Getting Out There July 2019 by Northern Advocate

2019-20

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Supporting residents

Getting Out There

Accessible services and facilities

Advisory groups

City Safe

Library services

Parking & mobility

Whangarei District Council has three Advisory Groups that meet monthly: • Disability Advisory Group (DAG) • Positive Ageing 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 sectors they represent. Accessibility for everyone is a key priority for both the Disability and Positive Ageing Advisory Groups. Inclusion for all young people is one of the key focuses for the Youth Advisory Group.

City Safe is a collaborative project between Council, the New Zealand Police, Northland Regional Council and the Whangarei Chamber of Commerce aimed at ensuring a safer city. The 0800 258 258 City Safe toll free number enables people to report safety problems such as graﬃti, broken or damaged streetlights, damaged footpaths and tripping hazards, bikes in the mall, skateboarders in the CBD or other bylaw prohibited areas, or people behaving in an unsafe way. City Safe Community Oﬃcers patrol the CBD every week from Monday to Saturday and along with CCTV cameras are the eyes and ears for public safety.

• Large Print • eBooks, eMagazines and eAudiobooks online • Half price rentals on Tuesdays for the over 65s • Hobby groups: Library Craft Group, Creative Colouring-In for GrownUps, Flash Fiction and Poetry Clubs, Scrabble 500 Club • Family history research • Book a Librarian for personalised help with using library online services • Book Out home delivery service

• 70+ parking fee exemption • Mobility parking • Disability Working Parking Permit • Free about town mobility

For more information Whangarei District Council Forum North, Rust Ave, Whangarei P: 09 430 4200 or 0800 932 463 E: mailroom@wdc.govt.nz W: www.wdc.govt.nz

www.wdc.govt.nz Council’s website contains a feature called BrowseAloud. This is a free programme that ‘speaks’ web pages or translates into multiple languages for people with dyslexia, low-literacy, English as a second language, and those with mild visual impairments.

2019-20

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Contents 4-5

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15 16-17 18-19 20-21

Published by NZME Northland in conjunction with the Tiaho Trust.

22-23 24-25 26-27

28-29

Information and Services relating to disability in Northland Tiaho Trust Alzheimers Northland Arthritis New Zealand Blind Foundation The Brain Injury Associatin CCS Disability Action Deaf Aotearoa Northland Down Syndrome Support Group Charitable Trust Epilepsy New Zealand Huntington’s Disease Association Motor Neurone Disease (MND) New Zealand Whangarei District Council - accessible facilities in Whangarei

30-31 32-33 34-35 36-37 38-39 40-41 42 43 44 45 46

49 51 52-53

Northland MS Society Muscular Dystrophy NorthAble Disability Services Parent to Parent Parkinson’s Northland Stroke Foundation Idea Services Volunteering Northland Citizen’s Advice Bureau TLC4U2 Age Concern Whangarei Incorporated Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand, and the Cancer Society Spectrum Care Special Olympics 2019-2020 Calendar of Events

Information & Services

June 2019 Edition Ten

Relating to disability in Northland Linking people, families and carers living with a disability to information, advice and support in their community.

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

In Northland, there are a range of organisations providing a Disability Information Advisory Service. These are known as the ‘Northland DIAS Collective’. Tiaho Trust supports these organisations by helping to improve the access to and utilization of their information and services in Northland for you and your families/whanau. Tiaho Trust is your first point of call if you are unsure who to contact or have any questions, call us on: FREEPHONE: 0800 430 3406. The DIAS Collective provides various services about a specific disability, or disability in general, such as: • • • • •

Advice and information Advocacy Community education and awareness Support groups and networking Home visits

• • • • •

Access to health professionals Referrals and assessments Equipment Seminars/workshops Resources

Together, Tiaho Trust and the DIAS Collective, empower the Northland community by promoting the disabled community as valued citizens who contribute, participate and add to the diversity of New Zealand society.

For DIAS contact details please refer overleaf

Information & Services

Relating to disability in Northland

A Tiaho Trust Project

Your A - Z directory of disability support providers: Alzheimer’s

Deaf Aotearoa Northland

148 Corks Road, PO Box 7027, Tikipunga, Whangarei 0144 Whangarei (09) 438 7771 Dargaville 022 691 6068 Kerikeri (09) 407 3010 Kaitaia (09) 408 1123 northland@alzheimers.org.nz www.alzheimersnorthland.org.nz

1A Deveron Street Phone: 0800 332 322 national@deaf.org.nz www.deaf.org.nz Down Syndrome Support Group

www.tiaho.org.nz/alzheimers

Arthritis New Zealand

www.tiaho.org.nz/arthritis

Unit B, 383 Khyber Pass Road, Newton, Auckland Freephone: 0800 663 463 info@arthritis.org.nz www.arthritis.org.nz Blind Foundation

www.tiaho.org.nz/blind_foundation

277 Kamo Road, Whangarei Phone: (09) 437 1199 Freephone: 0800 243 333 generalenquiries@blindfoundation.org.nz www.blindfoundation.org.nz Brain Injury Association

www.tiaho.org.nz/brain_injury

98 Cairnfeild Road, Otangarei PO Box 4001, Kamo, Whangarei Phone: (09) 459 5013 northland@brain-injury.org.nz www.brain-injury.org.nz CCS Disability Action www.tiaho.org.nz/ccs

291 Kamo Road, Whangarei PO Box 8035, Kensington, Whangarei Phone: (09) 437 1899 Fax: (09) 437 0209 Freephone: 0800 227 2255 Northland@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz www.ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz

www.tiaho.org.nz/deaf_aotearoa

www.tiaho.org.nz/down_syndrome

Kara Road, RD 9, 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

Suite 5, 71 Bank Street PO Box 712, Whangarei 0140 Phone: (09) 438 5498 Freephone: 0800 374 537 northland@epilepsy.org.nz www.epilepsy.org.nz Huntington’s

www.tiaho.org.nz/huntingtons

PO Box 16181, Sandringham Auckland 1351 Phone: (09) 815 9703 Freephone: 0800 432 825 huntingtonsakld@xtra.co.nz www.hdauckland.org.nz Motor Neurone Disease www.tiaho.org.nz/mnda

Yarnton House, 14 Erson Ave, Royal Oak, Auckland PO Box 24036, 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

Suite 6, 71 Bank Street, Whangarei Phone: (09) 438 3945 Mobile: 027 539 9883 nthlndms@xtra.co.nz www.msnz.org.nz

Muscular Dystrophy Assoc NZ www.tiaho.org.nz/muscular P.O.Box 300429, Albany Phone: 09 415 5682 Mob: 021 704 227 info@mda.org.nz www.mda.org.nz

NorthAble

www.tiaho.org.nz/northable 40 John Street, Whangarei Freephone: 0508 637 200 drc@northable.org.nz www.northable.org.nz Equipment Showroom: (09) 430 3469 www.equipmentplus.org.nz LYNKZ: (09) 430 3470 65 John Street, Whangarei

Parent to Parent Northland

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 Box 641, Whangarei 0141 Phone: (09) 437 6876 Freephone: 0800 473 4636 northland@parkinsons.org.nz Whangarei/North vicki.sadgrove@parkinsons.org.nz Whangarei/South barbara.leslie@parkinsons.org.nz www.parkinsons.org.nz

Stroke Foundation

www.tiaho.org.nz/stroke Whangarei & Districts Freephone: 0800 459 954 northland@stroke.org.nz Mid North/Far North Freephone: 0800 566 383 far.north@stroke.org.nz www.stroke.org.nz

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Tiaho Trust

iaho Trust is a disabled led organisation that is proactive in providing advice, education and training to develop communities that are inclusive of disabled people and who value their contribution to the community of Northland. Each year we produce this magazine ‘Getting Out There’ to assist with what disability services are available throughout Northland. Not only do we proﬁle 15 disability support organisations but we also provide stories about people who use their services. This year our magazine is focusing on enabling recreation and leisure showcasing options that are available to disabled people in Northland. Advocacy Tiaho Trust offers a free independent advocacy service to disabled people or their family members. If disabled people or their family members feel like you’re being treated unfairly because of your disability or you feel you aren’t getting the supports or services you are entitled to, contact Tiaho Trust. “No Problem, You’re Welcome” – Disability Awareness Customer Service Training Tiaho Trust utilises disabled facilitators to delivering training that educates organisations on how to deliver excellent customer service to the large market segment in our community; the disabled

■ Tiaho Trustees – from left Kim Silvey, Arlene Carter (PA), Wiremu Kani, David Senior, Jonny Wilkinson, Lynne Procter – missing Jeni Claris, Cecelia O’Dell community. This training is relevant to nongovernment organisations, local authorities, government department and hospitality and retail businesses. We have recently developed training content speciﬁcally for Health Professionals which has been endorsed by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) and have been approved for up to 2.5 CME credits for the General Practice Educational Programme (GPEP) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) purposes. This is a must for any organisation that wants to embrace diversity and inclusiveness in their staff development.

Tuesday 3rd December 2019 10am – 2pm

',$(, )" &, #"$+*%,!

Tai Tokerau Maori Trust Board Building 3-5 Hunt Street, Whangarei FREEPHONE 0800 430 3406 info@tiaho.org.nz • www.tiaho.org.nz

Training can be tailor made on request. If your organisation is interested in receiving this training please contact us or check out at our website.

Tiaho Trust Ground Floor Tai Tokerau Maori Trust Board Building 3-5 Hunt Street / PO Box 374 Whangarei Phone: 09 430 3406 Free phone: 0800 430 3406 Email: info@tiaho.org.nz Web: www.tiaho.org.nz

disability – a matter of perception

For more information: 0800 430 3406

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Jeni Claris

eni Claris has a full and varied regime of recreation and leisure. She is the current Chair of the Tiaho Trust. As Tiaho Trust is a disabled led organisation, Jeni has a disability. She acquired her disability in a horse versus truck incident! An accident where she was riding her horse and was struck by a truck in 1997. This resulted in several physical impairments including fractured vertebrae and a crushed knee. After the accident Jeni had extensive surgery some of which was fusing her knee together leaving one leg considerably shorter than the other. Recently Jeni’s knee began to become unfused, so she was back in hospital and had another round of surgery to correct it. I visited her in hospital. She looked remarkably well for someone who had just undergone major orthopaedic surgery. “What do you do in your spare time?” I asked. Her answer was proliﬁc, “I like to get out and go to what ever is going on really” she replied. Her list was long and included visiting art galleries, going to live music concerts, perusing local markets, going to the hydrotherapy pool three times a week. Despite her horse riding accident, she is still participates in equestrian activities. Four years after her accident she got back on a horse (excuse the cliché), over the years participating in many Hunts, an equestrian sport which involves groups of people on horseback with hounds hunting a hare over farmland. It’s a fairly formal affair with lots of etiquette involved. They are held in many rural

locations around New Zealand. Apparently, they can be quite dangerous. Every year Jeni volunteers at the Fritter festival and she use to volunteer for the Riding for the Disabled. Jeni likes to attend the WOMAD, an internationally established festival, which brings together artists from all over the world. It caters well for disabled people, making facilities accessible including a viewing platform, where wheelchair users can get a good view of the bands and performances. Jeni is originally from England and she does

there every other year to visit family and further partake in art galleries and museums in London. In winter she tries to get a short trip in to either Australia or the islands, quite the gad about. Jeni regularly attends Whangarei Film Society screenings on a Thursday. Jeni’s busy schedule will have to be put on hold while she rehabilitates from her recent surgery but I dare say it won’t take her long to get into the swing of things and back in the saddle again.

Home-based Support Services Many of the elderly people we talk to are capable of staying in their own homes – all they need is a bit of extra help. We offer local, trustworthy and caring home-based care to people in Northland. We provide face-to-face contact with clients and their families, coordinating personal care services and one-on-one assessments. We are available to assist with your own personal needs or the needs of those you love, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 100% locally owned and operated.

