofhavingtonavigate healthcare,cancelledappointments,ornot beingabletoseetheirregularGP.Inaddition, theimpactoffeedingwhanau,housing,and financialconstraints

AsanEducator,oneofthemostimportant areasneededtoaddresswasoptimumseizure controlandmedicationmanagement

Havinganadequatesupplyofmedicationon hand,forpeopleinruralareasorthoseneeding toisolateafterexposureorinfection.

Theawarenessofpotentialtriggersforstress andanxietyleadingtoincreasedsevereSeizures

EnsuringthepersonwithEpilepsyand whanauwereinformedwiththemostaccurate uptodatevaccineandepilepsymanagement informationpossiblewasimportant

WorkingcollaborativelywithotherServices withintheregionsofNorthlandwasessentialin meetingtheneedsofpeoplewithepilepsyand theirwhanau.

ForthepersonwithEpilepsyknowingthe peopleouttheremadeadifferenceinhelping togetaperspectiveonthechallengesor problemsfaced.

Northlandseemstohaveresurfacedwith theliftingofcertainrestrictionsandthefeeling ofsomenormalityisreturning.Lifegoesonand asthesayinggoesthereisalightattheendof thetunnel.

ContactDetails

AddressLeveloneupstairs CivicArcade,37BankStreet,Whangarei Phone(09)4385498

Freephone0800374537

Hours8.30am–4.30pm Monday-Friday

Emailnorthland@epilepsy.org.nz Webwww.epilepsy.org.nz

Light at theend of thetunnel

Epilepsyhas changed Estelle’slifeimmensely.

“Before2001,Ihadfreedom.NowIhavestigma,fear,embarrassmentandrestrictions.”

Estellebelievesshestartedhaving ‘Absenceseizures’asachildafterhitting herhead.Thisstoppedafterawhile.But itwasnotuntilshewas35,thatshehadafullblownTonic-Clonicseizureonedayatwork Eventuallyshewasdiagnosedwithepilepsy andputonmedication.“Bothhaveslowed medown,andcausedsomememoryand concentrationproblems,”tellsEstelle,now56.

“Ithasnotbeeneasy.Foryears,Ididn’t acceptthatIhadepilepsy.There’salotof peoplethatIhaven’ttoldbecauseIwas embarrassed.Itjustrockedmesomuch,Iwent throughallthedifferentemotions,aswellas self-pity

“Iwasafraidofthestigmaattachedtoitand afraidofgoingintopublicplacesincaseIhada seizure.It’salwaysinthebackofmymindifI’m goingtohaveaseizureornot,and,ifIdo,what willthatbelikeforthepeopleI’mwith.”

Estelle’sseizurescanbecontrolledby hermedicationbutappeartobeassociated withstress

Shedescribes:“Havingaseizureisvery disorientatingandhardonmybodyandI’m oftenleftbruisedandvery-tired.

“Perhapsonethehardestthingsformeare thedrivingrestrictions,asithastakenaway someofmyfreedomand,attimes,Ihaveto relyonothers.”

JoiningtheEpilepsyNorthlandsupport

grouphashelpedmeimmensely,saysEstelle. “Itissuchakind,supportiveandunderstanding group.Seeinghowotherpeoplecope,their acceptanceandbeingabletotalkabout epilepsyhashelpedmeopenupmoreaboutmy condition,afterdenyingitforaverylongtime.

“Havingasenseofhumourhelpstoo. GraduallyfeelingshavechangedandIhave becomemoreaccepting.

“ButwhatIwantpeopletoknowisthat,as muchasthemedicalsideofmehaschanged, theothersidehasn’t,I’mstillme.”

Estelle Graham

Huntingt Associati

TheHuntington’sDiseaseAssocia (Auckland)Inciscurrentlyworking 900+peoplelivingwithsymptoms, riskofdevelopingsymptoms,ofHunt DiseaseintheAucklandandNorthlan regions.Withthehardworkanddedicat oftheManager,JoDysartandCheenee Mandawe(Supportworker),theysuppo thecarers,familymembers,GP’s,med specialists,andotheragenciestosupport peoplewithHuntington’s.

FamilyLiaisonService

OurprofessionalstaffareHuntington Disease(HD)specialistswhohelpfamilies andprofessionalsrespondtotheunique challengesofHD.Theclientsofthe IndividualandFamilyServicesprogramme arethepersonlivingwithHD,theircaregivers andfamilymembersincludingpeopleatrisk

SupportService

Jo Dysart,CEO/Manager

race.Primarily,HDaffectsadults.Symptoms usuallyappearbetweentheagesof35and 45butthereisJuvenileHDwhichappearsin childrenandlateonsetHDinadultsintheir60’s

WhataretheSymptoms?

Therearethreemaintypesofsymptomsin Huntington’sdisease:physicalsymptoms includinginvoluntarymovementsand diminishedcoordination;emotional symptomsincludingdepression,irritability, andobsessiveness;andcognitivesymptoms, includinglossofabilitytorecallinformation,loss ofattentionanddifficultywithdecisionmaking.

Thestaffprovideserviceswhichinclude:

•Assessingpeople’sneedsthroughone-tooneconsultation’s

•EducatingclientsaboutHD

•Givinginformationaboutcommunityservices

•Findingsourcesofsupport

•Facilitatingappropriatereferralsandthen followingup.

Theservicecaninvolvesettinggoalswith theclients,strategizingandsolutionfocused problemsolving,eitherworkingindividually withclientsoringroups.

thoselivingwithHD,theircarer’saswellasthe supportagenciesandmedicalprofessionals. InformationrangesfromsymptomologyofHD tohowtomanagethesymptoms.

WhatisHuntington’sdisease?

Huntington’sdiseaseisahereditary neurodegenerativedisordercausedbyand expunctionintheIT-15,orHuntington’sgeneon chromosome4.Eachchildofanaffectedparent hasa50%chanceofdevelopingthedisease. MostpeoplewithHDdevelopsymptomsin theirfortiesandfiftiesalthougharound10%of patientshaveonsetofsymptomsbeforeage20 and10%haveonsetafterage60.

WhoGetsIt?

Huntington’sisageneticdisorder.About sixinevery100,000peoplehasHD.Itisnot discriminativecanaffectbothsexesandany

HDCommunityConnectors

Weareprivilegedtoworkalongsideclinical expertsandDHB’sofferingamulti-disciplinary teamapproachtotheindividualsandfamily/ whanauaffectedbyHD.Alongwiththiswehave tightlinkswiththeAucklandUniversityCentre forBrainResearchandourPatronSirRichard Faull.Wethereforehaveongoingupdateson clinicalresearchandresearchtohelpdevelop treatmentsandoneday,acure.

ContactDetails

AddressPOBox16181,Sandringham Auckland1351

Phone0800432825

Mobile0274328255

Emailhuntingtonsakld@xtra.co.nz Webhdauckland.org

Light at theend of thetunnel

Kate Ke

For30-year-oldKateKey,therewasalways a50percentchanceshewouldhave Huntington’sDisease.Havingwatchedher motherendurethecripplingsymptoms,she wantedtoprepareforherfuturesotookthe testassoonasshecould.

Shewas22whenshetestedpositiveforthe hereditaryneurodegenerativedisorderwhich eachchildofanaffectedparenthasa50per centchanceofdeveloping.

“Goingintotesting,Iwas50/50intermsof howIfelt,Iwasn’tleaningtoeitherway,”she reveals.“Iwasupsetbutalsorelievedbecause I’mthesortofpersonthatneedstoknow.It wasn’ttheresultIwouldhavewantedbutit meansIcanmakeaplan.”

Kate’smumkeptherowndiagnosisonthe down-low.Herfather,who’dpassedaway whenshewas16,hadHuntington’s,soshe tookthetestassoonasitbecameavailablein 1995.However,withnoapparentsymptoms, whichcommonlydevelopduringone’s30s,she carriedonwithlife.Itwasn’tuntilshewas45 thattheybegantomanifest.

“InoticedmymumstartedchangingwhenI wasaround16butshedidn’ttellmeshehadit untilIwas21.Shewasquitesecretiveandthink shewasjusttryingtoprotectusandalsoalittle bitindenial,”explainsKate

“Mum’ssymptomsstartedoffwithslurred speechandshewasalittlebitclumsyand emotionalbutitwasquiteeasytohidethat. She’salsoquiteeccentricsoitkindofwent alongsidethosesymptomsbut,astimewent

insightintotheroadahead.

t’sagradualprocessandnormally, youstart,thelifeexpectancyisabout o15yearsandmum’spast15now. s61.Itstartsoffslowlyandthere’llbe ing,stumbling,lossofco-ordination dswallowingcanbecomedifficult.Froma gnitivepointofview,it’smoremoodswings dshort-termmemorygoesandthenit’s tbeingabletotalksomymumcanonly yacoupleofwords.Shecanstillwalkabit smostlychairandbed-bound.She’svery bornthough.”

expected,Kate’sownoutlookonlifehas changed.

planthingsabitmore,whereasbefore ookitforgrantedthatIwouldbearound verasmostofusdoso,whenIfoundout, sabitofawake-upcallhowimportant tomakethemostofwhatyouhaveand ensureIdidmostofthethingsIwantedto.But, sayingthat,Ican’treallyplanforthefuture haveplannedshort-termandhowIwantmy olook.”

onandotherpeoplestartedaskingifshe’d hadafewdrinks,Inoticedthatsomething wasn’tquiteright.Iwasstartingtoputpressure onher,askingquestions,andthenthe Huntington’sAssociationspokewithmumand encouragedhertotellmeandmybrother.Igot testedwhenIwas22,”shesays,addingthather brotheroptednotto.

WhileKatehasn’texperiencedsymptoms yet,watchinghermum’sdeclinehasgivenher

Thisinvolvedmarryingherlong-time partner,honeymooning,buyingahouseand havingkidsthroughIVF,allinher20s.

“Asmuchasyoutrytobepositive,thereis thisweightonmyshouldersbutItrynotto thinkaboutittoomuch.Iwon’tbearound aslongasIcanforthekidsbutwemakethe mostofthistimewehavetogether,thoughI keephopingforapreventativeorprolonging treatmentinthemeantime.”

Partner Rob, son Jackson and Kate

Muscular Dystrophy

AboutUs

TheMuscularDystrophyAssociationofNew ZealandInc.(MDANZ)beganinthelate1950’s asasupportgroupforfamiliesaffectedby musculardystrophy.Sincethen,MDANZhas broadeneditsscopetoincludemanyother neuromuscularconditions

Ourlogoisapersonshownintheformof DNA.Thisdoublehelixrepresentsthegenetic componenttomanyofourconditionsand reflectsourcommitmenttofamiliesandthe acknowledgementofwhakapapaorfamily histories,whicharewoventhroughthestories ofourmembers.Ouruniquegovernance structureensuresleadershipoftheorganisation byindividualsorfamilymemberswithlived experienceofacondition.

Wehavethreeregionalbranches-Northern, Central,andSouthIsland-thataresupported bythenationalofficebasedinAuckland. MDANZsupportsindividuals,familiesand whānaubyprovidingspecialistinformation, practicalresources,personalisedsupport andFieldworkerservices,socialnetworks, campaignsforpublicawarenessandadvocacy. Andthroughourresearchtrust,weworkto

MDANZNationalBranchContact

Phone0800800337(MDNSupport) Emailinfo@mda.org.nz Websit .mda.

improvecarestandardsand accesstopotentialtreatment neuromuscularconditions.

Ourorganisationisaregis charityandwerelyalmoste voluntarydonationsfromth public,trustsandotherbus organisationstocontinueou

WhatareNeuromuscular Conditions?

Neuromuscularconditionis umbrellatermthatdescribes varietyofmuscledisorders. conditionscoveredbyMDANZ arerareandmostlygenetic. Progressivemusclewasting leadstolossofmobilityand independence,andthere areoftenmajorimpactson systems,whichcanresultin lossoflife.Symptomscana atbirthorforothersnotuntil laterinlife.Theseconditions beunpredictableandthere arelimitedtreatmentoptions.

Mike@mdn.