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Alzheimers Northland Discovering the beneﬁts of Alzheimer’s Northland day program

■ Aleisha Dobson, Day programme co-ordinator, Pauline Plewinski, Wonderful volunteer Dianne Bleakley with puppy Ivory, Shelley Doidge, Cynamon Moseley and Zoe Nnani

lzheimer’s Northland provide a vital service for both clients and carers through their day program service operating from their purpose-built facility on Corks Road. The building has been designed around the needs of clients with dementia – it’s fully fenced, flat to minimise hazards and fully secure. Clients are welcome to explore inside and outside, enjoy the garden or some of the many activities on offer. There is a large communal area within the centre, a TV lounge and also a quiet room for clients who need a rest or one on one sessions with staff. The day program runs Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm and is available to Whangarei and outer area residents who’ve been diagnosed with dementia and funded by the DHB. Clients attend a number of times per week depending on their needs or the needs of their carers. “This service also provides respite time for the carers, to enable them time to catch up on day to day activities, pay bills, have a coffee with a friend or even catch up on sleep,” explains Day Program Coordinator Aleisha Dobson. The day program or “Alz Club” is specially designed for people with dementia. Aleisha is a qualified Diversional Therapist and explains that programmed activities are modified and adapted to suit all levels

of abilities. There’s always a selection of activities available as she believes it’s important for clients to have choices available to promote client independence. The program begins with a morning tea get together to socialise and all staff and club members wear name badges to assist in acknowledging one another by name. After morning tea clients break off into smaller groups depending on the activity, then everyone gathers together for a two-course lunch cooked by the on-site chef. After lunch there is a varied afternoon session of activities followed by afternoon tea before ﬁnishing at 3pm. Aleisha and her team spend a lot of time planning activities and ensuring the right mix of clients are in each group. Cognitive activities are a key focus within the program, consisting of word games, board games, cards and puzzles. They also have regular creative writing sessions and reminiscing therapy. Aleisha explains that while clients short term memory may not be as good as it once was, a simple discussion on a topic can get clients interacting and recalling past memories. “The staff are also amazing at prompting clients and getting the best out of an activity as we all have different strengths and skills which work really well as a team.” The staff’s ability to read body language and

facial expressions assists them in providing the best level care to all clients, especially those clients who can no longer express themselves or their needs verbally. There are many physical and social activities incorporated into each day as well as community activities. “If we can’t get our clients out into the community then we like to bring the community here, so we have a range of visitors for example the chaplain comes regularly, we have local entertainers and guest speakers and even pet therapy.” Physical activities include mini golf, pool, bowls or even balloon volleyball and there is also a wide range of social activities including sing-alongs, music therapy, themed days and baking/cooking. “We do all sorts of activities here and the staff are really good at lifting everyone’s spirits and getting everyone involved, it’s all about having fun and bringing enjoyment to all. We all have such a passion for what we do and it’s so rewarding to see our clients leave at the end of the day in great spirits and looking forward to coming back again.”

Alzheimers Society Northland Inc PO Box 7027 Tikipunga 0112 Phone: (09) 438-7771

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

A helping hand through the Alzheimers journey

argaret Salmon is one of seven Community Advisors that make up part of the Alzheimer’s Northland network. There’s a range of help and support services provided by Alzheimer’s Northland, but the principal aim of the Community Advisors is support for carers and families of those living with Alzheimer’s. Margaret believes it is a journey from diagnosis to the ﬁnal stages of the condition, and the Community Advisors are there to guide people through it and help them navigate the support systems that are available. “Our role is very much about education and support, there’s a huge amount of assistance available to people and we provide all that information for them as well as empowering them to get out there and help themselves through their journey.” Margaret encourages anyone struggling with a loved one who may be showing signs of cognitive difﬁculties to get in touch with their GP to get a formal diagnosis. Once this has been completed other agencies can become involved and Margaret and the Alzheimer’s Northland team can put a plan in place with appropriate support systems. There is a range of assistance available to carers including carer education seminars, carer respite and several carer support group meetings throughout Northland. The Community Advisors can also help with a range of practical solutions, for example home visits and making home caring easier and also making sure important issues like Power of Attorney are organised. At the later stages of the process they can advise on various care home options and even accompany the carer on visits to hospitals, care homes or

retirement villages. Margaret has been part of Alzheimer’s Northland for over two years and enjoys the challenges and rewards that come as part of being a Community Advisor. She has a background in nursing and medical administration so has always worked in healthcare and caring for others. One of the challenges she faces when working with carers is getting people to accept help as she believes there are still people out there who are very independent and are reluctant to ask for help even when they are really in need. “It’s also a generational thing as people in that age group are used to doing everything themselves instead of asking for help. I think this is changing with more education about the disease and people are keener to get help as nowadays families are so busy with careers and children they are willing for any assistance we can provide.” Another key area of her role is working to destigmatize Alzheimer’s, “we’re happy to talk about heart or lung disease but for some reason Alzheimer’s is perceived as a mental illness and people just stay silent. It’s a brain disease and these days with the right approach you can live a very good life after diagnosis. If you keep well and ﬁt and active you can still maintain a normal lifestyle and we really want to get that message across to the public” Margaret explains. But at the end of the day she believes that it is often just about support and listening with a sympathetic ear. “It is very rewarding to see how a little help or advice from us can help make people living with dementia and their family’s’ lives run a little easier and that’s what motivates me and all the team here at Alzheimer’s Northland.”

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ATTEND THE CENTRE? We are an Adult Day Care Centre in our 26th year of operation in the Whangarei District. We provide quality day care for adults of all ages, including the elderly, frail, and those with head injuries, memory loss and / or other disabilities. We are open from 8.30am - 4.00 pm Monday - Friday 49 weeks of the year.

We provide A secure, attractive purpose built environment, a range of interesting activities, therapeutic rehabilitation, motivation, meals, transport & excursions. Our stafffff are qualiﬁed skilled, and experienced and we have a wonderful team of volunteers.

We welcome enquiries and visits forgetme-not@forgetmenot.org.nz • www.adultdaycentre.co.nz * Frozen meals available on reqquest

Ph: 09-437 1144 110 Boundary Rd, Tikipunga, Whangarei.

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Arthritis New Zealand Arthritis – a leading cause of disability

rthritis is a painful and debilitating condition for anyone but for those who are trying to earn a living the difficulties can be even greater. They may have problems getting time off work to go to specialist appointments. Workers may have to use up all their sick leave or take leave without pay when coping with a ‘flare’. Sometimes it’s the physical demands of the work itself (standing or lifting) that are difficult. Or it may be the negative perceptions of work colleagues that add to the stress. On the other hand, flexible hours, modified equipment, understanding colleagues and managers who take a positive lead can go a long way towards making sure that workplaces are accessible

and welcoming for people with arthritis. At least 647,000 New Zealanders are affected by arthritis and 49 percent of those are of working age. Musculoskeletal disorders like arthritis are among the leading causes of disability and represent a huge ﬁnancial burden to the New Zealand health system and the economy. Arthritis New Zealand provides information and support for people with all forms of arthritis, at any age. While there is no cure, most people can live fulﬁlling and productive lives with early intervention, good treatment and self-management tools. We also advocate for all those affected by arthritis, including families, and provide training for health professionals through workshops and seminars.

Arthritis educators are available on 0800 663 463 during business hours to give advice on treatments, pain management, employment issues and access to other support services. We also have a Q & A session on Facebook every Tuesday night from 7.00pm to 9.00pm on topics of interest. There is an active arthritis support group in Whangarei and water-based exercise classes are run independently at the Aquatic Centre.

Phone 0800 663 463 visit our Facebook page Website www.arthritis.org.nz

Alternative Care Northland QUALITY IN HOME NURSING CARE

Respite Care

Nursing Care in your own home (Carer Support Forms accepted) Other services offered: • Daycare • Personal Care • Home Care • Transport to appointments • Shopping

Phone Donna today 021 774 586

alternativecare.northland@gmail.com www.alternative-care-northland.mycylex.com

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Tribute to Maree’s life Arthritis New Zealand

aree Douglas had agreed to be our star in this year’s magazine but unfortunately Maree passed away very unexpectedly on the 22nd of April after having a year of health issues including appendicitis. It was decided that due to Maree being so loved and respected in Northland, to do this story as a tribute to her. Maree had been involved with Arthritis New Zealand for many years and had been a strong advocate for our Northland Support Group. She helped run the support group, the annual appeal and other fundraisers

such as rafﬂes. One of her friends in the support group said, “she was a very inspirational leader and brought out the best in everyone”. Maree was also involved in the hydrotherapy pool as a helper, particularly for new comers, which allowed the physiotherapist to concentrate on the whole group. Maree said, “I know how much it (hydrotherapy) has helped me with my recovery with my knee operations in 2018 and 2017. Like me there are people who have been attending for some years now.

I have been attending since my ﬁrst knee operation in 2006 but there are people who have been participating longer than me. The overall opinion is that it certainly helps to keep us more mobile with Isobel’s (the physiotherapist) expert guidance.” Maree had been an integral part of the arthritis community in Whangarei for many years. She had been a member since 2005 and supported their work in various capacities such as: a regional liaison group member, an advocate, a support group member, a member of the 20+ support group and when time permitted, the local fundraiser. Maree was also a Life member of Arthritis New Zealand. Arthritis New Zealand Board Member Els Dutton said that Maree had been the face of many arthritis activities in Whangarei. “Maree had a wicked sense of humour, a questioning mind, and always focussed on what was in her view the best for the community in Whangarei. She was always planning what next, her last emails to me were about a quilt rafﬂe.” She was a great supporter for everyone when attending appointments and coping with the health system or welfare. She has left a huge gap in the local support group and our best wishes go out to that closeknit community. She will be sorely missed.

Call us now on 430 3505 Extend the life of your car. Advanced Automatics will expertly service your transmission and identify problems before they cost you the earth.

• AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS • POWER STEERING AND DIFFS • GENERAL SERVICING NG

Email: ofﬁce@advancedautomatics.co.nz www.advancedautomatics.co.nz Find us on Facebook Facebook.com/advancedautomatics

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Welcome to the Blind Foundation Life without limits Kahore e Mutunga ki te Ora

potential. And if you’re the parent of a child who is blind or low vision, we’re here to help you too. Businesses and Professionals; We offer a range of services to help businesses and educational institutions. If you employ or teach a person who is blind or has low vision or want to improve your accessibility, we can help. We look forward to meeting you and helping with your vision needs.

2019

he Blind Foundation is here to help. If you, a family member or friend, is blind or experiencing sight loss, we can provide the support needed to help you face your future with confidence. To become a client, you can register on line or over the phone. Once you’re set up, you’ll be able to get a wide range of support. These supports may include: Library; We have collections and services available through the Blind Foundation library, including the BookLink digital lending and reading service, as well as how to join. Getting Around; We’re here to help you stay independent when getting around, whether with a cane or guide dog, on public or private transport. Daily Life; We can help you adjust to sight loss, be independent, make the most of technology, and live a life without limits. Cultural support; We have cultural support for Maori and Pacific clients and their whanau, family and friends. Deafblind services; If you’re experiencing dual sensory loss, we’re here to help support you- wherever in New Zealand you are. Children and Youth; We offer a range of support for children who are blind or low vision, and seek to empower our young clients to live independently and fulfil their

EXPO DISABILITY & SENIOR CITIZENS

23 AUGUST 2019

FORUM NORTH

You will ﬁnd us at: 277 Kamo Road, Whangarei Phone: 09 437 1199 Ofﬁce Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday - 9am-2pm If you have any questions, call our team on 0800 24 33 33 or email generalenquiries@ blindfoundation.org.nz

55 STALL HOLDERS promoting services, equipment, and recreation activities available in Northland FASHION SHOW 1pm GUEST SPEAKER Maria Nicol – “Understanding Dementia and Behaviours” – 2pm in the Bounty Room

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Ming Ming Edgar

ing Ming has been a member of the Blind Foundation since childhood and has had ongoing Rehabilitation throughout his childhood and continues to have Rehabilitation input for Mobility training for using his cane and adaptive technology training for phones and computers. Ming Ming’s mother Gaynor says Ming Ming is very independent and manages his own day to day routine. Despite his Blindness Ming Ming leads a very active and independent lifestyle. He is

currently a member of the NZ Blind Cricket Team and in the last couple of years has traveled to a number of different countries to compete in this sport . Earlier this year he travelled with the team to India and if reselected for the team will be traveling to Bangladesh in Nov 2019 and South Africa in 2020. Blind cricket isn’t Ming Ming’s only sporting interest . He is currently training for the Bench Press Championships being held in Kerikeri in a couple of weeks and he’s

ARE OUR FOCUS

FOR ALL DISEASES OF THE EYE

recently achieved level 3 in Arkido. Ming Ming enjoys a range of swimming activities and enjoys having the opportunity to go surﬁng on the Ruakaka Surf Day hosted by Tiaho Trust. Ming Ming is an accomplished musician and a member of the men’s Rivertown Singers Group from Dargaville. Ming Ming regularly plays the piano for residents at a number of resthomes in Whangarei and Dargaville and can often be heard busking with his keyboard on Dargaville’s main street or outside one on the local supermarkets. Ming Ming enjoys painting and his work was recently exhibited at the Artwork exhibition at Muddy Waters Art Gallery in Dargaville. Ming Ming‘s Mother Gaynor reports the exhibition was successful with Ming Ming having sold half of the paintings he exhibited.