•Scooters •Mobility aids

•Bathroom aids •Competitive pricing For allyourMobility & Daily LivingAid Requirements 84D KerikeriRoad, Kerikeri In The Service Lane opposite Bunnings Trade Entrance Ph: 09 4076701 or 027 4468545 email: kerimobility@yahoo.co.nz www.kerimobility.co.nz

Light at theend of thetunnel

Rone

Havingadegenerativecondition slowedmotherofthreeRonelleB ambition.

Thecareer-focusednewly-appoint Northlandersimplyfindswaystoadap livingwithmusculardystrophy

Musculardystrophyisahereditaryc whichisdegenerative-meaningitgets worsewithageasmuscleswasteawa time.Progressiveweakness,fatigueand painarecommonsymptoms.Ronelle thethirdgenerationofherfamilywith rarefacioscapulohumeralmusculardys (FSHD)which,forher,wasdiagnosed agedeight

Sherecallsherchildhoodasfairlyor andsaysshewasanactivekidwhoplayed netball.TheslowprogressionofFSHD shelosttheabilitytowalkthroughout and40sbeforetransitioningtoapower wheelchair

“NowthatI’vereached50,andahigherlevel ofmobilityimpairment,it’smorechallenging,” saysRonelle,whocelebratedhermilestone birthdayinApril.

However,hercareerhasthrived,including roleswithWaitemataDistrictHealthBoard, AucklandCouncil,theMuscularDystrophy AssociationofNewZealandaschiefexecutive andhercurrentpositionasanAccessibility Advisorforthenextcensus

“Iamtechnology-competent,thoughIam startingtolosestrengthinmyarmssoalittle

bitofadaptationisneeded,”shesays.“Ihave anergonomicallyset-updeskandnowwork mainlyfromhome.

“Thegreatthingaboutthisroleisit’smade itpossibletoleaveAucklandandlivein Northland,”saystheOneTreePointresident. “It’slovelyandIhavegoodaccesstolocal spaces.WegotanewpuppyinJanuarysoI’m justreallyenjoyingmywhānauandpetsand reconnectingwithwhakapapa.Welovebeing inthenorth.”

Havingwitnessedfamilymembers experienceFSHD,Ronellehadafairideaof howtheconditionwoulddevelop,soshehas arnttoadaptasherbodychanges.

“Whenyou’vebeenaworkingmumandit’s beenyourroletopickupthekidsfromschool andcooktea,thatwasalwaysmyrole,and nowit’smyhusband’s.Iamnowthemain ead-winnerasIhavefocusedonmycareer velopment.

“Iambringinghomethebacon,sotospeak, andnowmyhusbandcooksthebacon.”

However,shemissesthefreedomofbeing abletodocertainthings.

“It’stheeverydaythingsImiss,likebeing abletokickoffmyshoesandwalkalong thebeach,cookformyfamily,ortakea spontaneoustrip.I’mrightnearthebeachbut Ican’tgetdowntothesandeasilyorswim–I haven’tswumforatleastadecade.

“Mystrongestmessageistofigureoutwhat’s importanttoyouandfocusonthosethings. Forme,it’smywhānau,myoverallwellbeing andcontributingtothecommunitywhile havingasatisfyingcareerandIachievethese thingsregardlessofthefactIuseapowered wheelchairandamlosingabilityeveryday.”

“Everyone’sgenerous support hasallowedme to strivetobethe bestinreal estate and also be asuper women formyfamily.It’sa privilege Itakegreat pride in and to passonyour support Iproudly donate$250 from everysale completed withmetoMuscular DystrophyNZ”

JessBarnes 027695 8330 jess.barnes@bayleys.co.nz

Ronelle and her husband BevanatMarsden Cove

MNDNewZealand KiaoraandWelco

KiaOra.MNDNewZealandisheretohelp andsupportpeoplewithMotorNeurone Diseaseandthosewhocareforthem.We concentrateonthreekeyactivities:

•ProvidingsupporttopeoplelivingwithMND andthosewhocareforthem

•Providingcommunityeducationand awareness

•Promote,identifyanddevelopresearch opportunities,includingtheNewZealand MNDRegistry.

BasicFacts

Motorneuronedisease(MND)isthename giventoagroupofcloselyrelateddisorders thataffectthemotorneurones.Motor neuronesarenervecellsthatcontrolthe voluntarymovementofmuscles.

Degenerationofthemotorneuronesresult inprogressivemusclewastingandweakness becausethenervesupplytothemusclesis impaired.

Thiscausesprogressivelossofmobility inthelimbs,anddifficultieswithspeech, swallowing,andbreathing.Theprogression variessignificantlyfrompersontoperson.The mostcommontypeofMNDisAmyotrophic LateralSclerosis,orALS.Insomecountries, includingNorthAmerica,MNDiscalledALS.

KeyFacts

•MNDisanuncommon,butbynomeansrare disease.

•MNDaffectspeoplefromallcommunities

•SlightlymorementhanwomengetMND.

•Aperson’slifetimeriskofdevelopingMNDis upto1in300.

•MostpeoplewithMNDlivefor20to48 monthsaftersymptomsbegin.Fivetoten percentofpeoplewithMNDliveforten yearsormore.

NewZealandStatistics

•InNewZealandanaverageof144people* arediagnosedwithMNDeveryyear

•Approximately400peopleinNewZealand arelivingwithMND

•Worldwide,4to5millionpeoplenowalive todaywilldiefromMND.

•ThemedianageofonsetofMNDinNew Zealandis67yearsold*.

•35%ofpeoplewithMNDinNewZealandare agedunder65.

•58%ofpeoplewithMNDinNewZealandare male.42%arefemale.

•EachyearMNDcausesthedeathsofan averageof120peopleinNewZealand.

SallyKing SupportAdvisor Northland ruly appreciateit when Iaminvited walk alongside lk fora while. Whakawhetaiki akoe.

WorkdaysMonday-Thursday

Phone0272028166or092803196

Webwww.mnd.org.nz

Email:sally.king@mnd.org.nz

Forall thelatest listings in Northland, be sure to pick up your copy today Get your copy today!

É EveryThursdayinthe Northern Advocate

É Every Fridayinthe NewZealand Herald

É Or in one of our100+dropboxesbetween Whangaparaoa and Kaitaia

Scott Arrol Chief ExecutiveofMND NewZealand receives an icychallenge, raising funds to support those impactedby MND.

Light at theend of thetunnel

When we gotmarried, we saidin sickness andin health

MotorNeuroneDisease(MND)is commonlyregardedasoneofthe mostchallengingdiseasestolivewith. Itisadegenerativedisease,wherethemotor neurones,thenervecellsthatcontrolvoluntary movementofthemusclesstarttowasteaway. Whilethisisatragicdisease,Judy,wholives withMND,stillseesthebeautyandpositivity inherlife.

Thisisherstory.

JudywasdiagnosedwithMNDinJanuary

shenoticed.Judylovesbikeridingonher E-Bike,butnowsheisunabletogetherlegs overthebiketogoriding,andthedisease hasprogressedsoquicklysheisnowina wheelchair.Shecannotpickthingsup,oropen bottles,andhastroublewithherspeech.Judy saysherconditionhasdeterioratedquickly sinceJanuary.

Judynowreliesonherhusbandof27years, Billforsupportandhelpwithbasictasks.Bill hashadmedicaldifficultiesofhisown,buthe

Judysayssheisfortunatetohavelotsof help,hersister-in-lawandcousinvisitonce aweek,andsheonlyhastoaskifshewants anythingdoneforher.Butshedoesnotwantto encroachonpeople’slives,yetsheknowsthey arethereifsheneedsthem.

BeforeherMNDdiagnosis,Judyloved volunteeringatherlocalHospiceShopwhich shedidfor11.5years.Judywouldcycleinto Whangareifromherhometoworkthere. Shestartedoutre-arrangingtheshopand sortingtheinwardsgoodsandwhenshewas unabletodothat,shemovedtoAntiquesand Collectables,whichsheloved.Althoughshe missesherworkandfriendsthere,shelovesto catchupwiththemwhenshecan,describing themasagreatbunchofpeople.

Judywouldtellanyonewhohasrecently receivedadiagnosisofMNDthattheymustbe positive.MNDisadeathsentence,butthereis nopointingettingupsetaboutsomethingyou cannotfix.

JudyhasafulllifeasabusyGranandwife. Describedasapositiveandcan-dopersonwho likestohelpothers,Judyisanotableexample ofsomeonewhoalwaysseesthelightandlove intheworld,nomatterthesituation.

Judy and Bill McCoid

Northland MS Society

NorthlandMultipleSclerosisSocietyoffers awidevarietyofservicestopeople withMS,family/whanaumembers andcarers. TheNorthlandareaextendsfrom Wellsford,coasttocoasttoCapeReinga.

Theserviceprovidesinformation,education andsupport,encouragingaproactiveapproach tomanagingthisdisease.IfyouhaveMSthe Societyprovidesforyouandyourfamilyand/ orcarers:

•AMSFieldWorkerwhoisaNZRegistered Nurse.

•Homevisitingservice.Supportand informationtoyouandyourfamilyabout yourconditionorinyourroleasacaregiver

•Educatesyou,yourfamilyandotherhealth professionalsaboutMSandrelateddisorders.

•Advocatesforyouwithothersupport agenciesandhealthprofessionalsand informsyouofservicesavailableinthe community

•Provideseducationmaterialandbooks,both availablefromtheMSoffice.

•LibraryBookscoveringallaspectsofMSare availabletotakeoutonloan

•Holdsmonthlysupportgroupsforthosewith MS.

•OffersafreeweeklyMSexerciseclass

•Bi-monthlynewsletterwhichincludesuseful informationonresearchanddevelopmentof MSandadviceonstayingwell

WhatisMultipleSclerosis(MS)?

MultipleSclerosisisoneofthemostcommon

diseasesofthecentralnervoussystem. Afatty substancecalledthemyelinsheathcovers thefibresofthenervoussystem.Themyelin protectsthenervesandhelpsthemessages movebetweenthebrainandtherestofthe body.InMS,themyelinsheathcoveringthe nervesinthebrainandspinalcordbecome scarredinscatteredpatches.Thisismultiple scarring,orsclerosis. Essentiallythisdistortsor preventstheflowofmessagesfromthebrain andthespinalcordtootherpartsofthebody.

Thedistortionstothemessagestravelling throughthenervoussystemcausearangeof problemsforthepeoplewithMS.

Althoughitisimportanttonotethatthereis notypicalsetofMSsymptoms,thefollowing arecommon(invaryingcombinationsor severity):Difficultywithlegs,armandhand movements,numbnessandpain,problems withthinkingandremembering,blurredor doublevision(oftenonlyaffectingoneeye), bladderandbowelproblems,lossofbalance andco-ordination,fatigue.

WhatCausesMS?

AtthistimethecauseofMSisstillunknown. However,researchsuggestsitislikelytobe acombinationofthefollowing:areaction toavirus,possiblyyearsafterinfection; exposuretoanunknownenvironmentalagent beforepuberty;anauto-immunereactionin whichthebodyattacksitsowntissueforan unknownreason;orageneticsusceptibilityto theabovetriggers

ContactDetails: Level1,CivicArcade 37BankStreet,Whangarei0110

Phone(09)4383945

Mobile0275399883

Emailnthldms@xtra.co.nz

Webwww.msnz.org.nz/ms

FacebookNorthlandMultipleSclerosis Society

Wende -MSOfficeManager & Belinda -MSFieldworker

Light at theend of thetunnel

Multiple Sclerosis

LivingwithMultipleSclerosismeansthat therearemanytunnelsyouneedto navigateyourwaythrough,theveryfirst andperhapsthedarkestone,iswhenyouare toldthatyouhaveMULTIPLESCLEROSIS.

Agoodplacetostartisbycontactingthe NorthlandMSSocietywhowillhelpnavigate

thosetargets,noworries–youdidwelltoset thetargetinthefirstplaceandyoucanalways tryagainlater.