WE ALS O CONSU LT IN KERIKE RI

• Initial consultation $172.00 • OCT Scan for Glaucoma & Macula Degeneration $106.00 • Cataract surgery from $3400.00 per eye

* Price inc GST but not including cost of pre-operative consultation Southern Cross afﬁliated

Help is only a phone call away 0800 11 0030

EYE CENTRE PRIMECARE Eye Specialists:

David Dalziel and Andrew Watts Ph: 09-972 7022 12 Kensington Ave, Whangarei Email: pceyes@xtra.co.nz Website: www.bit.do/EyeCentre

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

The Brain Injury Association

rain Injury is often called the “silent epidemic” and referred to as a “hidden injury” as more often than not there are no outwardly visible changes to a person after a brain injury. It is reported that a person receives a brain injury every 15 minutes. Brain Injury is the leading cause of death and disability in NZ. A brain injury can have life changing results for both the injured person and their family / whanau. The causes of brain injury are many and varied, most are due to falls 38%, followed by crashes and assaults. It can be very difﬁcult to predict what the long-term outlook might be as every person; every injury and every recovery is different. People with brain injuries are often seen as lazy or hard to get along with by family and friends. Their personality may have changed, they can no longer process information quickly and make poor decisions. The Brain Injury Association Northland provides a safe, barrier free service to support and assist people understand and navigate through the confusing aftermath of an injury, this includes both the individual with the injury, as well as the family and supporters. Increasing understanding will directly prevent unnecessary injuries and minimise the extent of an injury where protection and good sense prevail. When people understand, the fear can be diminished. Education brings understanding and enables people living with brain injury to better communicate who they are with the world around them. Currently the organisation has two Liaison Ofﬁcers – Vikki Herdman and Dave Wright. We cover from Wellsford to Cape Reinga. There are monthly support groups in several areas in Northland. We support clients to attend appointments and liaise with services they require. We are also very involved with injury prevention and roadsafety education. We participate in the annual Rotary Youth Driver Awareness program in high schools, Court directed driver retraining with St John’s Driving Academy and the roadside Fatigue Stops during the summer in partnership with local agencies such as Northland Regional Council and Northland Roadsafety Association.

■ Dave, Vikki and John Leigh Calder

98 Cairnﬁeld Road, Whangarei, PO Box 4001, Kamo Phone 09 459 5013 Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am2pm Email: northland@brain-injury.org.nz Website: www.brain-injury.org.nz

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Steve Knott’s story

was involved in a serious car accident in 2006. Following the accident I spent 6 months in the Brain Injury Unit at Royal Rehab in Sydney. I have not been able to return to any form of employment due to my brain injury but have been able to participate in rowing and cycling and this has given me a sense of purpose and achievement as well as enabling me to meet many new people and make new friends. I also do yoga which is a great way to balance out the very physical sporting activities that I do. I ﬁrst started rowing in 2010 when I was still living in Sydney. It was really hard at the beginning but the worst thing that happened was that I got wet on the couple of occasions when I fell out of the boat. While rowing was fun, I also enjoyed the competitive side and rowed in a lot of events. Rowing gave me the opportunity in 2013 to row in the infamous Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, as part of an Australian Para-rowing crew. We won our

event and we were the ﬁrst ever international Para-crew to enter the event. Through rowing I met some Paracyclists, who were ex Para-rowers, and they encouraged me to give road and track cycling a try. I did and I loved it. I have competed in competitive cycling events, long endurance events and track events and enjoy them all. Unlike rowing, cycling is something that I can do on my own and in a group, and there’s always the coffee and chat with mates at the end of the ride.

The best thing about discovering rowing, cycling and yoga following my accident is that they are healthy things to be doing to keep my mind and body active. Now I’m living in Whangarei, I’m doing a lot of cycling with the local club “Marsden Wheelers” and practice yoga at The Loft Studio with Tim. I haven’t done a lot of rowing since shifting here, but I know I can at the Whangarei Rowing Club when I choose to do that again sometime.

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Enabling Recreation & Leisure

CCS Disability Action About Us Mo Matou

CS Disability Action is a nationwide organisation that provides support, information and advocacy for people with disabilities. We work in partnership with disabled people, families and whanau to support them to have choice and control in their lives. As well as creating individually-tailored supports, we work in communities to identify and remove barriers so that all people can lead positive and connected lives. We also advocate for local and national policies that ensure that disabled people’s rights are upheld.

What we offer Our model is based on putting people ﬁrst, and ﬁnding ways to support the choices they want to make and the lives that they want for themselves. At CCS Disability Action, we believe that all people have the right to be included in their communities and enjoy the same rights

and opportunities that every New Zealander might expect. We offer a range of services to support individuals and families to achieve these aims: • We offer a range of respite options designed to provide a break for families and a positive and rewarding experience for your child. • Our Community Support Coordinators provide advocacy and support to remove any barriers to accessing the quality education of your choice. • Our dedicated youth team can offer tailored support with education, employment and can connect you with friends, youth groups and your community. • Our ongoing vocational support service assists disabled people to participate in training, work or community activities. • We provide ongoing support, information and options for young people preparing

to leave school for further study or employment. • We work in partnership with disabled people to support them to lead independent lives. We provide community-based support and also support people to transition from residential care into their own home. • Our Karanga Maha group supports people of Maori and Paciﬁc Island descent to engage with their own cultural identities and develop personal leadership. • We administer the mobility parking service in Northland, supporting people to park in accessible spaces in the community.

CCS Disability Action Northland 291 Kamo Road, Whangarei Phone: (09) 437 1899 or 0800 227 2255 e: Northland@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz w: www.ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Building connections through Karanga Maha

CS Disability Action’s Pou Arahi Jonathan Tautari and Robert Nathan coordinate a series of hui for whanau haua (disabled Maori) in the Northland community. The hui are part of CCS Disability Action’s Karanga Maha project, a name that loosely translated means ‘Many Voices’. “Karanga Maha describes hui and experiences that bring whanau together to share information, stories and life experiences. It is an ongoing and continual process of dialogue and information exchange underpinned by kaupapa Maori,” explains Jonathan. The gatherings provide a safe, non-

judgemental space for whanau to connect as well as express what is important for them. The Northland-based events are supported by a local steering group, who ensure community opportunities are shaped to meet local needs. Karanga Maha participants have also arranged a number of events and outings, including a glittering Matariki ball held at Waitangi along with visits to places that are signiﬁcant to the group’s members. In 2019 the Northland group are planning a visit to Tane Mahuta in the Waipoua Forest, for example. The opportunity to connect has proved to be an exciting new journey of learning,

knowledge, sharing and coming together for many attendees. “It is exciting to be able to provide a space of learning to enhance the well-being of whanau and to feed the hinengaro (mind) with information,” says Jonathan. Join Us If you’d like to ﬁnd out more about our upcoming events in Northland, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Robert on: 027 807 9666 Robert.Nathan@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz www.ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Deaf Aotearoa

eaf Aotearoa is the Disabled Persons’ Organisation representing the voice of Deaf people, and the national service provider for Deaf people in New Zealand. It is also the New Zealand-representative member organisation of the World Federation of the Deaf. Deaf Aotearoa’s services are available from 13 ofﬁces nationwide, including Northland. These services include: First Signs Connecting families who have a deaf or hard of hearing child aged 0-5, with New Zealand Sign Language, the Deaf community and Deaf culture.

Youth Engaging with Deaf youth and promoting positive Deaf identity and leadership in young Deaf people. Hauora A service focused on improving lives and supporting independence, including coordinating access to other services and assistive technology. Employment A specialist employment service for deaf and hard of hearing people, offering a transition service for school leavers, preemployment support, job-seeking, and supporting employers of Deaf staff.

NZSL Promotion This includes Adult Community Education for the Deaf community, tailored Deaf Awareness and NZSL courses for businesses and organisations. NZSL is also particularly promoted during New Zealand Sign Language Week, held annually in May. NZSL Week This year’s NZSL Week theme was, ‘My Language, My Place’. This theme linked to an update of the NZSL online dictionary, which recently added a collection of place name signs. It also emphasises the value of NZSL to New Zealand, with its capacity to express uniquely New Zealand names and concepts. iSign iSign is a nationwide New Zealand Sign Language interpreter booking service. Deaf Aotearoa also works to advocate for the Deaf community, engaging with government departments and other agencies to improve access for Deaf people. Deaf Aotearoa has also been on the international stage this year, attending the World Federation of the Deaf Congress in Paris and bidding to host the next Congress in 2023.

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Enabling Recreation & Leisure

‘Play and Chat’ Gymnastics

n the third Sunday of every month you will ﬁnd a lively group of fun-loving families at Whangarei Academy of Gymnastics. They are playing, chatting and building friendships – not just the children, but the mums, dads, siblings and other whanau who come along too! This is Northland Down Syndrome Support Group’s monthly ‘Play and Chat’ session for children with Down syndrome and their families. Led by qualiﬁed coach, Carol Wise, the children explore the gym equipment, sing and dance together, and develop both their bodies and their social skills. “Children with Down syndrome can experience a wide range of physical challenges,” explains Jo Morrison, Trustee for Northland Down Syndrome Support Group. “All our children have low muscle tone which means they have to work extra hard to do the same physical activities as their typically developing peers. Some of our children also have other health problems

2019

and this makes physical activity really important to their development.” Mum to two year old Taonga, Miranda Shackell, really enjoys the opportunity to network with other parents whose children have Down syndrome whilst being able to have fun with her children at the same time. “It’s great to know that all three of my boys can play together and with other children in a safe environment. It means I can relax and chat to the other parents – I can make friends, ask advice, and share my own experiences. It’s a valuable opportunity to connect for all of us.” Northland Down Syndrome Support Group Trustee, Kathryn Sadgrove, explains that it has always been the group’s intention to create opportunities to make connections since the group’s inception over twenty years ago. “Having a child with Down syndrome can be intimidating and isolating for new parents. We support families on their journey and help them feel part of a strong community.”

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“As the children get older, they also need to build friendships with other children with Down syndrome as it helps them to understand themselves. With this in mind, we also run a Youth Group which welcomes adolescents and adults with a range of disabilities, not just Down syndrome. The children at the gym here today will be able to graduate on to this when they are older and do activities such as ten pin bowling, arts and crafts, and going out to the movies or for meals together.” Kathryn and Jo are keen to support whanau in other areas of Northland/Tai Tokerau who would like to set up groups like these. If this is of interest, or you would like to ﬁnd out more about the WAGS ‘Play and Chat’ sessions or GreatM8s youth group, call Kathryn on 0210 814 3744 or email Jo at NorthlandDSSG@gmail.com.

1. Lucy & elder sister Eva and parents 2. Aria and her big sister Keala, with instructor Carol. 3. Arloh on the rope swing 4. Taonga and his mum Miranda

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Northland Down Syndrome Support Group Charitable Trust

orthland Down Syndrome Support Group is a charitable trust for people with Down syndrome, their whanau and their teachers. Run by parents of children with Down syndrome of all ages, we support, connect, advise, advocate, provide resources and have fun! We have a range of services and regular get-togethers:

Whanau with a recent diagnosis of Down syndrome A diagnosis of Down syndrome - whether during pregnancy or at birth - can be a shock. We are available to chat to if you have had a recent diagnosis. We are non-judgemental, supportive listeners. We can help you begin to understand the implications that having a child with Down syndrome may have for your family and put you in touch with other whanau if you wish. Babies and pre-schoolers with Down syndrome We have a supportive network of families

General enquiries: 0210 814 3744 Email: ksadgrove@xtra.co.nz Schools enquiries: 021 0822 4584 Email: NorthlandDSSG@gmail.com www.NorthlandDSSG.org Facebook: Northland Down Syndrome Support Group

with babies and pre-schoolers with Down syndrome who meet regularly for coffee and a play.

meal, and many other activities - a great opportunity to develop independence, meet up with friends and have fun!

School-age children with Down syndrome Our whanau with children aged 0 - 16 years old meet up at WAGS (Whangarei Academy of Gymnastics) at 11am on the third Sunday of each month. Supported by a qualiﬁed coach, all the children - siblings included play safely on the gym equipment, having fun, being physical and making friends. Bring lunch, chat to other parents/carers, and enjoy playing with your kids too.

Schools – Teachers, Teacher Aides/ESWs and SENCOs/LSCOs To support schools working with learners with Down syndrome, we provide professional development days, individualised support and advice in-school (including the development of learning programmes tailored to a student’s needs), networking opportunities for teachers of children with Down syndrome to share good practice, and IEP support. We also have a wide range of educational books, reading programmes, and numeracy (Numicon) resources to loan. We work with all levels of education – from ECE to tertiary/

Youth Group Our older teens and adults with Down syndrome meet up every fortnight to go bowling, do arts and crafts, go out for a

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Enabling Recreation & Leisure

‘Play and Chat’ Gymnastics

1. Lucy & elder sister Eva and parents 2. Aria and her big sister Keala, with instructor Carol. 3. Arloh on the rope swing 4. Taonga and his mum Miranda

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Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Epilepsy awareness – see the person, not the condition Kia titiro ki te tangata. Tena Koutou Katoa

ust being able to get on with life as fully as possible, with Epilepsy being no more than a background consideration is a Lifetime Goal for all People diagnosed with Epilepsy. Sam Morgan Educator, Epilepsy NZ is only too aware of the challenges and difficulties Tangata face in the local and more widely remote areas of Tai Tokerau where limited access to services often impact on whanau wellbeing and lifestyle. Sam says “Epilepsy can be a very individual condition. So quality of life can mean different things to different people.” Working with a holistic approach is paramount in addressing the wider impact that epilepsy can have on relationships within whanau, extended whanau, friends and the wider community. The event of a single seizure can be quite significant resulting in the person with Epilepsy living in fear at the risk of having further seizures. Many people can feel anxious regarding their daily activities whether it be at home, work, school, employment or just being out and about in the wider community. This can often lead to a loss of self-confidence. Sam finds people employed in the work

place are often hesitant to discuss their diagnosis with others for fear of feeling different or evoking a negative response. For others who are unable to work due to their seizures the opportunity to attend a Literacy group to up skill, voluntary work or Workbridge is encouraged. Home visits are always encouraged within the context of whanau. Promoting education and awareness on not only the Diagnosis and Management but the impact on signiﬁcant relationships and issues affecting lifestyle is important to our organisation. One of the most important areas to address is to Improve the Quality of Life that is Optimum Seizure Control. This can mean getting a balance of the Anticonvulsant prescribed and its side effects. The aim being always to optimize Seizure Control and minimize the side effects. In addition, addressing lifestyle triggers of potential seizures i.e diet, exercise, sleep allows for the person to address any issues and changes that need to be made. Sam maximises opportunities to promote awareness, provide education and resources by providing Professional Development Staff Training, to employers, schools, services as well as community

talks. Working collaboratively with other Services in promoting Epilepsy Awareness within each region of Tai Tokerau is important in building conﬁdence within Tangata /Whanau. Knowing there are people out in the wider community who understand the way you feel can really help to get a perspective on the problems faced.

Sam Morgan, Epilepsy Educator Address: Suite 5, 71 Bank St, PO Box 712 Whangarei Ofﬁce hours: Monday-Thursday – 8am-5pm Phone: 09 438 5498

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Sonya’s story

onya White is a woman who has a story to tell and a journey to share with people from all walks of life. Sonya was diagnosed with Tonic Clonic Epilepsy at age 17 years, 3 years after being run over by a motorbike. Prior to the accident Sonya described herself as a fun loving out door girl who was very involved in sports. Sonya faced signiﬁcant challenges in her earlier years, in understanding her Epilepsy and adjusting to the prescribed medication and the ongoing side effects. Not to deter her, Sonya has faced the challenges of living with Epilepsy with a determination and resilience proven to be, both positive attributes in accomplishing her life journey. In 2002, Sonya and her husband Mark travelled to South Africa where she worked for Trade Aid and SAFE, an organisation set up to Save Animals From Experimentation. In 2003 Sonya and Mark bought a bus, travelling through Australia digging for opals, gold and picking citrus. Sonya says she enjoyed the interaction with meeting new people from all walks of life and sharing life experiences. In July 2018 Sonya returned on

her own to live in a unit on family property in Whangarei. She is a proud mother of her daughter Billy who lives and works in Auckland. I met with Sonya at her family home, where she was happy to share her gifts of creativity, sewing sarongs into ponchos with a keen interest from the wider community to market them. Sonya is a certiﬁed Herbalist who has a keen interest in health and wellbeing, however she clearly has many talents in arts and crafts. Yvonne, (Sonya’s mother) tells me Sonya made her coasters with NZ Birds as a gift for her. She also showed me an outstanding picture which Sonya had done of a turtle. Sonya currently attends the Epilepsy Support Group and enjoys meeting and sharing the gifts each person brings to the table. Sonya wrote to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex asking them not to forget Epilepsy NZ as an important part of Mental Health Awareness week. She received a response from Prince Harry’s Secretary stating he supported Epilepsy NZ and we are not forgotten. When one looks at what a full and varied life Sonya has it is proof that Epilepsy can be only a small part of your life.

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Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Huntington’s Disease Association

he Huntington’s Disease Association (Auckland) Inc is currently working with 900+ people living with symptoms, or at risk of developing symptoms, of Huntington’s Disease in the Auckland and Northland regions. With the hard work and dedication of the Manager, Jo Dysart and Cheenee Mandawe (Support worker), they support the carers, family members, GPs, medical specialists and other agencies to support people with Huntington’s. Family Liaison Service Our professional staff are Huntington’s Disease (HD) specialists who help families and professionals respond to the unique challenges of HD. The clients of the Individual and Family Services programme are the person living with HD, their caregivers and family members including people at risk. Support Service This staff provides a service which includes assessing people’s needs through one to one consultations, educating clients about HD and giving information about community services, ﬁnding sources of support, facilitating appropriate referrals and then following up. The service can involve setting goals with the clients, strategising and solution focused problem solving, either working individually with clients or in groups. Education and Awareness For over 30 years we have been providing information about Huntington’s Disease to those living with HD, their carer’s as well as the support agencies and medical professionals. Information ranges from symptomology of HD to how to manage the symptoms. What is Huntington’s disease? Huntington’s disease is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder caused by and expunction in the IT-15, or Huntington’s gene on chromosome 4. Each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of developing the disease, most people with HD develop symptoms in their forties and ﬁfties although around 10% of patients have onset of symptoms before age 20 and 10% have onset after age 60. Who Gets It? Huntington’s is a genetic disorder. About one in every 10,000 people has HD. It is not discriminative can affect both sexes and any

■ Jo Dysart and Cheenee Mandawe race. Primarily, HD affects adults. Symptoms usually appear between the ages of 30 and 45 but there is Juvenile HD which appears in children and late onset HD in adults in their 60s. What are the Symptoms? There are three main types of symptoms in Huntington’s disease: physical symptoms including involuntary movements and diminished coordination; emotional symptoms including depression, irritability and obsessiveness; and cognitive symptoms, including loss of ability to recall

information, loss of attention and difﬁculty with decision making. Liaison We are privileged to work alongside clinical experts and DHB’s offering a multi-disciplinary team approach to the individuals and family/whanau affected by HD. Along with this we have tight links with the Auckland University Centre for Brain Research and our Patron Sir Richard Faull. We therefore have ongoing updates on clinical research and research to help develop treatments and one day, a cure.

Address: PO Box 16181, Sandringham, Auckland 1351 Phone: (09) 815 9703 | 0800 432 825 Email: huntingtonsakld@ xtra.co.nz Web: www.hdauckland.org.nz

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Huntington’s Disease Association

■ Huntington’s clients enjoying a night out at the Theatre

n many cases, our clients who have Huntington’s Disease live independently but do not have any means to go out and do things that they enjoy. This is because they may be unable to drive, have no one to go with or not have enough funds to spare for leisure, and so on. In saying that, the Huntington’s Disease Association works hard to provide opportunities and outings that enable our clients to go out into the community and experience things that improve their quality of life. A lot of the time these include movie outings and coffee mornings. With the help of our donations and funders, we can do these outings many times throughout the year. For instance, February this year, we were fortunate enough to receive free tickets to the

theatre show Aladdin. We were able to take a couple of our ladies who had never seen a theatre show before and had set up a girl’s club. The show was well-received and proved to be a spectacular showcase. The ladies themselves enjoyed the outing and show. They would not stop raving about it during the intermission and even after the show ﬁnished. One of them even hoped it would go out on DVD because everyone deserved to watch it. It was a truly magical show and it was such a privilege to give these ladies an opportunity to experience something they have never done so in their life and it was such a positive outcome for them. However, just because we have set up a girl’s club, we did not forget about our lads. We have had a movie outing with a group of

the guys and was able to watch a screening of the new Star Wars movie - this proved to be quite successful. Other opportunities for our clients who have Huntington’s Disease and their families included meeting with inspirational guests from overseas. This happens through our events and over dinner. We are also proud of our dear Huntington’s Champion, Shane, who won the 2018 Special Olympics in Whangarei. We celebrate birthdays and annually spread a bit of Christmas cheer. Overall, our Huntington’s Disease Association strives to celebrate any successes and ultimately help provide positive opportunities that enable our community members to fulﬁl their life as best as they can.

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

MND New Zealand Kia ora and welcome

e are here to help and support people with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and those who care for them. MND New Zealand works with people living with MND to enable them to have the best quality of life possible. We help people with MND access medical expertise, support services and equipment that they may need. Our Support Team are available to provide free, personalised support and advocacy for people with MND in New Zealand. The Support Team offer education, up-to-date information and practical strategies for people with MND, their whanau and the health professionals caring for them. We are the only national organisation in New Zealand focused on MND. We

concentrate on three key activities; • Providing support to people living with MND and those who care for them • Providing community education and awareness • Promoting, identifying and developing research opportunities within New Zealand and internationally. Including the New Zealand MND Registry. To provide a quality national service, raise community awareness and support research development, MND New Zealand raises funds throughout the year with events such as Awareness Week held in June and Walk 2 D’feet in November. We welcome your support by way of donations, participation in our fundraising activities, increasing awareness and above all understanding of people living with MND.

To contact the Northland Support Team member email; sally.king@mnd.org.nz or call 027 202 8166 or 09 280 3196. Sally King MND Support Person – I truly appreciate it when I am invited to walk alongside folk for a while. Whakawhetai ki a koe.

We are an incorporated society with charitable status and are governed by the MND New Zealand National Council. We have a team of 8 Support Workers throughout New Zealand. We are an Associate Member of MND Australia and we are a member of the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations, FINZ, the Neurological Alliance of New Zealand and the NZ Carers Alliance.

MND New Zealand is a registered charity under the Charities Act 2005, registration number CC35320. Contact Details: Motor Neurone Disease Association, Yarnton House, 14 Erson Avenue, Royal Oak, Auckland PO Box 24036, Auckland 1345, Phone: (09) 624 2148 www.mnd.org.nz, www.facebook.com/mndanz Northland contact: sally.king@mnd.org.nz or call 027 202 8166

ENHANCING THE of New Zealanders with cerebral palsy.