MynameisPhilLangleyandIam61years old.Mysymptomsbeganinmymid20sandI waseventuallydiagnosedwithMSinmyearly 30s.Iamnowinapowerchairafterhaving

knowsforhowlong?”After3years(andmany wheelbarrowsfullofconcrete)mystrength begantogo,soIwentbacktosellingcars, eventuallyrunningacaryardandarranging financeforcarbuyers.MovingtoWhangarei in2000Iwasaskedtohelpstartupanewcar yard.Iagreedontheprovisoof9a.m.to3p.m. workhours.

WithintwomonthsIwasworking7a.m.to 6p.m.6daysaweek.Thisisnotgoodforanyone withMSandIendedupinHospital,makingthe decisionthentostopworking.Whenmyright handeventuallybecametooweaktouse,I trainedmylefthand,andlatertookuppainting asanewfoundandenjoyablehobby

Icouldn’tletMSwin,sojoinedthelocal RidingforDisabledclub.Ihadbeenriding horsessincetheageof10andwasstilldoing thisupuntilafewyearsago.Fornow,keeping incontactwithHorsesandtheirownerscan stillprovideagreatdealofenjoyment.Ijoined theCommitteeatRidingforDisabled,the PaperMillandwasaTrusteeforCCS.CurrentlyI amservingontheCommitteeofNorthlandMS. AfriendandIoncedecidedtochartera launchandgoTroutfishingonLakeTaupo. Notmuchthoughtwasgiventothelogistics ofgettingmeonboard,andtherewereplenty oflaughswhileattemptingthis.Wehada wonderfultimeandalsoenjoyedtwosmoked Troutattheendofthetrip

IliveinanaccessiblehouseinRuakakawith FrancesandPilotandasyoucanseethereis alwaysLightattheendofthetunnel.

NorthAble Matapuna Hauora

DIAS–DisabilityInformation AdvisoryService

NorthAbleDIAScanassistwith providingfreeinformation andadvicetopeoplewitha disability,theirfamilies,whanau, aiga,caregivers,providersandthe public.Informationcanbeacce inavarietyofformats,includinginperson atouroffice,byphone,website,oremail. Wealsodistributeanelectronicnewsletter –tosubscribeorpostanoticeemaildias@ northable.org.nz.

Navigation

NorthAblecurrentlyhasfundingavailable throughtheMSDCommunityConnection ServicetoprovideNavigationsupport.Our Navigatorscanworkwithallpeopleand familiesrequiringassistancetoestablish andworkongoalsrelatingtoemployment, education,communityengagement,accessto healthservicesandmore.

CovidResponse

NorthAblereceivesfundingviaMSDCommunity Connectiontosupportpeoplewithdisabilities tomakeemergencyplans,orwhoareselfisolatingwithCovid19.Toaccessthisservice, contactourmainofficeviaphoneoremail.

Facilitation–NASC/VHN/Transition

Ourfacilitationteamworkswithpeopleaged 0-65whorequirelong-termsupportdueto

ellectual,neurological, isabilityorautism.Our canalsosupportyouwith nextpathwaywhenleaving ifyouhaveMSDVeryHigh funding,wecanworkwithyouto ticplanincorporatingall eatlife.Youcancheckyour eligibilityforthisserviceandmakeareferral throughourwebsite,orsimplygiveusacall andhaveachatwithoneofourfriendlyteam.

LYNKZ–Northland-wide

OurLYNKZprogrammeisavailabletoindividual agedbetween16–64whohaveacognitive, physical,sensorydisabilityoracombination. LYNKZisacommunitybasedservicethatworks withit’swhanaumemberstoimprovetheirlife skillsandincreaseemploymentawaremessand opportunies.Ourmainprogrammeoperates inWhangareifromMonday-Thursday.Wealso runanOutreachservicewhichoperatesone dayperweekinKaitaia,Kerikeri,Kaikohe,and Rawene.Formoreinformationcheckoutour website,LYNKZFacebookPage,orcontactour mainoffice.

EQ+-NorthAbleEquipmentPlus

EQ+isNorthland’slargestsupplierofrehab, agedcareanddisabilityequipment/products thatsupportpeopleinallareasofdailyliving. Wealsohavearangeofhireequipmentand greatadvice.Serviceisprovidedthroughout thewholeofTeTaiTokerau,withagenciesat

FarNorthPharmacyinKaitaia,UnichemOrrs PharmacyinMaungataroto,andamobile vanservice.Checkoutourfullrangeonour E-commercesiteatwww.equipmentplus.org. nz–wedelivernationwide.

WhangareiBudgetingServices

Whangareibudgetingserviceisdedicatedto offeringpeopleadviceandsupportwiththeir finances.Whetheritsdemystifyingyourincome andoutgoings,tryingtomakesomesavings orexperiencingfinancialdifficulties,wecan helpwithitallthroughourpersonalised,1 on1service.Ouraimisforpeopletobeable toindependentlymanagetheirownfinances andcreateabrighterfutureforthemselves andfamily.Wecancreateandtailorabudget plantoyourspecificneeds.Wecancreatecash flowforecastsandevenhelpinnegotiations withcurrentandpotentialcreditors.Request anappointmentthroughourwebsiteorby phoningourmainoffice.

NorthAbleMatapunaHauora 40JohnSt,Whangarei

NorthAbleEquipmentPlus: 73JohnSt,Whangarei

Phone0508637200or094300988

Emailnorthable@northable.org.nz

Websitewww.northable.org.nz www.equipmentplus.org.nz www.whangareibudgeting.co.nz

Light at theend of thetunnel

LYNKZattheRaces!

AtNorthAble’sLYNKZprogramme,giving peoplenewexperienceswithintheir communityisakeyfocus.Activities andtripsareselectedbytheLYNKZwhanau members,andNorthAble’sLYNKZFacilitators supportthemtoarrangetheseactivities, takingintoaccountalllogisticssuchastravel requirements,andcost

Oneofthewhanau’sfavouriteactivities istoattendadayattheRuakakaRaces. Preparationsforracedaystartinadvance–withhatsandfascinatorsbeingmadeforthe eventsowhanaucanlookthepart.Come thedayitselfthough,itisthehorsesthat takecentrestage.Whanauenjoyseeingthem thunderdowntothefinishline,andthough their‘flutteronthegee-gees’ismadewith funnymoney,thecompetitionisnolessfierce aseveryonecheerstheirfavouriteson.

Onreturningtobaseat40JohnSt,theairfills withhappychatteraboutthefundayoutwith friendshadbyall.

Ultimatelythedayisaboutconnectingthe whanauinwiththeircommunityandproviding experiencesthatmanyofustakeforgranted. Withthiseventparticularly,therehasbeenan elementofcommunityeducationaswell–with thewhanauinregularattendance,organisers noticedtherewereissueswiththecurrent facilitiesnotbeingaccessibletoallandare lookingtoincludeaccessibilityrequirements whentheynexthaveanopportunityto upgradetheirbuildings.

Uncertaintyaround travelrestrictionshas kept theLYNKZwhanauprettylocalin the

pasttwoyears.Fortunately,Northlandholds some greatplacestoexplore;with daytrips toKerikeri toseetheparrots,exploring our numerous beachesandparks,andacamp atCoopers Beachamongotherthingson theagenda.

Nowthewhanauareagainlooking furtherafield–withatriptoseethesights ofAucklandinthepipeline.Aswithanyone planningaholiday,costneedstobe considered.Tomeetthis,thewhanauare planningtogetherhowtheywillfundraise–witheveryonecontributingintheirunique way.Becausevaluingeveryone’scontribution istheLYNKZway,andwhatevertheyachieve, theyachievetogether

ParenttoParentNorthland

EveryyearhundredsofNorthlandwhānau facetheuniquechallengesofcaringfor ababy/child/teenwithdisabilitiesand healthimpairments.ParenttoParenthas beensupportingthesefamiliesforthepast37 yearswithitsthreecoreservices:

Information

Informationonanythingthatisdisability related.Wehaveaninformationteamthatcan provideanswerstoyourquestionsregarding approximately3600differentdisabilities andhealthissues.Thisincludesproviding informationandlearningthroughworkshops opportunities

ParentSupport

Weareaparent-leadorganisationwithagroup oftrainedsupportparentswhohavelived experienceandwhowecanmatchcloselyto yourneeds.Thisisthroughphonesupport

Sibling

InNorthlandweprovideonedaysibling activitiesthatarefunatnocosttofamilies Thehighlightofourprogrammeisthe sevendaySiblingVoyagefor13-18yearolds thatweruneverytwoyears.SibSupport acknowledgestheextraefforttheir‘different’ homelifedemandsandconnectssiblingswith othersthat“getit”

DonisbasedinŌkaihau,workingfrom home.Ourserviceisfree,nottimelimitedand

confidential.Thecentrallocationisperfect forprovidingservicestothewholeofthe Northlandregion.

Referraliseasyregardlessofwhetheryou areaparentoraprofessional,allittakesis anemail.Thiswillbefolloweduponmost occasionswithaphonecall.

Wearecommittedtoandprovide servicesaligningtotheEnablingGoodLives principles.

Ourworkshopsarecommunitydriven andinclude:

•RenewConnect&Reflect –supportforthecarer

•SupportParents –intensivetraining(andrefreshercourses) forparentsvolunteeringtosupportothers

•SibCamps/SibShops/SibDays –forthebrothers/sistersaged8-18of peoplewithdisabilities

•SiblingLeadershiptraining –forthosebrothersandsisterswantingto helpchildreninthesamesituation

•ChampioningYourNeeds –forfamiliesandprofessionalstolearn howtobeheardandadvocateforachild’s educationalandlivingneeds

•AnxietyWorkshops –forparentsofchildrenwithanxiety issuesandanyoneelse.

•IndividualisedEducationPlanseminar –forparentswantingthebestlearning outcomesfortheirchild.

•NavigatingtheSystemseminar –forparentswhoneedsupportaccessing services.

•SecondGeneration –aworkshoptosupportdisabledpeople andtheirfamilies/whānautoplanwhat thefuturecouldlooklike

Othersupportservicesinclude:

•AltogetherAutism –Itprovidesautism-specific,evidencebasedinformation

•CareMatters –web-basedresourcesandafreephone serviceforfamilycarers.Manyofour workshopsarefundedbyCareMatters.

• TheWilsonHomeTrust.

DonisthelocalFarNorthrepresentativeto discussgrantstofamilieswhohaveachild withaphysicaldisabilityages0-21

DonMartin-RegionalCoordinator

Mobile0278083942

Freephone0508236236

Eamilnorthland@parent2parent.org.nz

Websitewww.parent2parent.org.nz Facebookwww.facebook.com/ parenttoparentnorthland

THEGREATESTHITS HAVE ANEW

89.2FM 729AM

Light at theend of thetunnel Manga

Thefirsttimepeoplemeet MangaTangaroa(Mungzy) theyaretakenbyhisanimated expressions,thesmileinhiseyes andhismovementtomusic.Music andwaiataareMangaTangaroa’s happyspacewherehiswairuaaffects allaroundhim.Especiallywhenit comestoperformingduetswithhis AuntyTisha.Whenhehasthemicin frontofhim,heknowswhattodo MangaTangaroahassuperpowers. AlthoughMangaTangaroawasborn withasevererarebraincondition, Holoprosencephalyamongother issues,whichmeansthatheis unabletowalkortalk,Claraand Mangahavearelentlesslypositive spin,“wefocusonhisextraordinary capabilitiesandwanthimtobeableto besthecanbeandsupporthimwithour Clara,hiswhaeasays.

TheAperahama-Kopawhānauhave tamariki,MangaTangaroaisnumber4. havehadmanychallengesinrecentyearsand havemanychallengesyettocome,however eachdaythesuncomesup

Disabilityisnotatermoftenusedbythe whānau.Wordssuchassuperpowers,super capabilities,learningdiversitiesandtama arikireplaceit.Formanyfamiliestheshiftin mindsettothesepositivedescriptionsisahuge challenge.Itiseasytoseethatthiswhakapono (valuesandbelief)isthespecialextrathat

facilitiesinKaikohekohe,KuraAuraki (mainstreamece)andKohangaReo Althoughbeautiful,neitherwereabletocater completelytothecomplexitiesofcareand cultureneededforMangaTangaroa.The answercamefromClara’sNanapā“Nōna tēneiwhare,nōnatēneikura,thisishishouse, thisishisschool.”Hergreatgrandfatherand godparents’hadbuiltthishome.

Clarawalkedaroundthehomeand

immediatelysawhervisioncome tolight.ShetalkedtoMangaand hesaid,“whynot”andtheproject began.Onecanonlyimaginethe challengesthatthispresentedbut thepositivenessisinfectiousand soontheydevelopedateamtomake theirvisionhappen.Whatisthis vision?

TePunaReooMangaTangaroa willbethefirstfullimmersion teReoMāoriEarlyChildhood CentreinAotearoaNZtoprioritise tamarikiwithsuperpowers.There isafullsensoryroom,accessibility throughoutincludingsleeping, bathroomandkitchenfacilities.The centreisregisteredfor35tamariki andhasawaitinglistalready, beforeitopensthisyear.Always forourcommunityClaraandher didn’tstopthere.Thecentrewillalso ableforrespitecareonSaturdays, yonepermonthbuttheplanisto extendthistomostSaturdays. Therewasneveradoubtintheirmindsthat theycouldachievethis,andtheywouldlike tothankeveryonewhohassupportedthem, throughtheMungzython,thedonatedgoods forauctionandofcourseMungzy’s liveconcert

Tēneimātouetukuanaitereoaroha, tereomaioha,emihianakiakoutoukatoa

TheWilsonHomeTrust

OurAucklandbasedteamarealsoavailableto provideinformationandsupport

Contactustodayon0800948787oremail info@wilsonhometrust.org.nz.Informationisalso availableonourwebsiteatwww.wilsonhometrust.org.nz. Facebookpagewww.facebook.com/wilsonhometrust

Claraand Manga with their tamariki

LivingwithParkinson’s in Aote

Parkinson’sisnow thefastestgrowing neurologicalconditio intheworldwithnearly 12,000NewZealanders diagnosed.Theaveragea ofonsetisonly59yearsold.

Parkinson’s isaprogressive neurodegenerative conditioncausedby insufficientquantitiesof dopamine-achemical inthebrain.Whendopamine movementsbecomeslow

Themostcommonphysic aretremor,stiffness,rigidity ofmovement.Othersymptomsinclude depression,anxietyorapathy,disturbance ofnormalsleep,constipation,andtrouble swallowingorspeaking.Althoughthereisno cure,treatmentisavailable.

rkinson’sNewZealand CharitableTrust

areheretohelp.Parkinson’s wZealandCharitableTrustis onlynationalcharityproviding ormation,educationandsupport peoplelivingwithParkinson’s wellastheircarers,whānauand althprofessionals.

ThisyearParkinson’sNewZealand supporting381peoplewhohave beendiagnosedwithParkinson’s carersinNorthland.Weoffer vicesincludingvisitingpeople rkinson’sintheirhomesorvirtually mprehensive,personalised .Therearevariousactivities availableinNorthlandincludingsocialgroups andexercisesessions.Thesecaninclude activitiessuchaswalking,hydrotherapy, physiotherapy,voiceandmovementclasses, TaiChiorCounterpunchgroups

Wealsooffer:

•SupportGroups

•CarerGroups

•Regulareducationalandsocialmeetings. Parkinson’sNewZealandisavailablefor support,educationandinformationforfamilies livingwithParkinson’sinNorthland Ifyouorsomeoneyouknowhasbeen diagnosedwithParkinson’syoucanget supportbyregisteringwithusonlineviaour websitewww.parkinsons.org.nz.Parkinson’s NewZealandcharitabletrustisrelianton fundingfromgrants,bequests,anddonations.

Parkinson’sNewZealand Freephone:08004734636 Eamilinfo@parkinsons.org.nz Websitewww.parkinsons.org.nz

Freebowel screeningnow in

Te Tai Tokerau

•Peopleaged 60 to 74 will be invited every two years

•The testwillbemailed to you

•It’s free, easy and you do it at home

This little test could save your life

•For assistance call 0800 924 432

If you have hearing difficulties email info@bowelscreening.health.nz

•When asked why someone with adisability should do abowel screeningtest, JonnyWilkinson, TiahoTrust CEO, replied “Because we already have enough to deal with.”

Vicki Sadgrove–Parkinson’s Nurse Northland

Light at theend of thetunnel

AllenSmith

AllenSmithmayhaverelinquished hiscompetitiveleveloftabletennis but,almost30yearsafterdeveloping Parkinson’sDisease,hecanstillholdhisown.

Thekey,hesays,isinthemindset.

The67-year-oldbegannoticingsymptoms inhislate30s/early40sbutitwasarounda decadelaterthathewasdiagnosed

“Iexperiencedtightmuscles,lossofsenseof smellandtirednessbutalwaysputitdownto somethingelse,”saysthefatherofthreewho wasactiveintabletennisandkayaking.

Heattributedthetightmusclestooveruse, temporarilyrelievedbyregularmassages. However,heoftennoticedastrangescent,a now-recognisedcommonearlysymptom.

“Iwouldaskmywife,‘Issomethingburning?’ andshewouldlookatmestrange.”

Hisconditiondeterioratedamidfrequent doctorvisitsuntilhisleftarmceased functioningwhileusingthecomputerforhis managerialrole.Furtherinvestigationsfinally ledtoaresultoverayearlaterturningup Parkinson’sand“itallmadesense”.

WiththeaverageageofParkinson’s diagnosedat59,Allen’swascalled‘earlyonset’.

“It’snotuncommonthesedays,think MichaelJ Fox.There’snofamilyhistory,it wasoutoftheblue.Havingsaidthat,both mywife’ssisterandherhusbandandmy neighbourhaveitsoit’sbecomingmore common.”

Allen’ssymptomsincludeshaking,tight musclesandlossofmovement.Healsohas

severalnon-motorsymptoms,addingtothe dailychallenge.

“Thenyoustarttakingdopamine replacements,evenknowingthereisahigh chance,astimegoeson,thatthiswillcause symptomsoftwistingandcontortingofthe body,whichyouthenhavetotreatwith anothermedicationandit’sabitofasnowball.”

However,adefiningmomentinAllen’s attitudeandsubsequentabilitiesoccurred earlyon.

“WhenIwasdiagnosed,IthoughtI’dhaveto giveuptabletennis.IwenttotheNorthShore TableTennisCentreandsaidtotheguy,‘I’ve gotParkinson’s,I’llhavetogiveitup’,andhe said,‘Why?’.Igotbacktothecarandthought, ‘Yeah,whyshouldIhavetogiveitup?’

Notgivingupbecamehismantra.He continuedplayinghisbelovedsportand says,untilrecently,hewasstillacontender Whilehe’sonlyrecently,reluctantlygivenup enteringcompetitions,hestillplaysathisclub twiceweekly.

“Lookingback,thethingthat’simportant isnottomakeradicalchangesjustbecause you’regivenadiagnosis.By(Parkinson’s) nature,itisprogressivesoit’simportanttoput thattoonesideandjustenjoywhatyoudo.Do whatyoucan,whileyoucan.”

DepressionisalsoaffiliatedwithParkinson’s andAllenrecommendsgoodnutrition,exercise andsunshine.Parkinson’sNewZealandoffers arangeofexerciseclassesandAllenhadjust attendedhisfirstgroupmovementclassand comeawayfeelinginvigorated.

Whenaskedifhisconditioneffectshis cognitiveabilities,Allen,whostilldrives,says withachucklethathestillpartakesinregular quizzeswithhiswifeandgetshisfairshareof answerscorrect.

Supportinglifeafter strokeinNorthland

TheStrokeFoundationisthenational charityinAotearoasolelydedicatedto thepreventionandrecoveryfromstroke. Forover40years,ithasactivelypromotedways toavoidstrokeanddedicateditselftoworking closelywithstrokesurvivors,theirwhanau/ familyandcarers.

Astrokeisabrainattackwheretheblood supplyinthebrainisstoppedbyeithera bleedorablockage.Astrokecanhappento anybodyandcanbedevastatingformany peopleanddramaticallychangetheirlife.The effectiscertainlywiderthanjusttheperson whohashadit.

Supportinglifeafterstrokeistheroleof theStrokeFoundation’stwoNorthlandbased CommunityStrokeAdvisors.Thisfreeservice isavailablethroughoutTeTaiTokerautowork withstrokesurvivorsandthosearoundthem, providingexperience,supportandhope thatisdesignedtoachievethebestpossible outcomeafterstroke

CommunityStrokeAdvisors,Lynelle Ngakuru(FarandMidNorth)andGabi Zundorf(WhangareiandKaiparaareas),work

closelywiththosewhohavebeenaffected bystroke,makinghospitalandhomevisits, supportingwhanau/familiesandcaregivers, andadvisingonaccessingcarereliefservices andsupport.Theirmahiisfocusedongetting thestrokesurvivorbackintothecommunity andassistingfamily/whanauandcaregiversto notonlyunderstandastroke,buttoadjustto theirchangedcircumstances

CommunityStrokeAdvisorsprovides support,informationandadvicetobuild knowledgeandskillsthatnotonlyassist peopletoadapttheeffectsofthestrokebut toalsominimisetheriskoffurtherstrokes. Informationincludesthenatureofstroke,its causesandriskfactors,preventiontips,the roleoftreatmentandrehabilitationandhow tooptimiselifeafterstrokeandmanageaftereffectssuchasfatigueanddepression.Thisfree information,includingthecomprehensivebook “LifeAfterStroke,”providesadviceaboutstroke andmanaginglifeafterwardsandisreadily availablethroughboththeLynelleandGabiand alsothroughtheStrokeFoundation’swebsite andsocialmediachannels.

OURMISSION:

We work to preventstroke, improve outcomes,and save lives

CommunityStrokeAdvisorscanalsolink peopletoavarietyoflocalsupportgroupsand recreationalactivities.Theseincludeexercise groups,sportsclubs,accessiblegyms,artand craftgroups,therapies,caregiver,partneror familysupportgroupsandyoungerstroke survivorgroups.

Thesegroupsprovidesupporttopeoplewith stroke,andthosearoundthem.Theyenable peopletoshareexperiences,understandmore aboutstroke,meetnewpeopleandparticipate insocialactivitiesandspecialevents.

Forthosepeoplewhohavea communicationdifficultyasaresultofastroke ortraumaticbraininjury,theWordMasters WhangareiAphasiaGavelClubprovides valuablesupport

CommunityStrokeAdvisors inNorthland

LynelleNgakuru

FarandMidNorth (CapeReingatoKawakawa)

Freephone:0800566383

Email:far.north@stroke.org.nz

GabiZundorf Northland(KawakawatoWellsford) Freephone:0800459954

Email:northland@stroke.org.nz Web:www.stroke.org.nz

Light at theend of thetunnel

PhoenixRuka

PhoenixRukawasonly30yearsold whenhislifetookanexpectedturnon June18,2020.

“Iwasoutonarunwithsomecolleagues throughWaitangi,andIwassuddenly grippedbyaspellofdizziness,”Phoenix remembers.

Althoughhisfirstinstinctwasto“tough itoutlikeanyKiwibloke”,Phoenixcredits twofemalecolleaguesforintuitivelycalling anambulanceandgettinghimtothe hospitalfast

Phoenix,whoworkspart-timeasa personaltrainerinacommunity-focused gyminWhangarei,couldneverhave anticipatedthathewassufferingastroke.

Oncehereachedthehospital,his symptomstookhold,paralysinghisentire leftsideandblindinghiminhislefteye.

“Thosefirstfewdayswererough,Iwent downadeeprabbitholeofthinkingthat thiswasgoingtobemylifenow,thatIwas finished,”heremembersgravely

UnbeknownsttoPhoenixatthetime, atinyholeinhishearthadcausedablood clottotraveltohisbrain,causingan ischaemicstroke

Remarkably,Phoenixwaswalkingagain,a merefivedaysafterhisstroke

“Iwasinadarkplaceinitially,butthe unrelentingsupportfrommywhanau helpedmecomeouttheotherside,”he recallswithgratitude.

“I wasinadarkplace initially, butthe unrelenting support from my whanauhelped me come outthe otherside ...”