Find out more at cpsociety.org.nz • 0800 503 603 • 8 Railway Street, Newmarket, Auckland

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

New Zealand Adventures in a V8 Mustang

avid Seymour and his wife Rachel enjoy travelling the country in their 2015 Mustang. Diagnosed with MND in 2016, David continues to live life to the fullest. His adventures have taken him from the tip of the North Island to the bottom of the South. David talks to us about his travels. Can you tell us about your Mustang? Rachael and I bought our Mustang four years ago. It is the latest shape (2015) but is a left-hand drive model of which there are only about 10 in the country. What is there not to like? The 5.0L V8 and the comfort of modern motoring but in an all-time iconic American car. The colour is Deep Impact Blue and not that common. You said before that you and your wife have travelled from the tip of the North Island to the bottom of the South. Could you tell us about it and what did you pack to help you travel more comfortably? We did the ﬁrst leg to Cape Reinga with some friends. Then, we joined a group from Auckland to tour down south. We were heading to the National Mustang Convention in Invercargill. This was in October 2017, over a two-week period to get there and back. Despite being a two-door sporty car, you can ﬁt a fair bit in it including a fold up wheelchair. Even though I was still walking at this point, the chair was a safety net in

case I got tried or we had a lengthy distance to cover on foot (in my case in the chair). Of course, we had chilly bags and suitcases to ﬁt in as well. In October 2018, we gathered the troops (12 Mustangs, most of which travelled to the deep south with us) and hit the road again. This time we were heading to Napier for another Mustang convention. How was travelling for you with MND? I organised the 2018 trip. The key points for me at this point were accessibility and suitable bathrooms. Ground ﬂoor is essential unless the place has a lift. I called all the places we stayed to make sure these were booked correctly. We found a number of the Top Ten Holiday parks or similar are great value, and they cater for those in wheelchairs unlike a few of the older motels. What would you say to someone who has MND and their partners, who are wanting to travel - especially the less adventurous types? Do as much or as little you feel comfortable with but do it sooner rather than later because we all know as time passes we are going to face more challenges with mobility. Call ahead and arrange disability units wherever possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. With our longer trips, we have had the good fortune to travel with a good group of

people who were always checking on me and helping Rachael with luggage and the wheelchair. Why is it important to get out and explore and continue being a part of clubs and organisations? Social connection is important. Contact with other people helps keep me sane rather than being at home all the time. We have always been social people and so why stop. I only have MND; it’s not contagious. We don’t know how long we have before getting out and about is not going to be practical due to the MND issues. We have always been keen to give back to the community where possible. It was a big part of business strategies and success, plus we get a real buzz of doing things within the community. When you get involved in things it’s a way of having a positive vibe going on. The more vibe the better!

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Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Northland MS Society Inc.

orthland Multiple Sclerosis Society offers a wide variety of services to people with MS, family/whanau members and carers. The Northland area extends from Wellsford, coast to coast to Cape Reinga. The service provides information, education and support, encouraging a proactive approach to managing this disease. If you have MS the Society provides for you and your family and/or carers, the following services: • A MS Field Worker who is a NZ Registered Nurse. • A home visiting service that provides support and information to you and your family about your condition or in your role as a caregiver. • Education for you, your family and other health professionals about MS and related disorders. • Advocates for you with other support agencies and health professionals and informs you of services available in the community. • Provides education material and books, both available from the MS ofﬁce. • Library Books covering all aspects of MS are available to take out on loan • Monthly support groups for those with MS. • Offers a weekly Pilates exercise class • Bi-monthly newsletter which includes useful information on research and development of MS and advice on staying well. What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)? Multiple Sclerosis is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system. A fatty substance called the myelin sheath covers the ﬁbres of the nervous system. The myelin protects the nerves and helps the messages move between the brain and the rest of the body.

In MS, the myelin sheath covering the nerves in the brain and spinal cord become scarred in scattered patches. This is multiple scarring, or sclerosis. Essentially this distorts or prevents the ﬂow of messages from the brain and the spinal cord to other parts of the body. The distortions to the messages travelling through the nervous system cause a range of problems for the people with MS. Although it is important to note that there is no typical set of MS symptoms, the following are common (in varying combinations or severity): • Loss of balance or coordination. • Tremor and weakness. • Blurred or double vision, eye pain (usually only affecting one). • Difﬁculty with legs, arms and hand movements. • Bladder and bowel problems. • Numbness and pain. • Problems with thinking and remembering. • Sexual problems. • Fatigue.

tissue for an unknown reason; or a genetic susceptibility to the above triggers. How is MS Treated? While MS still cannot be cured, much can be done to help manage the condition. There are MS-speciﬁc treatments available. These directly target the immune system. A Neurologist determines whether these are relevant for each person. Generally the person with MS works with their GP on the day to day management of the condition. As the Northland Ofﬁce Manager is only available 14 hours per week (Monday and Tuesday from 9am - 2.30pm / Wednesday 9am to 12pm), an answer phone is in place to take messages, which are responded to as soon as possible. Urgent contact can be made to the Field Workers mobile phone.

What Causes MS? At this time the cause of MS is still unknown. However, research suggests it is likely to be a combination of the following: a reaction to a virus, possibly years after infection; exposure to an unknown environmental agent before puberty; an auto-immune reaction in which the body attacks its own

Address: Suite 6, 71 Bank Street, Whangarei 0110 Phone: (09) 438 3945 Mobile: 027 539 9883 Email: nthldms@xtra.co.nz Web: www.msnz.org.nz Facebook: Northland Multiple Sclerosis Society

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Hazel Taylor Hello – Kia Ora,

y name is Hazel Taylor and I felt very humbled being asked by Northland MS Society to participate in writing this article. I was born in the UK 69 years ago as the youngest of eight children. I have been married to my husband and soulmate Philip for 49 years and we have 4 lovely sons aged between 38-48 years. We emigrated from the UK to New Zealand in 1981 sponsored by the NZ Naval Dockyard. I now realise that my ﬁrst Multiple Sclerosis (MS) attack was in 1985 affecting my optic nerve resulting in a temporary partial loss of sight. This lasted for about a month and was very frightening. My doctor asked questions like whether I had experienced any numbness in my hands etc. as there was a family history of MS (my sister having recently passed away at the age of 43 years). An appointment with a neurologist followed, who diagnosed what he ‘thought’ was the onset of MS. At that time, MRI scans were unavailable in NZ. As I was regaining my full vision and feeling better, my doctor suggested I go away and enjoy my life! Because he had actually put a name to what had happened to me, I decided to do exactly that. I got on with my busy life, raising our 4 sons and doing the accounts for my hubby’s business venture. As the years progressed, I had a few niggly things happening health-wise, but did not associate these with MS. On the eve

of the Millennium I was with friends on the Sunshine Coast in Australia and had what I now know as another prominent MS attack. I was subsequently hospitalised in Caloundra. On my return to NZ, I saw the neurologist again and underwent an MRI (that was now available in NZ). Those little white specks on my brain confirmed I had MS. “Where to now”, I asked myself? Give up or try to live life to the fullest? I chose the latter. Our first grandson arrived in 2005 and there have been five more since then. We feel very blessed. Phillip and I purchased a 6 berth campervan and we have had some wonderful trips around both the North and South Islands and go on adventures as often as possible. Over the past ten years during our NZ winter, we go to Perth in Australia, where two of our sons and grandsons live. From there we head to Bali for 2 months. I just love the sun and getting all that natural vitamin D - something that I missed out on while growing up in the UK. A lack of vitamin D is apparently linked as a contributing factor to MS. Having MS did not stop me playing lawn bowls, and I now

enjoy indoor bowls and sometimes play 2 or 3 times a week. Life is good and I just try to live it to the fullest, most of the time.

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Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Muscular Dystrophy

he Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand Inc. (MDANZ) began in the late 1950’s as a support group for families affected by muscular dystrophy. Since then, MDANZ has broadened its scope to include many other neuromuscular conditions. We are proud to have Judy Bailey and Dame Susan Devoy as our longstanding patrons. Our logo is a person shown in the form of DNA. This double helix represents the genetic component to many of our conditions and reﬂects our commitment to families and the acknowledgement of whakapapa or family histories, which are woven through the stories of our members. Our unique governance structure ensures leadership of the organisation by individuals or family members with lived experience of a condition. We have four regional branches Northern, Central, Canterbury and Southern - that are supported by the national ofﬁce based in Auckland. MDANZ supports individuals, families and wha nau by providing specialist information, practical resources, personalised support and Fieldworker services, social networks, campaigns for public awareness and advocacy. And through our research trust, we work to improve care standards and facilitate access to potential treatments for neuromuscular conditions. Our organisation is a registered charity and we rely almost entirely on voluntary

donations from the general public, trusts and other businesses/organisations to continue our work. What are Neuromuscular Conditions? Neuromuscular condition is a broad umbrella term that describes a variety of muscle disorders. The conditions covered by MDANZ are rare and mostly genetic. Progressive muscle wasting leads to loss of mobility and independence, and there are often major impacts on organ systems, which can result in early loss of life. Symptoms can appear at birth or for others not until much later in life. These conditions can be unpredictable and there are limited treatment options.

Muscular Dystrophy Northern Branch on 0800 636787 Email - support@mdn.org.nz Fieldworker Northern Branch - Rachel Woodworth Phone: 09 415 5682| 021 704 227 Hours of work: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9am-5.30pm/Friday 9am –3.30pm. Day off Wednesday Email for Rachel: rachel@mdn.org.nz

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Muscular Dystrophy

argaret was diagnosed with Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy in the late 1990’s & has had her current power wheelchair for over 10 years. Margaret still works from home for a company she has worked with for 30 years as a Research coder. She started off in the Auckland ofﬁce and moved to be home based when it proved more challenging to get to the ofﬁce every day. She continued in this work after leaving Auckland for the sunnier climes of Whangarei. Margaret and Bruce celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on 26th April 2019 with family around them. Margaret’s bridesmaid came up from Cambridge and also her sister from Sydney. I’m sure that there was much chat about West Ham United & the Wellington Phoenix during their celebrations as the family are passionate soccer fans. Margaret and Bruce travel by public transport; they don’t own a car. On the

whole, their travel experiences are good and trouble free with regular jaunts to Auckland on the Inter-city bus service, and for their occasional cruise ship holidays. Most recently they have cruised the east coast of Australia, including the Barrier Reef, and around the beautiful New Zealand coastline. Margaret says that she literally goes from door to door without having to leave her chair (providing that the ramps are present on the Inter-city bus). Using the bus timetables prevents lots of waiting around

Need help with transport? If you have a disability, or you’re finding it hard to get around as you get older, you could be eligible for a 50% subsidy on door-to-door transport around Whangārei. Find out if you qualify for the Total Mobility scheme 0800 002 004 or www.nrc.govt.nz/totalmobility With funding support from

and when jaunting in Auckland they explore and see what the city has to offer using public transport with ease. Train travel is marvellous; Margaret loved their recent seamless train trip to Wellington and back. Margaret is still able to get onto their launch and still loves being on the water. Their beautiful garden has numerous water features. Margaret loves to spend time in her pool at home during the summer months. The effective but budget-priced hoist (made by Quinn Engineering) allows Margaret to enjoy her pool with ease.