Twoyearsafterhisstroke,Phoenixis quicktoadmitthatsensationonhislefthandsideremainsweakandthatheisstill partiallyblindinhislefteye.

Theblindnessisastrainonhisactivelife, asPhoenixmustdependonhisfriendsand familytogetabout,ashecannotpasshis eyetestforgettingbackhisdriver’slicense.

Phoenixalsorevealsthathegetsstressed whenheexperiencesboutsofdizziness whileworkingout,ashefearshecouldbe sufferingastrokeagain.

Ashardashisstrokejourneyhasbeen, Phoenixbelievesthattheexperiencehas broughthiswhanaucloserthaneverbefore.

Phoenix,whohascommittedhisworking careertothehealthandwellbeingofMāori, wantstoremedythehealthinequitiesthat causestroketobemoreprevalentinhis communitythananyotherethnicgroupin NewZealand

Wewanttohelp succeedat

AtNorthTec,weallowyoutostayclose tohomebystudyinglocallyrighthere inTeTaiTokerauNorthland.Withus, youcangainthequalificationtogetthecareer youwantwithouthavingtoleaveyourfriends, family,orsupportnetworksbehind.

NorthTecputslearnerwellbeingandhealth atthetopoftheprioritylist.OurStudent SupportServicesandStudentVoiceteams worktogethertoprovidesupportforākonga ineachstepofyourlearningjourney.Ifthere’s somethingholdingyoubackfromenrollingin study,orifyouneedsupporttoachieveyour aims,ourteamistheretohelp

Weofferacademicsupportwherewecan helplearnersplantheirstudies,seekextensions orextraattentionfromtutors,andnavigatetheir optionswiththeirKaiako(tutors).Weworkwith you,tomakesureyourneedsaremetandcater allhelptotheindividual.

Whetheryourneedsarephysical,mental, emotional,orhealthdependent,wecanhelp makelearningworkforyou.Ourservicesareo offeratanypointofyourstudyjourney

Wealsoofferfinancialsupport,bygiving advicewhereneededandconnectingstudents tofunds,suchastheHardshipFundforLearners (HAFL),whichsuppliesfundsfornecessitieslike housing,food,clothing,andmore.

AKarakiagroupisavailableforallākonga everymorningat8:45am,currentlythrough zoom,offeringwhanaungatangaand supportingourstudents’hauora.

Ourteamsworkaroundtheclocktoemail, call,text,andzoomākongatotouchbase, offerhelp,setupsupportandfunding,and otherwisesupportourlearnerseverystepof

Our StudentSupport Servicesand StudentVoice teams work together to provide supportfor ākonga in each step of your learningjourney.

LEARNONLINE WITH NORTHTEC

NorthTec Powered byeCampus gives you theopportunity to learn online from anywhere at atime that suits yourlifestyle.

theway.Pastoralcareisapriority,ourHealth CareCentreoffersmedicaladviceandaid,as wellasinternalcounsellingservices,working withlearnersforthebestoptionsforthem.

NorthTec| TePūkenga Freephone:0800162100

Web:www.northtec.ac.nz

HOURS: 8.00am-4.30pm Mon-Thurs 8.00am-4.00pm Fri

Light at theend of thetunnel

StudentProfiles

Cindy Carson

CindyCarsonhadalong-termcareeras anursehelpinghercommunityinthe bestwaysheknewhow.Thatallended abruptlywhenshesufferedastrokein2013. Undertheadviceofherdoctor,shemedically retiredherselffromnursing.Sincethen,ithas beenalongroadtorecovery.

“Alothaschangedformesincethem.Ihave short-termmemoryissuesandotherbarriers now,alongwithadiagnosisofADHD.ButI wantedtogetbackintothecareindustry. That’smypassion.”

CindyisnowenrolledintheNZCertificatein HealthandWellbeingintheMentalHealthand AddictionSupportStrand.Shewasn’tsureif shewasgoingtobecapa afterherstroke.Tomak

Covid-19pandemichitjustaftersheenrolled. Sheadvisedshewouldneedmoresupport tomakeitworkandcontactedtheStudent Supportteam.

“ThingswereabitchaoticwhenCovid-19 hitandifitwasn’tforNorthTec’sStudent SupportteamIdon’tthinkIwouldhavemade itthrough.Theycheckedinonmeandhelped memanagethetransitiontozoom.IfIwas struggling,theywerethere.”

“Ican’tsitforlongperiodsandgetvery uncomfortable,sotheteammadesureIhada specialchairtohelpmeoncewewerebackon campus.WithADHD,Ifindsmallprinthardto read,sotheyprovidemewithmyownbooklet

“You justhavetobe willingtogiveita go. Youmight surprise yourself.Nomatterwhat barriersyou’refacing, thesupport is thereat NorthTec.”

Cindyisgoingwellinhercoursesandcan’t waittogetbackoutthereandhelpinher communityagaininanewrole.Shethinks anyonewho’sstudyingshouldgiveitago.

“Youjusthavetobewillingtogiveitago. Youmightsurpriseyourself.Nomatterwhat

Liam Astbury

LiamisaNorthTecG ArtsinJunethisye hisacademicability andheknewhehadmany didn’tstophimfromco theycouldhelphim.

“There were afew barriersI hadto overcomebeforeIstudied theBachelor of AppliedArts.Ineededtobuild up to theworkloadand improve my academic ability.Idid other design courses at the Design School Whangareifirst,which helped me improve beforeIstarted a bachelor’sdegree.”

DuetoLiam’sneeds,NorthTec’sStudentSupportteammadesure hehadwrap-aroundsupportbothintheclassroomandoutsothat hehadthebestopportunitytosucceed.

“Thetutorswereveryunderstandingandhelpedmegetmy worktowhereitneededtobe.Theyhelpedpushmeoutofmy softboundariestogetmethroughtograduating.SupportServices helpedmewiththeacademicsideofstudy,especiallytheessays andtheresearch.Theyhelpedpushmetoimprove.”

Sincegraduating,Liamhasgoneontocreatehisownbusiness ‘CattitudebyLiam’onFacebook.Heisalsotakinghisbusiness outtolocalmarkets.“Iwouldn’thavebeenabletodothiswithout NorthTec,I’mthinkingaboutgoingbacktodosomebusiness paperstohelpmebettermanagemybusiness.It’sgivenmeawayto getoutintotheworld.IfIcandoitanyoneonecan.”

TheFutureisOurs

‘TheFutureisOurs’withanemphasison reducing,reusingandrecyclingisthethemefor 2022atThePapermill.EveryyearThePapermill hasathemethatprovidestheinspirationfor theendofyearannualexhibition,wearablearts entry,cardsandproductsmadeandanyother artprojectsundertaken.

2022hasalsobeentheyearwhenthe HundertwasserArtsCentreopenedin WhangareiandMatarikiwascelebrated asapublicholidayforthefirsttime.In celebrationofboththeseeventsthe PapermakerscreatedaHunderwasser inspiredMatarikimuralthatnowtakespride ofplacethefrontporchforvisitorstoadmire. Thiswasaprojectthateveryonecontributed toandinvolvedseveraldifferenttechniques usinghandmadepaperaswellasincluding piecesofmuselibarwrappingsandchip packetscollectedfromrubbishpickups duringmonthlycommunitywalks!

ThePapermillwasestablishedin1989 byRhondaRutherford-Dunnwhothrough extensiveresearchsettledonpapermaking asatherapeuticmediumtobuildself-esteem andconfidenceinpeoplewithintellectual disabilities,empoweringthemtoparticipate tothebestoftheirabilitiesintheirpersonal livesaswellasintheirwidercommunities Over30yearslaterThePapermillisstillgoing strong,providingavibrant,safeandnurturing environment.Today,justasmuchfocusis placedoncreatingpaperartascreatingthe paperitself

ThePapermill,auniquevocationalservice, operatesasasmallbusinessfollowinga structuredandroutinebasedphilosophy.This isintegraltofosteringateamenvironment whereeveryone’scontributionisvalued.After completionofthedailymorningmeeting, ThePapermillwelcomeispracticedinsign language.Thewelcomeincludesthewords “Weareagroupofpeopleonanadventurein aninspiringplacetofindoutwhatwecando reallywell.”ThisfittinglysumsupwhatThe Papermillisallabout

VisitorstoThePapermillcanpurchase paper,stationeryandpaperart,tourthe studiosandinteractwiththeartistsatwork Papermakingworkshopsareavailable ondemand.Bookingsforgroupvisitsare recommended.

Light at theend of thetunnel

Reassertingcourage through eerin

StoryBySusan Merriman

Startinganewvolunteerrolemaynot seemtotakealotofcourage,butwhat ifit’sthefirsttimeyouareputting yourselfoutintotheworldafteralife-changing accident?Whatifyou’renotsteppinginto aknownandcomfortablespace,butrather rollingyourwheelchairintoaroomofablebodiedstrangers?

RayEyrehasbeenvolunteeringhisentire adultlife.Justabouteveryroleisonethathas combinedexcitementandchallenge,starting withStJohn’sasateenager,eventuallymoving ontoskipperingtheWhangāreiRSAfishingboat Inavolunteerrolethatmakesmostof usshiverwithfear,RaywasaCoastGuard volunteerworkingonthededicatedrescue vessel. Hisvoiceispurecalmashedescribes hisproudestmomentsofbeing ‘tea-bagged underneaththelocalrescuehelicopter’during atrainingexerciseand‘goingoutwellbeyond theharbourtorescueabrokendownfishing boatthatwasbreachingonasavagenight.’

BorninPapakuraandspendinghisformative yearsinRotorua,RaymovedtoWhangāreiat 38yearsoldaftervisitingonholiday.Hehas beenhereeversince,growinghisfamilyto includehiswife,fivekids,twentygrandkidsand onegreatgrandchild.

Rayhadanaccidentafteraday’sfishing whichdamagedhisspineandputhimintoa wheelchair

Refusingtostareatthefourwalls,Raybuilt upthecouragetogetbackoutintheworldand dosomethingwhileaskinghimself:‘Iusedto volunteer;whycan’tIdoitnow?’

Recognisingthat‘Ihaveadisabilitynow andhavetoworkaroundit,’Raycontacted VolunteeringNorthlandtolearnabout appropriateopportunities. Afteraninitial notgreatfit,Rayperseveredandanswered theadvertfromHabitatforHumanityforan ElectricalGoodsTester

Raynowvolunteers2half-daysaweek, checkingthelargevolumeofdonationsthat comethroughthedoor.Herunscleanand suitableitemsthroughtestingmachines,then spits,polishes,andpricesthemtogointothe

Change Change your your life and the life and the lives of others lives of others

“Weare likeone bigfamily, with lots of laughs.”

shop.Ifnotuptoscratch,hecutstheleadsand throwstheminthebin.

Inadditiontothesatisfactionofreducing wasteandadvancingthecauseofHabitat,Ray’s favoritepartofthejobistheotherpeople.

Thewidevarietyofvolunteersandpaidstaff acts‘likeonebigfamily,withlotsoflaughs,’an atmosphereconducivetoconfidingineach other,andthecamaraderiethatcomeswith workingtogetheronasharedmission.2.5years onandRaystillloveseverymomentwithhis HabitatforHumanityfamily

WhatwouldRaysaytoothersconsidering volunteering?‘Getoutthereandgiveitatry Youmaynotlikewhatyoufirstcomeacross butthereisalwaysanotheropportunity.Make itworthwhileandyou’lllikelyfindanewlifefor yourself.’

Ifyouwouldliketoknowmoreabout volunteeringinyourcommunity,youcanvisit theVolunteeringNorthlandwebsite www.volunteeringnorthland.nzoremail thematinfo@volunteeringnorthland.nz

Alifeofone’sown –it’sasimplehumanneed

Formanyofus,it’sagiven.ButforthousandsofNewZealanderslivingwith disability,it’ssomethingthatcanonlybeachievedwithsupport.

AtSpectrumCare,oursisnoordinaryjob

Manyofourcustomersarenon-verbal, buttheyhaveplentytosayifyouknow howtolisten.Morethanafewhavesubstantial physicalchallengestomeet.

Manyofthefamiliesweworkwithhavebeen testedtothelimitsbeforeweevenmeetthem. Theirstrength,theirresilienceandtheirlovefor thepeopleweareaskedtosupportiswithout question,asistherespectwehaveforthem.

What’sourwork?Tohelpidentifythe uniquepotentialineveryoneofthepeople wesupport,thenlendahandtohelpthem realiseit.Nomatterhowcomplexsomeone’s challengesmaybe,theyareworthyandthey areofimmensevalue.Inourbooks,tonotsee thisisthetruedisadvantage.

OurVision

Everypersonwithadisability deservesalifeofchoice,freedom andindependence.

OurPurpose

Tohelpmaximisethepotentialof thepeoplewesupport.

OurPromise

Wholeheartedoptimism, everyday.

Contactustodaytofindoutmore! 096343790orinfo@spectrumcare.org.nz www.spectrumcare.org.nz

Howcan we helpyou?

We offerawide array of flexiblesupportoptions in the Northland, Auckland, Waikato, BayofPlenty and Wellington regions,which canbestructured to suit each family’s unique needs.

Our aim is to ensurepeoplehavechoice,control and flexibility in the supports theyreceiveand have the opportunity to co-create their ownsupportoptions. We also offeranavigator service 0508 NAVIG8 aimed at helping families newtodisability support.

Contact us todaytofind out more spectrumcare.org.nz info@spectrumcare.org.nz 09 6343790|0508 NAVIG8 (0508 628 448)

WHowfarisfar?Howhighishigh? Iwillnotknow,unlessItry

earespecial–SpecialOlympics

Whangarei.Wehavebeenproviding sportingandsocialopportunities forpersonswithanintellectualimpairment inWhangareiandtheKaiparaDistrictfor almost40years.Eachweekourcoaches anddedicatedvolunteersprovidetraining sessionsinathletics(seasonal)orfootball (seasonal),indoorbowls,swimmingand tenpinbowling,andwearehopingtobegin basketballandbocceverysoon.

WecallourselvesSpecialOlympics–yes we’recertainlyspecial,specialpeople,but we’renotallgreatathletes.Wecaterfor peopleliterallyfrom8to80.Gettingout there,playingtogetherandsupporting oneanotherisourgreatestpleasure,and eventuallywefindthatthepersonwe’re reallycompetingeachtimeagainstis ourselves.Whatdotheysay?

Whetheryousay“Ican!”orwhetheryou

impairmentinWhangareiandKaipara arepresentlydiscoveringthattheycan. Ourmantrais“Bytheathletes–forthe athletes”,andwearecommittedtogrowing ourpeople.Theyarealsolearningthat volunteerswork“with”themnot“for” them,thattheirvoicesareheard,andtheir opinionsarevalued.Ourultimateaimisfor ourathletestoruntheirownactivitiesone day,withappropriatesupport

Finally,likemanyotherorganisationswe’re shortofvolunteers.Ifyoulikegettingtogether hspecialpeople,comeandjoinus

Sporting and recreation opportunities for persons with an Intellectual impairment

We aremultisport athletics:equestrian, athletics: equestrian, football, indoor bowls, swimming and tenpin bowling

Athletes from 8to80years old

Developing self esteem encouraging initiative

Activitiesdeveloped by the athletes, Activities developed for the athletes Special Olympics Whangarei

For all enquires contact Martin Barrie Phone: 021 118 2422 –Like us on Facebook.

DOUG THE DIGGER

anyotherorganisations volunteers.Ifyoulike erwithspecialpeople, us:

lovesworking in the Community assisting people with disabilities

Proud patron of Whangarei

LTheMiriamCentre

andoverwhelming.Frequentlywesupport youngpeoplewithissuesofanger,abuse, violence,intimidationandneglectand disempowerment.Youngpeoplemayfeel theirsituationsareinsurmountable,butthere isalwaysawaythrough.

PatsyoftheMiriamCentre,our multidisciplinaryteamofmenandwomen,

Maoriandpakehaspecialistcounsellorsand socialworkers,workwiththeyoungperson, theirfamilywhanau,school,OrangaTamariki, Police,YouthJustice,Courts,orwhoeveris involved(orpartoftheproblem)tofindthe solutionwhichwillenabletheyoungpersonto moveforwardinwaysthataregoodforthem.

Thatofferthemachanceofabetter,fairer lifeoutcome.Wehelptheyoungpersonfind theirvoiceandtobeheard.Ourservices areprovidedfreeofchargeacrossallof Northland.WeoperateInschools,homes, medicalcentres,marae,incafés,intheMiriam Centre22MillRdWhangareiand26Puckey AveKaitaia,orwhereevertheyoungperson feelsmostcomfortable

Youcancontactusat: 22MillRoad,Whangarei Phone:094376010 Facsimile:094376672

IDEAServices

Foropportunitiesandexperiences

IDEAServicesisNewZealand’slargest providerofservicesforpeoplewith intellectualdisabilitiesandtheirfamilies.

AtIDEAServiceswewillsupportyouto:

•Setgoalsandachievethem

•Havegreatexperiencesandtake advantageofopportunities

•Haveasmuchindependenceaspossible balancedwiththerightsupport

•Makemeaningfulconnectionswithothers

•Livethelifeyouwant

OurServices

Thespecialist–andsometimesintensive–supportweprovideforpeoplewithintellectual disabilities(includinground-the-clockcare) canincludesfollowingservices:

SupportedLiving ThroughSupportedLivingwecansupport youto:

•Manageandlearnnewdailylivingskills,

suchascooking,cleaningandmanaging money

•Meetnewpeopleandmakefriends

•Keepintouchwithfamilyandfriends

•Joincommunityactivities(e.g.sportsand art)

•Lookforajob

•Accessothercommunityservices,suchas thedoctorsorWorkandIncome

Livingwithsupport–Residential Weprovidesupportforpeoplewithintellectual disabilitieswhorequirealevelofcareandwant toliveinasupportivecommunity

Supportisbasedonwhatyouneed Ifyoulivewithusyouwill:

•Haveyourownbedroom

•Liveinahomeyousharewithafewothers

•Beencouragedtotakepartintherunning ofyourhomeandmakedecisionswith othersaboutwhathappensthere

SpecialistServices

IDEAServicesprovidessupported accommodationforindividualswhoendure mentalhealthissuesalongsidetheirdisability

Theseneedsincludementalhealth challenges,intellectualdisabilitiesoradual diagnosis.

Servicesforpeopleincompulsorycare IDEAServicesprovidescompulsorycarethat focusesonrehabilitation.

ThisisaRegionalIntellectualDisability SupportedAccommodationService (RIDSAS),contractedbytheMinistryof Healthtoproviderehabilitationservicesfor peoplewithhighandcomplexneedswho havecommittedanoffence.

Accommodation Services:

In residential services small groups of people live in ahome in ourcommunity In Te TaiTokerau we have31residential homes throughoutour beautiful region.

At IDEA Services we are allaboutPeople. Throughout Te TaiTokerau we employ more than 230 people to work alongside people that need our support.

If you love people and supporting people to reachtheir potential, then you should consider workingwith IDEA Services. Our Support workers are well supported with trainingand development opportunities that lead to aformal qualification. Contact us on careers.ihc.org.nz

ComplexRehab

Permobil’srange of ComplexRehab products include PowerWheelchairs, Manual Wheelchairs, PowerAssist Devices,and Seating &Positioning products.

Seethe full rangehere.

tlc4u2 inhomecareprovider

TLC4U2–tenderlovingcareforyoutoo providesqualitycareservicesfrom CapeReingatoAucklandandbeyond. tlc4u2providesACCfundedcareforclients whohavesustainedaninjury,whetherit’s assistingtakingaclienttoanappointment or24/7careforclientswhohavetraumatic braininjuriesorspinalcordinjuries.

Withtheirlocallybasedteam,tlc4u2 provides24-hoursupporttoensureyou receivethelevelofsupportandcareyou needthatisdeliveredwithcompassion andunderstanding.tlc4u2worksalongside

districtnursing,homebasedsupport services,GP’s)tlc4u2hasaccesstohealth careresourcestoensurehighquality deliveryofservices

tlc4u2alsooffersabroadrangeofprivately fundedhome-basedcareoptionsassisting clientswithpost-operative,rehabilitative, respite,palliative,andovernightcare Identifyingtheappropriatelevelofcare withthegoalofmaintainingandenhancing lifestylestopromoteindependenceiswhat tenderlovingcareisallabout Shouldyourequiresometenderloving

Some comments from ourclients:

“Very easyto talk with. Inever felt anuisance andam very appreciative of thehelp Ihavereceived. Took awayso much stress Ifelt.”

“If Iwas feeling unwell my home helpsupporter was always considerate.Very very hardworking lady.”

“The caregiverisgreat which reflects on your company. Iconsidermyself fortunate to have metaclean efficient caring supportworker”

Light at theend of thetunnel

BlomfieldSchool

Whathavewebeenupto?

Visibleandvaluedandgenerallyvery enthusiastic-thatistheessenceofour students,astheyareoutandaboutin thecommunity.AtBlomfieldSchool,wehave returnedtoafullrangeofoutings,adventures andindustriouscommunityundertakings followingthedrypatchcreatedbyCovid,and theneedtoprotectourselvesbystayingput

So,whathavewebeenupto?

MostrecentlywehadaSeniorSchool eveningDisco,whichwasaragingsuccess, withits‘WinterWonderland’theme.Priorto thisMatarikimeantliterallygettingoutunder thestarsforourManaiaViewstudents,who celebratedthisspecialtimewithatriptothe WaitangiTreatyGroundsandasleepoverat ourCentralCampus,checkingoutthestars together

Weknowthatlearningismoreeffectiveifitis inrealandmeaningfulcontexts.Thisistruefor alllearners,butparticularlyforourstudents Ourteachersincorporateopportunitiesto getoutintothecommunitytoenjoyfishing, bushwalks,andbeaches–toexperiencethe fullrangeofwhatourbeautifulregionoffers. TheurbanenvironmentinWhangareiistruly flourishingthesedays,withtheTownBasin offeringarangeofculturalandfunactivities forstudentsfromour5yearoldstoouradult students.Thenewplaygroundistrulyinclusive andwehavewelcomedtheopportunityto engagewiththedevelopmentofthisspace. Haveyouseenthemassive‘Coreboard’down

there,withpicturesandwordstosupportearly literacyandcommunication?Iamproudtosay thatthiswasaBlomfieldinitiative!

AsaSchoolwearecertainly‘GettingOut There’,expandingourwingstodevelop furthersatelliteunitsaroundareasofneedin TeTaiTokerau.Thisyearwehaveopeneda brandnew,custombuiltdoubleclassunitin OromahoeSchoolinthemidNorth.Thisisin additiontoourcurrentunitsinKaitaia.Clearly, ‘GettingOutThere’isarealityforstaffaswellas studentsatBlomfieldSchool.

As aSchoolweare certainly ‘Getting OutThere’, expanding ourwings to develop further satellite units around areas of need in Te TaiTokerau

OurSpecialistsandLeadershipteamtravel farandwidetoservicetheseunitsandthose withinWhangarei.WealsorunanOutreach servicewhichprovidesSpecialistTeacher supportforstudentswithORSfundingin mainstreamschools.Allofthisgettingoutand aboutmeansourschoolneedsareliableand growingfleetofvehicles,includingmobility vans,carsand12seatervans.Wearegrateful forthesupportofRealDealTyreswhoensure ourvansaresafeandreadyforactionatall times.Andweappreciatethesupportof you,ourlocalcommunitywhoensureour studentscancontinuetofeelvaluedwhen theyarevisibleandenjoyingalltheWhangarei communityhastooffer!

BlomfieldSpecialistSchool

Freephone: 094382105

Email:admin@blomfield.school.nz

Web:www.blomfield.school.nz

Student Maddison Bond enjoying our Winter Wonderland Disco.

KindHands RespiteCareCottage

KindHandswasinitiallyestablishedin 2018bySharleneClementswhohad 24yearsnursingexperienceandher husbandDavid,askilledbuilder.Together theyhaveprovidedalifelineformedically fragileanddisabledchildrenandtheir whanauinNorthland.