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

NorthAble Disability Services DIAS – Disability Information Advisory Service NorthAble provide free information and advice to people with a disability, their families, whanau, aiga, caregivers, providers and the general public. We are here to assist and answer any of your questions. You can like our facebook page, head to our website, and check out www.ﬁrstport. co.nz to access helpful information, news, and events, or sign up to our weekly electronic newsletter by sending us an email - dias@northable.org.nz. NASC – Needs Assessment Service Coordination Talk to our NorthAble Needs Assessment Service Coordination Team (NASC) if you or someone you care for is aged 0 – 65 and requires long term support due to a physical, intellectual, neurological, sensory disability or autism. You can check your eligibility, make a referral online, or give us a call to ﬁnd out more. EQ+ - NorthAble Equipment Plus EQ+ is Northland’s largest supplier of Rehab, Aged Care and Disability equipment/ products that support people who are experiencing a temporary or permanent impairment. You may have experienced an accident

or injury, be waiting for, or recovering from surgery, or simply aging gracefully and finding some of those everyday tasks and activities more difficult. Whatever your situation, we have a large range of equipment to assist you available for sale and hire. We also specialise in providing free and informative equipment presentations and training to community groups and organisations, health groups and professionals, and the wider sector. With an office in Whangarei, a mobile van service, and an Equipment agency at Far-North Pharmacy in Kaitaia, NorthAble provides disability support and information throughout Northland. Check out our website - https://www. equipmentplus.org.nz/ LYNKZ NorthAble LYNKZ is a community-based service that works with its clients to improve their life skills and increase employment awareness and opportunities. Our LYNKZ programme is available to individuals aged between 16 and 64, who have a cognitive, physical, sensory disability, or a combination. We provide daily activities from Monday to Thursday with everything from cooking classes to trips to the zoo or beach. Our aim is to provide opportunities

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for all of our clients to become more confident while learning valuable skills as they engage in the community. Like and follow NorthAble LYNKZ on Facebook. VHN NorthAble provides a Very High Needs (VHN) service funded by MSD, for clients who have Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS) funding as defined by Ministry of Education. Our VHN coordinator works directly with you and your family/whanau or support people to tailor make support plans based on individual goals & objectives to engage in everyday social activities and participate in the local community. Navigation Service NorthAble Navigation Service (NNS) aims at enabling individuals with disabilities and their family/whãnau to create a positive future for themselves. NNS facilitates interventions and support around opportunities for self-determination for families to build and maintain resilience. To find out more about these services, the eligibility criteria, and referral process, visit our website. NorthAble Disability Services: 40 John St, Whangarei NorthAble Equipment Plus: 73 John St, Whangarei Ph: 0508 637 200 or 09 430 0988 Email: drc@northable.org.nz Website: www.northable.org.nz and www.equipmentplus.org.nz

Coffee and Cabinet food on the go Available from 7am Monday to Friday only

Open for: • Breakfast • Lunch • Delicious Cakes • Functions • Paintings • Glass Works • Carvings • Jewellery • Sculptures • Ceramics • Gift Vouchers

1392 Old Russell Rd, Hikurangi Phone/Fax: Gallery 09 433 9616 or Café 09 433 9934 Hours: 7 days - 10am to 5pm www.galleryhelenabay.co.nz www.facebook/galleryhelenabay

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Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Kevin Grifﬁths The 6x6 explorer going where other chairs won’t go

orthAble has a wide range of services and is involved in the lives of many people with and without disabilities in Te Tai Tokerau; one of these people is Kevin Grifﬁths. Kevin lives right on ninetymile beach and loves ﬁshing and getting

out there with his mates. He epitomises the “Northland lifestyle.” However, Kevin found there were no all-terrain power chairs suitable for the conditions on his local beach. So along with his ﬁtter and turner brother, Dave, they decided to build something that would enable him to ‘cruise down the beach and go round the rocks.’ The 6x6 Explorer, a six-wheel-drive, all terrain power chair, means that as a tetraplegic, he can still easily do what he loves. Kevin has a torpedo and electric winch that mounts on the front of his six-wheeled chair. One might argue giving him a potential advantage over some of his ﬁshing companions. As Kevin puts it, the chair is ‘designed for anybody with a disability. It’s made to go where other wheelchairs won’t

go.” Kevin’s passion for the outdoors, along with an entrepreneurial spirit has not only created opportunities for his own recreation but has also enabled others to continue to engage in an active lifestyle. In addition to fishing and cruising down ninety-mile beach, Kevin is also an extremely talented mouth painting artist. Kevin is an amazing example of adapting and continuing to pursue what he enjoys, as well as finding new talents. NorthAble loves hearing of local Northlanders initiating change and are proud to be partnering with Kevin. For those interested in finding out more about this great outdoors wheelchair or to view Kevins online art gallery, contact Kevin on 021 555 094, email kevin@kemcare. co.nz or check out www.6x6explorer.com

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Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Parent to Parent Northland

very year hundreds of Northland whanau face the unique challenges of caring for a baby/child/teen with disabilities and health impairments. Parent to Parent has been supporting these families for the past 35 years with its three core services: 1. Information and support on over 3600 different conditions 2. Training volunteer Support Parents 3. Supporting the siblings of children with disabilities. No other organisation in New Zealand offers these services, and they are free and conﬁdential. Northland regional coordinator Don Martin has continued to build on his work towards ensuring that Parent to Parent Northland keeps developing in the whole region. Don says “I ﬁnd it exciting when families and professionals attend our workshops and use our services as a result of bringing them closer to where they live. Workshops have been held in Kerikeri and Kaitaia and Sibling activities in Taipa with this year’s sibling camp to be held at Matauri Bay. Planned

workshops for the coming year include the North Kaipara” Don wants to ensure parents, whanau and their supporting professionals who can benefit from these services, know about them and feel welcome to make contact for more information. Information Information on over 3600 common to very rare conditions; posted/emailed information that is easy to understand, tailor-made for a child’s specific condition/s, and in most languages. Parent Support Connecting with another local parent who has ‘been there’ – a trained Support Parent who has a child with the same/similar condition or experienced similar issues. Support Parents are further enough along the track to feel confident to complete intensive training and ‘give back’ to new parents. SibSupport Camps and programmes for the brothers and sisters of children with disabilities. All programme leaders have siblings with disabilities, and have been there too. Don Martin - Regional Coordinator SibSupport acknowledges Mobile: 027 808 3942 the extra effort their ‘different’ Freephone: 0508 236 236 home life demands, and gives e: northland@parent2parent.org.nz them the chance to talk about w: www.parent2parent.org.nz issues such as feeling left out f: www.facebook.com/ at home or bullying at school. parenttoparentnorthland

Lifelong support for Kiwi families caring for kids with disabilities ! Chat with others who have ‘been there’ ! Information on 3600+ disabilities/conditions ! SibSupport for the brothers and sisters (aged 8-18) of .people with disabilities ! Workshops, family activity days, coffee groups, camps and more ! Unique and FREE services for family/whānau and professionals Connect with Parent to Parent Northland Mob. 027 808 3942 Toll free 0508 236 236 E. northland@parent2parent.org.nz W. www.parent2parent.org.nz

Our workshops are community driven and include: • Renew – for parents new to the world of disability • Support Parents – intensive training (and refresher courses) for volunteer parents wanting to support others • SibCamps/SibShops/SibDays – for the brothers/sisters aged 8-18 of people with disabilities • Championing Your Needs – for families and professionals to learn how to be heard and advocate for a child’s educational and living needs • Anxiety Workshop - for parents who want to better understand feelings of anxiousness and the effect it can have between yourself and your children • Second Generation – for adult siblings and parents/whanau for a ‘whole family’ approach to lifelong care for their family member with a disability. Other support services include: • Altogether Autism delivered in partnership with Life Unlimited. • Care Matters delivered in partnership with SAMS (Standards and Monitoring Service) and Carers NZ. • Prism is autism spectrum disorder (ASD) training for professionals, tailored to suit the organisation and presented by facilitators with signiﬁcant knowledge of ASD and associated issues.

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

SibSupportNZ

arent to Parent’s Sibling Support program (also known as SibSupportNZ) provides kids aged 8-18 who have a brother or sister with a disability or signiﬁcant health issue a unique opportunity to meet other kids in similar circumstances all the while having a fun time in a stress-free and safe environment. Offered in three different formats, siblings attend SibShops, SibCamps and SibDays. Each offer a chance for siblings to have time that is just for them and an opportunity to establish their own support networks by making friends with other siblings who they can relate to. Programs previously held in Northland have included bush walks, horse riding, sailing, abseiling, bowling and laser tag, just to name a few. Parent to Parent Northland Regional Coordinator Don Martin encouraged Anika, a sibling, to go on a youth voyage on the R Tucker Thompson (a gaff-rigged topsail schooner) and she has just recently returned. Don asked Anika a few questions about her experience. As a sibling, describe the importance of having experiences like a voyage? It’s an opportunity to get out of the house, sometimes as a sibling it’s hard to get an adventurous experience because your sibling doesn’t really want too or can’t. So it’s good to have opportunities like this

so you can kinda feel like a normal kid. Sometimes you get used to not doing things and that becomes the normal but then you hear your friends talking about things they’ve done and you realise it’s a really different situation. Tell me about one of the really cool experiences you had on the voyage? I had a lot of really cool experiences but I think just seeing how quickly you got close with people because of the conﬁned space. I think the day we all got really close was when we had bad weather and all just sat around the table and played cards, joking around and messing around with each other like we all just were really close by the end of the trip and have a lot of inside jokes together. Did the voyage change or reinforce how you feel about being a sibling?

Being a sibling kinda makes you have more of an open mind like you don’t really care about differences you just kinda learn to accept them and deal with the cards you’ve been given. The voyage kinda reinforced that a group of diverse people can come together and figure it out as you go and each person has a skill or talent they can bring to the table. It also gave me an insight into my sister’s life because me being scared to go up the rigging is kinda how she feels doing everyday things like going up and down the stairs. Would you recommend sibling activities to others? Yes I would. They have given me such a fun opportunity and I would definitely do it again it was so much fun and would recommend it to other siblings. It was good to challenge myself doing things like the tuck head challenge. Anika’s experience was such a great success that Don and the R Tucker Thompson Trust are planning a seven-day voyage for siblings in September 2020 that will incorporate workshops similar to those on SibShops and SibCamps. Something to look forward to! The R Tucker Thompson Sail Training Trust offer life-changing adventures, developing confidence, leadership and teamwork for young people aged between 13 and 18.

The Wilson Home Trust supports children and young adults with physical disabilities and their whanau in the Upper North Island - from Turangi in the South to Cape Reinga in the North. We do this in a range of ways including • Grant funding • Information & Support • Help with getting to or paying for hydrotherapy sessions. In the Northland area, we have entered into a partnership with Parent to Parent, to enable their Northland Co-Ordinator Don Martin, to also work for the Wilson Home Trust. Don spends a lot of time travelling around the region and will be happy to talk to individuals, groups or organisations about the Wilson Home Trust and how we can provide support in the future. All of Don’s contact details are shown in the above Parent to Parent article. Information is also available at www.wilsonhometrust.org.nz or by calling our Auckland ofﬁce on 0800 948 787.

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Parkinson’s Northland

arkinson’s Disease derives its name from Dr James Parkinson, who discovered the condition in the late 18th century. Over 13,000 New Zealanders live with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative condition. The most common physical symptoms are tremor, stiffness, rigidity and slowness of movement. Other symptoms include depression, anxiety or apathy, disturbance of normal sleep, constipation, and trouble swallowing or speaking. The average age at diagnosis is 59. At present Northland has 320 members registered with Parkinson’s Northland and this number is continually rising yearly. Although it remains a disease with no cure, its management has been improved by modern technologies to enable Parkinsonians to lead useful and sustaining lives. One of the greatest aids is physical exercise and Parkinson’s Northland Division provides a range of activities throughout the North. • Whangarei, weekly walking group, physical exercise, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, voice exercises, Movement for PD and ballroom dance groups.

• Kerikeri, weekly Tai Chi and Movement for PD groups. • Kaitaia weekly Physio group. • Carers Groups in Whangarei & Kerikeri. Support Groups are held monthly in Whangarei, Waipu and Kerikeri. Bi-monthly meetings are held in Dargaville and Kaitaia. All of these meetings have a range of activities both educational and social in nature. Upbeat Meetings are held throughout the year for people diagnosed before the age of 60 and are under 65. The Northland Division’s area extends from Te Hana south across to Kaipara and up to Cape Reinga. We have two qualiﬁed Community Educators who share visiting clients in their own homes to monitor their condition and advise on management to enable quality of life. They collaborate with health authorities, give-in-service lectures to rest homes and promote awareness within the community. Vicki Sadgrove covers central Whangarei, Onerahi, Tutukaka Coast, and all points north. Barbara Leslie covers the southern areas Whangarei south from junction SH14 to Te Hana and West & East coasts.

“The secret of being Happy is accepting where you are in life and making the most out of every day”.