Butinresponsetorequestsfromparents, Sharlenedecidedtoestablishaveryspecial earlylearningcentrestaffedbybothregistered earlylearningteachersandnurses.Nowthey arearegisteredearlylearningproviderforup to10childrenatatime.TheECEserviceruns alongsidetherespitecarewhichisopenevery fortnightfrom5pmuntilMondaymorning 08.30am.

“Thechildrenwhocometousmightbe oxygen-dependent,haveatracheostomy, heart,lungorneuro-musculardisease,feeding tubestonameafew.Weincludechildren havingmedicaltreatments:chemotherapy whocouldbequitesickandforthatchildtobe abletohavesocialinteractioninamedically controlledenvironmentit’sreallyimportant Wealsocaterforchildrenwithdevelopmental disabilitiessuchasDownsSyndromeand globaldevelopmentdelays.Childrenonthe autismspectrumalsoattend,itissometimes ajuggletoensureagoodmixtogetthebest outcomesforeachchild.

Kind Hand s

“Wehavebothteachersandnursesworking togethersowhenachildisdroppedoffinthe morning,whomayhaveaheartconditionora feedingtube,parentsknowtheydon’thaveto

eachother.Theyhelpeachotherindifferent waysandaccepteachother.”

explainabouthowtousetheequipment–they knowweknowwhattodo,”shesays.

AtypicaldayatKindHandsmayinclude feedingachildwhohasafeedingtube, therapiestwiceadaywhichinclude physiotherapy,occupationaltherapy,speech languagetherapytailoredtoeachchild’s needandarangeofactivitiesfocusingon eachchild’sindividualneedssetinplace bytheirtherapistsforourstafftocarryout whileinourcare.Lowratiosarethekey.We havetostaysmall,sonochildisoverlooked –someofourkidsarequitesick.Weare startingtoseesomeawesomesuccesses withthekids.

“Ithinkwearejustscratchingthesurfacein Whāngarei.Thereisn’talotofresourcesforthat 0–6-year-oldagegroupwithspecialneedshere. Thechildrenareverynon-judgmentalatthis ageandjustdon’tnoticethedifferenceabout

Theexcitingnewsisthatweareembarking onournextventureofexpanding,wehave knownforquitesometimethattherearemore childrentheyneedtosupport.“Idon’tenjoy havingawaitlist,butIalsowon’tcompromise thequalityofcareneededtolookaftersome ofourmostvulnerablepopulation,soweare expandingtomeetthedemand”.Building workswillcommenceshortyandhopefullyby March2023wecandoubleourcapacity!This isexcitingforourfamiliestohaveaservice thatbelievesintheirchildrenknowingthat ‘theycanbethebesttheycanbe’.“It’sbeena hardjourneysettingupsomethingthathasn’t beendonebefore.Iwouldlovetohelpothers interestedinsettingupasimilarfacility,asI knowthereisahugeneedforit!”

RespiteCareCottage

Address19MorningsideRoad, Morningside,Whāngarei,0110

Emailinfo@kindhands.co.nz

Phone094597383

Mobile0212341294

Websitekindhands.co.nz

Light at theend of thetunnel

ForgetMeNot

TheNorthlandDisabledCharitableTrustis anon-profitorganisationandhasbeen operatingtheForgetMeNotAdultDay CentreinTikipunga,Whangareisince1994.The Centreisadaycareserviceandisavailable toadultsofallagesincludingthosewhoare youngwithdisabilities,theelderlyandfrail, thosewithmemoryloss,headinjuriesand/or otherdisabilities.TheCentreprovidesquality daycarethatenhancesthewelfarenotonlyof theclientsbutalsoofthecarersandfamilies wholookaftertheirlovedonesathomeona 24houradaybasis.TheCentrehascapacityfor 40clientvisitsperday.TheStaffarequalified intheirrespectivefields,andareexperienced andcaring.Entrycriteriaisbasedonyou visitingandhavingalookaroundtodecide

Theprogrammeisstructuredwithavariety ofactivitiesthatprovidemotivation,education, rehabilitationandfun.Acookedlunchis provideddailyforclientsand‘takehome’meals serviceisavailableforclientswhorequirean eveningmeal.Clientsaretransportedtoand fromtheCentrebytheTrustvans.

Toachievethebestqualityserviceto ourcommunitytheTrustreliesheavilyon philanthropicfundingandsponsorshiptokeep theservicesustainable.

FrozenMeals

AtForgetMeNotwehaveidentifiedaneedfor supplyofmealsthatareeasilyheatedathome.

Thesedeliciousmealsarenotrestricted toclientsonly,butareavailableforanyof theelderlyanddisabledpeopleinourlocal communitywhocannolongercookmeals themselvesathome.

ThemealsarecookedinourWDCA certifiedkitchenbyourchefsandarefreshly frozen.Mouliedmealsareavailableifneeded onrequest.

ForgetMeNotwasanessentialservice duringtherecentCOVID19shutdownsupplying hundredsofmealstotheelderlydisadvantaged andthosewithdisabilitiesintheWhangarei Community.Thesemealsweredeliveredtothe person’sdoorstep.InresponseForgetMeNot hashadmanylettersofgratitudefromthose whowouldnothavebeenabletocopeinthe isolationoftheirhomesduringthistime.

ForgetMeNot 110BoundaryRoad,Tikipunga WHANGAREI0112

Phone:094371144 manager@forgetmenot.org.nz www.adultdaycentre.co.nz

ONEPLACEFOR ALL YOUR AUTOMOBILE NEEDS

AtTikipungawe specializeinall mechanical repairsincluding; transmissions &generalservices,WOF,brake and clutch repairsaswell as tires.We have the latesttechnology and diagnostic equipment to diagnose problems in allJapanese and European cars.Come in and see our friendly staff atTikipunga Automotivetoday.HereatTikipungaAutomotive,we arededicated to treating our customerswith honesty,respect,and professionalism.We hope that you find what you’re looking foronour website,but please don’thesitateto contact us,should yourequiremoreinformation,ortobook your car in.

Yourfourpageguideto

Enjoying thiswinter.

Protect,prevent&manageathome

TheopeningofAotearoa’sbordershasseenmorevirusesreappear inourcommunitywithnewstrainsofCOVID-19,increasingtheriskof peoplebecomingseverelyill.

There’salsotheriskthatofcatchingCOVID-19andflu (oranotherillness)atthesametime!

Wewouldliketoremindpeopleoftheimportanceof protectingyourselvesandyourwhanauagainstCOVID-19, influenzaandotherwinterillnesses.

Te Hiringa Trust &Business Promotions have partneredwith NorthlandDHB (www. northlanddhb.org.nz) andthe Hauora Kotahitanga /Northland Wellbing website (www.northlandwellbeing.org.nz) in our advocacy and support of the Mana Wāhine 2022 well-beingKaupapa.

www.northlanddhb.org.nz

Hauora Kotahitanga

www.northlandwellbeing.org.nz

IA PAI

Protect

Colds,COVID-19andfluspreadveryeasilybutthere arethingsyoucandotoprotectyourselfandyour whānau.

Stayathomeifyouareunwell

IfyouhavesymptomsofCOVID-19take aCOVID-19testandreportyourresultat https://mycovidrecord.health.nz/orcall0800222 478andchooseoption3.

Ifyoursymptomsworsen,oryouareconcerned aboutthehealthofyourselforsomeoneyou’re caringfor,callHealthlineon0800611116oryour doctor/healthcareprovider.CallstoHealthlineare freeandtheserviceoperates24/7withinterpreters available.SeekadviceearlyandpleasekeepEDfor emergenciesonly

Wearafacemask

Itisarequirementtowearafacemaskon publictransport,inindoorsettingslike retailstoresandsupermarkets,poorlyventilated spacesorwhenitishardtophysicallydistancefrom otherpeople.

Sneezeorcoughintoyourelbowora tissue.

Avoidtouchingyourface,disposeof tissuesinawastebinimmediatelyandwashor sanitiseyourhands.

GetyourWinterWellnessKittogether

Yourkitmaycontain:painkillers,a thermometer,tissues,enoughfoodand householditemsforafewdays,andagoodstockof theregularmedicinesyouoryourwhānauwillneed. Honey,decongestantsandthroatlozengescanbe helpfultohaveonhand.

www.northlandwellbeing.org.nz

Maintaingoodhandhygiene

Washinganddryingyourhands thoroughlyorusingalcohol-basedhand sanitiserisoneofthebestthingsyoucandotostop thespreadofviruses.Itisespeciallyimportant beforeeatingortouchingyourface

Developawinterplanforyourwhānau

Thinkaboutwhowilllookaftertamarikiif youbecomeunwell.Familiariseyourself withwhatisexpectedofyoubyyouremployerif youbecomesickyourself.

Eatwellandstayactive

Healthyeatingandphysicalactivityplay animportantpartinouroverallhealthand wellbeing,includingourbodies’abilitytofightoff illness.Gettingagoodnight’ssleepalsohelps.

Makesureyouandyourwhānauareupto-datewithyourvaccinations

COVID-19vaccinationsarefreefor everyoneandthefluvaccinationisfreeforpeople whoaremostlikelytogetverysick,children aged3-12andsomeothers.Findfulleligibility informationatinfluenza.org.nz.Winterisalsoa goodtimetocheckthatchildrenareup-to-date withalltheirroutinefreevaccinationsespecially measles,mumpsandrubella(MMR).

Peoplewhoarevaccinatedareless likelytobecomeseriouslyunwellor needhospitalisationwhichensures healthservicesareavailablefor thosewhoreallyneedurgentcare.

Prevent

Helpstopthespreadofillnesses:

•Stayhomefor24hoursaftersymptomshave resolved.

•Coughorsneezeintoyourelboworatissue andshowyourchildrenhowtodothis.Throw tissuesawayimmediately

•Washhandsregularlywithsoapandwarm waterandmakesurechildrendotoo, especiallybeforeyoueatortouchyourface.

•Wearamaskonpublictransport,retailstores, supermarketsandintightspaceswhereit’s hardtophysicallydistance.

Preventwinterillnesses:

•Eatwellandbeactive.

•Getagoodnight’ssleep

•Getoutandaboutandenjoythewintersun.

•Avoidsittingstillforlongperiods.

•Don’toverdoit-yourbody’sworkinghardjust tostaywarm.

Balancedmealshelpyoustayhealthy:

•Eatfruitandvegetableseveryday.

•Choosefoodslowinsaltwithlittleorno addedsugar

•Freshfoodisbetterforyouthanprocessed food.

•Chooseunsaturatedfatsoversaturatedfats.

•Ahotlunchcankeepyouwarmforthe afternoon.

•Hotdrinkscanwarmyouupfromtheinside.

Keepwarm,keepwell

Dressingwarmhelpskeepyouwell-layersare goodasweatheroftenimprovesthroughtheday Wearahatandscarf,waterresistantfootwear andcoat.

Healthyhomes

Warmanddryhomeshelppreventusgetting sick-makesureyou’vegotheating,insulationand ventilation.

•Closeyourcurtainsasthesunsetstokeepthe heatin.

•Stopcolddraughtscominginaroundwindows anddoors

•Openwindowsfor20minsadaytoletfreshair inanddampairout-especiallykitchensand bathroomsduringandaftercooking,showers andbaths.

•Drywashingoutdoorsinsteadofinside.

•Wipecondensationoffwindowstoreduce dampnessinyourhome.

•Checkformouldaroundwindowframesand cornersoftherooms-removewithwhite vinegar(wearglovesandamask).

K

IA PAI

Manage

Symptomsofflu,COVID-19andotherviruses canvarywidely.Somepeoplehavemild symptomswhileothers,suchasolderpeople andpeoplewithhighbloodpressure,asthma, diabetesorobesity,mayfeelveryunwellor noticetheirsymptomsstarttogetworse.

Mostpeoplewillbeabletomanageillnessat homebyrestingandtakingcareofthemselves including:

•Stayinghydratedbydrinkingplentyofwater.

•Takingparacetamol/ibuprofenasdirected toreduceaches,painandfever.Peoplewho havecertainmedicalconditions,orwhoare takingcertainmedicationsshouldnottake ibuprofen.

•Ifunsure,pleaseconsultyourhealthprovider tocheckwhetheribuprofenissafeforyou.

•Takinghoneyorlozengesforasorethroator decongestantsforablockednose.

•Continuingtotakeyourregularmedications.

•Monitoringyoursymptomssoyounoticeany changes.Keeparecordofyourtemperature, howyouarefeeling,yourheartrate,breathing rateandanynewsymptomsyoudevelop

•Avoidstrenuousexerciseorhighimpact activitiesuntilyouhaverecovered.

•Trytoreducecontactwithotherpeoplein yourhouseholdasmuchaspossibleand disinfectsurfacestohelpothersavoidthe illness.

Managingyourchild’sillnessathome

•Managingyourchild’sillnessissimilarto managingyourown.Ifyourchildhasanythe symptomsbelow,pleasegetintouchwith yourGPorcallHealthlineon0800611116.In anemergency,alwayscall111.

•Drinkinglessthan50percentofnormalfluids overthepast24hoursorsignificantlyreduced urineoutput/wetnappies.

•Behaviourchanges,includingirritabilityor lethargy(decreasedresponsiveness).

•Difficultybreathing,workinghardertobreathe bysuckingin,under,orinbetweenribs,or breathingrapidly

•Feverthatlastsmorethanfivedays.

Seekhelpearly

Ifyoufeelyoursymptomsaregettingworsecall aheadtostopthespread.

•CallyourGPforaphoneconsultationoryour localpharmacy.

•CallHealthline0800611116tospeaktoa registerednurse.Thisisafreeserviceopen24 hoursaday,7daysaweek.

Ifsomeoneshowsanyofthefollowingsigns call111:

•Isstrugglingtobreathe,istoobreathlessto speakasentence,orisunabletowalkmore thanfivestepsduetobreathlessness.

•Isunconsciousorunresponsive,hassevere dizziness,faintingorisconfused

•Hascollapsed.

•Hasabnormalskincolour,isblue,orapurple spottyrash,ortheyarecoldorclammy.

•Haschestpain,orsevereorunexplainedpain nothelpedbyparacetamoloribuprofen.

•Iscoughingupblood.

•Hasstoppedpassingurine.

DELIVERING REAL ESTATE WITH HEART

Real estate professional JessBarnes understands the strong connection thatpeople have with their homes. She is aproud Whangāreilocal and has forged areputation as areal estate agent with heart. She truly partners with her clients on their property journey, listening to their needs and then delivering the results theydesire.

Looking to sell your home?GiveJessa call today!

JessBarnes 027695 8330

jess.barnes@bayleys.co.nz

HEALTH SECTORCUSTOMER SERVICES TRAINING FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS IN DISABILITYAWARENESS Endorsed by The Royal NewZealandCollege of General Practitioners (RNZCGP)

“No Problem, You’re Welcome” is atraining workshop and video which focuses on how to provide excellent customer service to peoplewith disabilities when they enter your place of businessorhealth services.

Did you know that 24 percentofNew Zealanders are considered to have adisability?

As aHealth Professional this percentage among your clientele will be alot higher. Are you and your staff equipped with the right customer service skills to ensure apositive experience for everyone?

Who is the workshop for?

This2-2.5hourworkshopishighlyrelevantforallmedicalprofessionalsandtheirsupportstaffincluding doctors, nurses,specialists, medicalreceptionists,front-lineDHB staff, rest home providers with high needsclientsandrespitecareproviders.Wetailor- keth inin ui he le f de

Facilitators-Kim Silvey &WallyNoble

Facilitator -Veronique Theberge

If youwanttoensureyourteamisproviding excellentcustomerservice to 100% of the people whocomethrough your door,contact TiahoTrust forinformation andpricing options. EmailArleneCarter:arlene@tiaho.org.nz

Trust

About the “No Problem, You’re Welcome” workshop

Ouraim in producingthisworkshop is to provideunderstandingfor medicalprofessionals and health service providers, howtoengage with disabled clients/patientsincludingolder people as they become less mobileor develop physicalimpairmentsastheyage.

‘NoProblem,You’reWelcome’ Disability Awarenesstrainingfor Medical Professionals hasbeenendorsed by TheRoyal NewZealand College of GeneralPractitioners (RNZCGP)and have been approvedfor up to 2.5 CMEcredits forthe GeneralPracticeEducational Programme(GPEP)and Continuing Professional Development(CPD) purposes.

This is ashort andcost-effectivemeans of providing professionaldevelopmentfor staff that canhave

Each of ourworkshopfacilitatorsare people with adisability. They offerrealinsightsinhow to be

providing excellentcustomerservice to disabled peopleinthe same wayasfor allyourcustomers

•Learn about how theSocialModel andMedical Models of Disability canworktogether.

•Listentointerviewsof people with disabilities on theirexperiences when engagingwithMedical Professionals.

•HearDrShane Reti’s viewsthrough aMedical Professionallens.

“Having made the “No problem, you’re welcome’ sessions available to all of our operational staff, it was exceptionally well received. Facilitators Wally Kim really brought the content to life making the learning fun and memorable. Comments such as “I’dnever really thought about that…”were asure sign that new ways of thinking and acting will result from the workshops.”

Michael Boyd,Manager-Learning &Development, FarNorth DistrictCouncil

“Jonny and his team at Tiaho Trust have been providing Disability Responsiveness Training to our 2nd year nursing students at NorthTecfor the past years now. The session provided to us has been tailored to suit the learning needs of the students and meet our objectives. Facilitators are knowledgeable, entertaining and connect with the class ensuring asense of whanaungatanga and asafe learning space. Feedback from the students is always positive and they particularly appreciate learning from people who are ‘living the experience’ and feel the information and strategies provided will enhance their ability to work with people who have disabilities.”

Linda Christian RN, MN, Senior Nursing Lecturer,NorthTec

AUGUST2022

2022-2023 CALENDAROFEVENTS

11thAugust2023 TiahoTrust“GettingOutThereExpo”ForumNorth 26th CancerSocietyDaffodilDay

SEPTEMBER2022

1st-30th

WorldAlzheimer’sMonth

1st-30th MuscularDystrophyAwareness

1st-30th

CharcotMarieTooth(CMT)AwarenessMonth(partofMDA)

7th DuchenneMuscularDystrophyAwarenessDay

13th–19th

MultipleSclerosisAwarenessWeekandStreetAppeal www.msnz.org.nz

15th InternationalMyotonicDystrophyDay

Datetobeconfirmed Alzheimer’sMemoryWalk–Dargaville,KerikeriandWhangarei-Roundtheloopwww.alzheimers.org.nz

21stWorldAlzheimer’sDaywww.alzheimers.org.nz

19th –25th InternationalWeekoftheDeaf www.deaf.org.nz

21st- 28th ArthritisAwarenessWeek www.arthritis.org.nz

23rdUnitedNationsInternationalDayofSignLanguages

30th LimbGirdleMuscularDystrophyAwarenessDay

OCTOBER2022

1st31stCerebralPalsyAwarenessMonth

1stInternationalDayofOlderPerson www.ageconcern.org.nz

6th TiahoTrust/AgeConcernKaitaiaSeniorsExpo StrokeAwarenessWeek www.stroke.org.nz

10th WorldMentalHealthDay www.mentalhealth.org.nz

12th WorldArthritisDay

13th WorldSightDay

22nd-23rdBlindStreetCollection

29th WorldStrokeDay

NOVEMBER2022

Walk2D’FeetMND ScoottheLoopforMS NorthlandMSSocietyAGM

DECEMBER2022

2nd InternationalDayofPeoplewithDisabilities-TiahoTrustcelebration 10th WorldHumanRightsDay www.amnesty.org.nz

JANUARY2023

4th WorldBrailleDay

FEBRUARY2023

1st–28th HeartAwarenessMonth

13th

AnnualInternationalEpilepsyDay www.epilepsy.org RuakakaSurfDay(Datetobeannounced)

28th RareDiseaseDay

MARCH2023

1st–31stNeurologicalBrainAwarenessMonth

21stDownSyndromeAwarenessDay www.nzdsa.org.nz

EndofMarch BlindFoundationGuideDogRedPuppyAppeal

26th EpilepsyAwareness“PurpleDay” www.purpleday.org

APRIL2023

2nd WorldAutismAwarenessDay www.autismnz.org.nz

Light at theend of thetunnel

2022-2023 CALENDAROFEVENTS

7thor14th

Parkinson’sSocietyAwarenessandAppealWeek www.parkinsons.org.nz

11th WorldParkinson’sDay www.parkinsons.org.nz

MAY2023

1stweek

NZSignLanguageWeek

1st-31stHuntington’sAwarenessMonth

10thMay WorldLupusDay

30th WorldMultipleSclerosisAwarenessDay www.worldmsday.org

JUNE2023

1st-30th HeartKidsMonth

1st-30th MNDAwarenessMonth

20th FSHDystrophyDay

21stGlobalALS/MNDAwarenessday www.mnda.org.nz

Parkinson’sNorthlandSUPPORTGROUPSBrainInjuryAssociationNorthlandSUPPORTGROUPS Kerikeri-monthly

Kerikeri–1stThursdaymonthly

Kaitaia–monthly Dargaville–2ndThursdaymonthly Whangarei–1stFridaymonthly Kaitaia–3rdThursdaymonthly

Dargaville–1stThursday,(alternativemonthCoffeeGroup) Whangarei–ThelastThursdaymonthly Waipu–3rdFridaymonthly AndmonthlyCarerSupportGroupsinWhangareiandWaipu.

WeeklyExerciseGroups: Walking,Singing/voicetraining, Hydrotherapy,Physiotherapy,BallroomDance, MovementforPDandTaiChi(Kerikeri)Counterpunch(WhangareiandKerikeri)

Alzheimer’sNorthlandSupportGroupsStrokeFoundationNorthlandSupportGroups Whangarei–1stWednesdayofthemonth(1pm-2.30pm)

Whangarei–EveryTuesdayHydrotherapyClasses And2ndThursdayofthemonth(10am-11.30) Every3rdWednesdayStrokeClub EveryFridayToastmasterGavelClubGroup Onerahi–1stTuesdayofthemonth(10am-11.30)

YoungStrokeSurvivorsGroup Kerikeri–3rdWednesdayofthemonth(10am-12pm)

Dargaville–1stMondayofthemonthStrokeSurvivors

Kaitaia–2ndWednesdayofthemonth(10am-12pm)Kaitaia–EveryFridayArtTherapy Mangawhai-2ndWednesdayofthemonth(11am-1pm)

EveryThursdayChatGroup Dargaville–2ndWednesdayofthemonth(10am-12pm) BreamBay-1stWednesdayofthemonth (10am-12pm) Paihia-fortnightlyThursday(10am-12pm)

Arthritis20+NorthlandSupportGroupsMultipleSclerosisNorthlandSupportGroup Whangarei-1stSaturdayofthemonth

Whangarei–FirstThursdayofthemonth HydrotherapyattheAquaticCentreWednesdays MidNorth/Kerikeri–Bi-Monthly ContactEls–0226466405

Ouraim is to provideinformation & supportoptionsthatare relevant, useful to youand assist you inmeeting yourgoals.

We are here to:

• Navigate throughsupport service & agencies

• •Advise youwithyourdecisionmaking

•Assist you with your wellbeing and wellness

P 0508 637 200 |40-42 &73JohnStreet,Whangarei

E northable@northable.org.nz

F ‘northabledisabilitiesservices’ |‘equipmentplusnz’ www.northable.org.nz | www.equipmentplus.org.nz

EquipmentAgencyatfar NorthPharmacy

P 09 408 0851 |3 Commerce Street, Kaitaia

“Tobethe innovativeand leading provider of equipment informationand support services in Northland”

OurServices:

Equipment for Sale &Hire

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Community Presentations

NASC -NeedsAssessment Coordination Service

DIAS-Disability Information Advisory Service

LYNKZ- CommunityParticipation Programme(Whangarei, Kaitaia, Kerikeri, Kaikohe, Opononi)

VHN-Very High needs

TransitionService

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Whangarei Budget Services

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