Administration Assistant Trisha Ryan PO Box 641 Whangarei 0141 Phone/Fax: (09) 437 6878 Ofﬁce Hours; Mon-Tuesday 9am – 3.30pm Wednesday – Friday 9am – 10am northland@parkinsons.org.nz or Free phone: 0800 473 4636 info@parkinsons.org.nz www.parkinsons.org.nz Community Educators Vicki Sadgrove-Whangarei North Ph 09 437 6876 Mob 027 268 4973 e: vicki.sadgrove@parkinsons.org.nz Barbara Leslie-Whangarei South Ph 09 4376881 Mob 027 530 6221 e: barbara.leslie@parkinsons.org.nz

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

An opportunity to use it before you lose it

arkinson’s teacher Elizabeth Staats is very passionate about the importance of keeping active while living with Parkinson’s Disease. Her Movement for Parkinson’s classes run every Thursday at 10.30 at the Kamo club for clients and are designed to suit all levels of disability and are open to people with Parkinson’s Disease as well as carers, family and friends. Having taught international folk dancing for several years and also caring for husband Ingo who

had Parkinson’s, Elizabeth has a great deal of experience in working with P.D. clients and teaching dance. Originally from the Netherlands Elizabeth has been settled in NZ for over 35 years. She’s also been a long-standing member of Whangarei Parkinson’s Action Group and when the opportunity came up to learn more about Movement for Parkinson’s Elizabeth was the perfect candidate to attend the two-day workshop in Wellington. The workshop centred on working with P.D. clients and using safe movement and dance techniques. All of the exercises are designed to focus on movement and stretching of limbs, promoting muscle stimulation and coordination while in a safe environment. “I always encourage clients to work within their own ability and even if it’s just a little bit of stretching everything helps as with Parkinson’s unfortunately if you don’t use it you lose it” Elizabeth conﬁrms. Her Thursday classes begin with simple warm up exercises and then patients move through a variety of dance routines – either standing or sitting – depending on their level of mobility. Popular songs include ‘Hit the Road Jack’, the ‘Macarena’, ‘Stop in the Name of Love’ and even ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’ gets a run through using a variety of different dance styles. All routines are designed with the aim of promoting both physical and mental wellbeing. Improved walking and coordination are some of the proven beneﬁts of these exercises

but Elizabeth believes it goes beyond the physical enjoyment for her clients. “I think for many of my clients this hour on a Thursday is their one opportunity to leave their condition at the door and come in and focus on the dancing and forget all about Parkinson’s and just enjoy themselves and the social interaction. Everyone leaves in good spirits and feeling better.” The group usually consists of between 5-10 P.D. clients and they all speak very highly of Elizabeth’s’ class. “I love it!” says Jack and he also spoke of noticing the physical beneﬁts, Merle conﬁrmed it was great for her coordination and Leslie described it as “a very pleasant way to do movements with music and have fun.” Elizabeth also participates in the Parkinson’s Walking Group every Monday where P.D. clients do various walks in and around Whangarei and have a coffee afterwards. She is also a keen craft enthusiast and makes greeting cards which she sells at Parkinson’s Northland events and donates half her sales proceeds back to the charity. Elizabeth says she enjoys her busy life and the opportunity to help other P.D. clients through her passion of dancing, “even if it is just one person I can help and make their condition a little easier to live with then I have achieved something positive and that’s my goal.”

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Supporting life after stroke in Northland

stroke is a brain attack where blood supply to the brain is stopped by either a bleed or a blockage. A stroke can happen to anybody and can be devastating for many people and dramatically change their life. The effect is certainly wider than just the person who had it. Supporting life after stroke is the role of the Stroke Foundation’s Community Stroke Advisor service. This free service is available throughout Northland to work with stroke survivors and those around them, providing experience, support and hope that is designed to achieve the best possible outcome after stroke. Community Stroke Advisors, Lynelle Ngakuru (Far and Mid North) and Geno Milnes (Whangarei and Kaipara areas), work

closely with those who have been affected by stroke, making hospital and home visits, supporting families/ whanau and caregivers, advising on accessing care relief services and support. Lynelle and Geno’s, general focus is on rehabilitating the stroke survivor back into the community and assisting family/whanau and caregivers to not only understand a stroke, but to adjust to their changed circumstances. The Stroke Foundation provides free information about stroke and managing life afterwards through Community Stroke Advisors and via the Stroke Foundation’s website. The book “Life After Stroke” provides good information and is readily available in hospitals and from Community Stroke Advisors. Community Stroke Advisors know about, and link clients to local support groups and recreational activities. These include exercise groups, sports clubs, accessible gyms, art and craft groups, therapies, caregiver, partner or family support groups and younger stroke survivor groups. Stroke support groups in Northland are located in Kaikohe, Kerikeri, Whangarei and

Dargaville and can be contacted through a Community Stroke Advisor. These groups provide support to people with stroke, and those around them. They enable people to share experiences, understand more about stroke, meet new people and participate in social activities and special events. Other groups include the Word Masters Whangarei Aphasia Gavel Club which is designed to assist those people who have a communication difﬁculty as a result of a stroke or traumatic brain injury. There is aslo a stroke hydrotherapy group assisted by the Stroke Foundation and run weekly at the Whangarei Aquatic Centre with Physiotherapist Isobel Finlayson’s support.

Community Stroke Advisors in Northland Lynelle Ngakuru – Far and Mid North (Cape Reinga to Kawakawa) Freephone: 0800 566 383 Email: far.north@stroke.org.nz Geno Milnes – Northland (Kawakawa to Wellsford) Freephone: 0800 459 954 Email: northland@stroke.org.nz Web:www.stroke.org.nz

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Allan Swanson is a walking miracle

n fact, the former Whangarei Fire service contractor thought he’d never take another step after a severe stroke last year. The fact he survived the stroke at all was thanks to his quick-thinking son, who recognized Allan’s symptoms from a TV stroke awareness campaign called FAST (Face drooping, Arm Weakness, Speech Difficulty, Take Action – Call 111) and rang an ambulance immediately. Allan, 63, was flown to Auckland hospital where doctors removed a life-threatening blood clot. As he lay in hospital, Allan thought he’d never walk again. When he was discharged, he needed round-the-clock care and his mobility was badly affected. He had significant weakness in his left arm and leg – he even needed to be reminded to lift his head up. Adding to that, Allan had slurred speech and severe fatigue. Modifications were made to his home and he was fitted with special equipment to help him regain some movement. The Stroke Foundation also worked with Allan and his family, and set goals for his recovery. One of Allan’s key goals was to get into the Whangarei Hydrotherapy Pool for exercise. “The first time I got in the deep pool, I couldn’t believe the freedom I felt,” Allan says.

In the pool, Allan could move his arms and legs because the water held him up. After six months of hydrotherapy, Allan was able to take his ﬁrst step on dry land – almost a year to the day after his stroke. He still needs a stick as a guide but is almost independent. He says he couldn’t have done it without his wife and “rock” Julia, during his recovery. Allan can’t speak highly enough of the hydrotherapy pool, which he says gave him conﬁdence to move, stretch and gain strength.

Now he wants to support and mentor others who are going through their own recovery journey. “Such a sense of freedom, it was overwhelming,” Allan says of his hydrotherapy rehabilitation. “I’ve had such a great feeling of achievement from the classes.” Allan and the Stroke Foundation are grateful to physiotherapist Isobel Finlayson, who runs the pool classes, and her admirable dedication to helping stroke survivors.

Safeguarding your Future

Enduring Powers of Attorney (“EPAs”) allow you to decide who looks after your property and welfare if you lose the ability to do it yourself. Our ﬁrm offers Will and EPA package deals at competitive prices. Contact our wills and EPA specialist Cass Hayward today for a friendly chat.

P (09) 437 3070 | F (09) 437 2070

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

At IDEA Services we are all about People. Throughout

Our aim is to provide an environment where we are responsive, that people feel included, and supportive of people with intellectual disabilities to feel empowered with the choices they make in their lives. Our Services are centered on the person and their whānau and families. These include:

alongside families and the people that need our support.

Supported Living:

IDEA Services. Our Support workers are well supported

We support people in their daily living, to participate in their community and take control of their own life and make their own decision. Stuart Jenkins states “

I live in supported living, which I love. Support is there for me when I need it, both during the week and in the weekends. Vocational and Day opportunities: IDEA Services supports people with intellectual disabilities to participate in activities in our community. Activities are based on the interests of the people that use the Service. We also offer a range of special interest programmes that focus on developing people’s skills such as arts, crafts Kapa Haka, Cooking, Pasiﬁka and gardening. Accommodation Services: In residential services small groups of people live in a home in our community. In Te Tai Tokerau we have 31 residential homes throughout our beautiful region.

Te Tai Tokerau we employ more than 250 people to work

If you love people and supporting people to reach their potential, then you should consider working with with training and development opportunities that lead to a formal qualiﬁcation. Contact us on careers.ihc.org.nz In talking to our people that work for IDEA Services in Te Tai Tokerau there is the common theme of making a difference in people’s lives. Lexine has worked for IDEA Services for 12 years seven as a Support Worker and ﬁve as a Service Manager.

My inspiration and passion for my work is driven by the reward of trust and happiness we see in the people we support when there is improvement in the quality of their lives. When things improve in such positive ways it is very humbling and brings a greater appreciation of the things in life that can so easily be taken for granted.

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Brent Copeman about Volunteering; A Challenge with Purpose

ocialising, meeting people, contributing, feeling useful, a challenge; these were some of the ingredients Brent was looking for when he moved to the “big” city Whangarei, 3 years ago. Brent’s first challenge was to explore the maze of streets, widening his circle every day. Now he can find his way in the CBD, Okara, around the loop and most of Kensington without having to look up, which is handy because he is legally blind, not 100%. He doesn’t use any mobility aids, his natural sense of awareness helps him cross streets and use footpaths. Orange cones do pop-up, with parked and moving cars also using those same footpaths. Next mission; Finding places to be, activities to start, people to meet, and things to do. A regular swim, the loop walk, and the Blind Foundation monthly catch-up were all easy to find. Doing something outside that circle was the next challenge; “Meeting with Volunteering Northland was great for suggestions. I decided to try out The Hospice Shop processing centre. They quickly found a role to suit me, doing the first sorting of donated goods. I obviously can’t see the difference between 2 books or 2 shirts,

but the difference between a book and a shirt is obvious”. Staff and volunteers at Hospice made him feel welcome and appreciated. The ﬁrst few weeks were a learning process for most. “In the beginning someone might say ‘could you pick-up those boxes and put them over there’, and would not explain where over there was, whereas now they will say put those boxes on the table next to the green cupboard. It didn’t take long. I look forward to volunteering at the shop each week, it has become a rhythm for me. It feels like a job and I have colleagues that appreciate me”. Brent also is a member of WDC DAG (Disability Advisory Group), assists NRC with promotions and volunteers at Volunteering Northland researching data on the web. Having low vision isn’t an issue when using the computer as all he needs is a big screen and a large font. Brent’s tip “If you feel you are stuck, stand up and look for something different outside your comfort zone. There are opportunities and there are ways to ﬁnd them. Give it a chance and speak out before you give up. If one doesn’t work, no problem, go for the next one”. Bart van der Meer, Volunteering Northland

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Citizen’s Advice Bureau

itizens Advice Bureau Whangarei has been serving the needs of the people of the district for 45 years now. The bureau is on the accessible ground floor of the Municipal Building at 71 Bank Street. It is staffed by trained, helpful and highly motivated volunteers, and is open from 9am to 4.30pm. The information provided is free and current, and the service independent and confidential. CAB works to ensure that people do not suffer from not knowing their rights or the services available to them, or because they cannot express their needs or viewpoint effectively. Last year the bureau fielded some 7,000 enquiries - on relationship issues, health and welfare, employment, consumer rights, human rights, insurance and banking problems, parenting orders, debt, government department disputes, housing, and contacts for clubs, social groups and leisure activities. A free legal advice clinic is run every second Tuesday evening, with the voluntary time of a roster of local lawyers. Bureau advocates can also help clients with more complex consumer, vehicle or beneficiary issues. New migrants are especially welcome with CAB offering assistance with immigration advice clinics, workshops on various topics, and one-to-one support for settling in to the area. If you feel frustrated by a situation, or think you may have been sold a dud and are not sure what to do next, ask CAB. Call on

freephone 0800 367 222, or 438 8046, or come in to sort out face to face any issues you may be struggling with – there will always be a friendly person to talk to, with relevant options to consider. You can also ask questions by email at whangarei@cab.org.nz, or access real time online interviewers through the website itself, cab.org.nz. Whangarei co-ordinator Moea Armstrong says “people really appreciate the chance to talk to someone in person about their problems. Although there’s great information out there, a lot of people want help to work out how that information relates to them, and that’s where we can help. We provide a person to person advice service that is independent, confidential and free of charge”. “We have a great group of well trained volunteers who are here to help, and have access to huge information resources including a database with over 35,000 organisations listed. So if we don’t have the answer we will be able to point you to someone who does”. “There’s legal information on our website cab.org.nz, but sometimes it helps to talk about your issue with someone. Photo caption: From left, Opens Arms manager Sam Cassidy, Citizens Advice Bureau beneficiary advocate Shirley Pepene, community development worker and QSM recipient Carol Peters, of Open Arms, Northland Food Rescue, 155 Community House and Taitokerau Law, and Dianne Clarke, manager of Whangarei Budgeting Services. Dianne was on the stall next to CAB at the Pasifika Fusion Festival and won their “Free Service – Free Raffle” prize. She decided to donate the groceries to the Open Arms Day Centre for the homeless.“

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Tlc4u2 – Small enough to care, Big enough to provide 4u2 T ender L oving C are In your own home

lc4u2 – tender loving care for you too provides quality care services from Cape Reinga to Auckland. With a wide range of services, tlc4u2 identiﬁes the appropriate level of care with the goal of maintaining and enhancing lifestyles to promote independence. tlc4u2 provides ACC funded care for clients needing an hour cleaning through t clients needing 24-hour care with traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. With their locally based nursing team, tlc4u2 provides 24 hour support to ensure you receive the level of support you need

that is delivered with compassion and understanding. tlc4u2 also offers a range of private home-based care assisting clients with post-operative, rehabilitative, respite, palliative, convalescence and overnight care. Care can be organised from as little as an hour. Clients can utilize tlc4u2 live-in care services which is especially useful for older clients wishing to stay in their own homes rather than going into residential care. In a recent case, after being informed during a lengthy stay in hospital that

independent living was no longer possible for their mother, tlc4u2 were approached to provide live-in care. During the assessment, the family agreed to a rehabilitative approach to care. Four months later the clients granddaughter stated, “I never thought Nana would be able to live on her own again after her long stay in hospital. She would never have survived moving to a rest home. We are amazed every day by her return to independence.” tlc4u2 works alongside families to individualise care needs and incorporate an holistic approach. Having forged close relationships with allied health services (hospice, social workers, district nursing, home based support services, GP’s) tlc4u2 has access to health care resources for their clients. Should you require some tender loving care for yourself or a family member whether it is respite, live-in, or ACC we are small enough to care and big enough to provide.

tlc4u2 specialises in providing live-in care in your own home, enhancing your life style and independence. - Respite Care (short term care) - Long Term Care - Recuperative/Rehabilitation - Palliative Care (end of life care) - ACC referrals accepted

For further information contact P 0800852482 W www.tlc4u2.co.nz

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Age Concern Whangarei Incorporated Promoting the rights & wellbeing of older people & those who care for them. How? Our focus is to enable people to remain in their own homes & to feel supported, safe & secure. One does NOT need to be a member to access any of our services. Home Safety Maintenance - A wide range of minor repairs & advice â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no job too small if needed to improve or maintain safety for the client in their home. Materials are at cost for people in their own homes. Health Promotion/Education - Seminars & programmes focusing on positive ageing, managing own health & well being; the focus is to keep people informed re what is available. Field Work - Information, Advice, Advocacy & Support by appointment in ofďŹ ce/at home. Home visit may uncover issues which can be improved by helping the client to the correct service provider. Advocacy service provides support to help resolve issues. We give public talks about our services. Total Mobility - We are an Assessor of eligibility for reduced taxi fares for people with disabilities or health problems. Dedicated Carer Relief Service - A Speciality Service to prevent stress & provide social relief for full time carers so they may utilise their free time for themselves, thus ensuring the carer really has a stress free break for a few hours a week. Garage Sale- weekly on Thursdays 9:30am Resources - Members receive a regular newsletter. 2 information stands with great selection of pamphlets detailing services & information. As an NGO, we need to raise all our own funding. We welcome membership to Age Concern Whangarei from anyone. Want to Volunteer? A range of Voluntary positions & we are always grateful for precious time offered. Please phone & speak to Beryl Wilkinson. Open 9am Monday-Friday 16 Manse Street, Whangarei Ph 4388043 info@ageconcernwhg.org.nz

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

Do you or someone you know have a cancer diagnosis? Help is at hand, with free services and support for Northlanders living with cancer. Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand One New Zealander is diagnosed with a blood cancer every four hours. Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) is the national charity helping patients living with blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood conditions. LBC offers free emotional and practical support to patients of all ages and their families. As well as education, information and investment in research to ﬁnd a cure. Some services offered are: • Monthly support groups held in Whangarei, Kerikeri and Kaitaia. Share your experiences, meet others and get practical advice on health and wellbeing. • Group phone chat sessions for blokes with blood cancer every 6 weeks: No tissues or issues just banter with the blokes to share experiences and advice. • Our website hosts many practical resources for those living with blood cancer • Support Services Co-ordinators are friendly and put you at ease

Please contact us on 0800-15-10-15 www.leukaemia.org.nz

Cancer Society Cancer Society Auckland Northland support people who are over 18yrs and their whanau with any type of cancer diagnosis, through our Cancer Support Nurse Specialist team who visit people in their home and can provide support by phone. Some nurses work directly for us, while others work externally in primary health organisations or Maori providers. We also facilitate support groups across Northland. Our team can refer people or whanau to counselling which is funded. Cancer Society do not have any government contracts therefore we are supported predominantly by fundraising events, volunteers and our community. Our health promotion team work with local councils and national politicians to advocate for legislation to reduce tobacco availability, increase smoke-free environments and sun smart awareness. Please contact us if you would like further information.

Daffodil House 73 Kamo Road Whangarei Ph: 0800 366 066

DEDICATED TO PROVIDING ACCESSIBLE SOLUTIONS FOR ALL ABILITIES

Contact us now to start planing for a more independent and enhanced lifestyle. We Supply • Height adjustable kitchen and bathroom solutions • Level access showering solutions • Walk in baths • Residential & Commercial Get in touch with our Whangarei ofﬁce today Tel: 09 459 6255 ofﬁce@creativeliving.co.nz www.creativeliving.co.nz

Whangarei Showroom 4 Gumdigger Place (within the Tile Depot) Whangarei Tel: 09 438 8044

Auckland Showroom 662 Rosebank Road (within the Tile Depot) Avondale, Auckland Tel: 09 815 0703

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

School holiday respite now available in Whangarei!

pectrum Care offers a wide array of ﬂexible respite support options, which can be structured to suit each person’s unique needs. We currently provide respite support across the Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Wellington regions, and also now in Whangarei. Based at Blomﬁeld Special School (31 Maunu Rd, Whangarei), our programme offers a wide range of fun activities such as swimming, nature walks, picnics, ferry and museum trips, music, arts and crafts, and much more – all designed with the children attending in mind. All our school holiday programmes are staffed by highly trained Community Support

Workers and Teacher Aides from the nationwide Special School network, and offer a safe, healthy and structured environment for people with disabilities to have a break from their normal routine, enjoy new experiences and develop their independence. These individualised support options can be fully funded through your child/loved one’s NASC assessment, partially funded through Carer Support payments, or privately funded on a ‘fee for service’ basis. Call us today on 09 634 3790 or email SchoolHolidayProgramme@ spectrumcare.org.nz to ﬁnd out more about our suite of respite support options or to talk about respite support in your area!

How can we help you? We offer a wide array of flexible support option ns in the Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and We ellington regions, which can be structured to suit each mily’s unique needs. fam Our aim is to ensure people have choice, contrrol and flexibility in the supports they receive and have the op pportunityy to co-create their own sup pport opttions. We also offer a navigator serrvice 0508 NAVIG8 aimed at he elping families new to o disability support. Contactt us tod day y to find out more! www.spectrumcare.org.nz info@spectrumcare.org.nz I 09 634 3790 I 0508 NAVIG8 (0508 628 448)

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

You are never too old to learn

ifelong learning is a cradle to grave process. Whether you want to learn new skills, discover a new hobby or simply meet new people, the programme offered by Community Education Whangarei gives you the opportunity to continue on your learning journey. A variety of courses are offered including arts and crafts, cooking, languages, personal interest, computers, etc. The classes are held at Kamo High School and include a mix of Saturday workshops and evening classes. If you are keen to preserve your stories, or those of your ancestors, then let our tutor show you how using Legacy Family Tree. This is a great computer program which can help you to explore, save and share your family history. Another course that could be of interest to you is Writing Short Stories. This opportunity Saturday ■ Tutor Shelley Chappory

morning workshop is designed to give you the basic tools of storytelling. Our tutor, Geoff Bartlett, is a respected author who will share with you the techniques involved in creating a solid short story. Perhaps you want a more creative way of recording your thoughts, emotions and memories by using art and images. Explore the beneﬁts of Art Journaling in a one day workshop using a range of creative techniques. This is a hands-on course where you will create original pages using drawing, painting, collage, writing and printing. You may choose instead to create your own digital art work. Learn how to combine photos, textures, colours, lines, type and more. Our tutor, Shelley Chappory, has been creating and teaching digital artworks for over 20 years. You can view these courses and more on the CEW website www.cew.ac.nz. Phone Shona on 435 0889 for further details. As Henry Ford once said, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eight. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.”

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

By the Athletes for the Athletes

pecial Olympics Whangarei has been providing sporting and recreational opportunities for persons with an intellectual impairment in our area for over 30 years. In 1984 Mayor Joyce Ryan first collected together a committee of interested people and Special Olympics began in Northland. A handful of athletes took part in athletics and swimming. In the years since a variety of Sports have been added briefly as enthusiastic coaches have become available. Today, some 35 years on the club boasts some 65 athletes in the Whangarei Kaipara area and training sessions are held weekly in Athletics (seasonal), Equestrian (In conjunction with RDA), Football (seasonal), Indoor bowls, Swimming, and Tenpin bowling. Our 65 intellectually impaired athletes are a tiny part of, first, a network of 44 clubs throughout New Zealand and of a ■ 4x100 Relay Team 2019. Shannon Morgan, Susie Clark, Tabitha worldwide organisation of some 5 million athletes. Mason & Arfon Davies Here in Whangarei we cater for athletes almost from 8 to 80 years, and a handful of our current athletes began as primary school children back in the 1980s as the group began to grow. Special Olympics may be unique in our area. We provide multiple sports opportunities within the one club structure. Trainings are held on different days so it is possible to participate in more than one sport during the week. Several of our athletes do, and one currently does athletics/football, swimming, indoor bowls, and tenpin bowling all in the one week. While we are primarily a sporting club, we are committed to growing and empowering our athletes. We believe strongly in our mantra “By the athletes, for the athletes” and our ultimate aim is to have athletes one day running their own club, with volunteers as supporters and mentors. At present we have two or three athletes acting as coaches each with a volunteer manager supporting in the background. Potential athlete, interested parent, volunteer or person of expertise, come and join us. We welcome new members. Contact: Martin Barrie Chairperson 021 118 2422 ■ Taken at Whangarei Special Olympics’ Athletics Day - March 2019

DOUG THE DIGGER

loves working in the Community assisting people with disabilities Shannon Morgan (centre) winner of 2019 Doug the Digger Trophy supported by David Laird, Club Co-ordinator (left) and Martin Barrie Chairperson (right). For all enquires contact Martin Barrie Phone: 021 118 2422 Like us on Facebook.

Proud patron of

Whangarei

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

2019-2020

AUGUST 2019

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

1st – 31st

Heart Kids Month www.heartkids.org.nz

23rd

Tiaho Trusts “Getting Out There Expo” Forum North, Whangarei

28th – 3rd September

MS Annual Street appeal www.msnz.org.nz

30th

Cancer Society Daffodil Day

SEPTEMBER 2019 1st – 30th

Remember September – Students Against Drunk Driving www.sadd.org.nz September Month - Cerebral Palsy www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz/

15th – 21st

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness week www.msnz.org.nz

22nd or 23rd

Alzheimer’s Memory Walk – Dargaville, Kerikeri and Whangarei -Round the loop www.alzheimers.org.nz

21st

World Alzheimer’s Day www.alzheimers.org.nz

21st - 28th

Arthritis Awareness Week www.arthritis.org.nz

22nd

Walk 2 D’Feet MND www.alzheimers.org.nz

30th

World Deaf Day www.nfd.org.nz

OCTOBER 2019 1st

International Day of Older Person www.ageconcern.org.nz

2nd to 8th

Arthritis Awareness Week www.arthritis.org.nz

2nd

Tiaho Trust/Age Concern Kaitaia Seniors Expo

10th Annually

Stroke Awareness Week www.stroke.org.nz

25th

World Sight Day

27th

World Mental Health Day www.mentalhealth.org.nz

25th-27th

Alzheimer’s Conference, Auckland www.alzheimers.org.nz

NOVEMBER 2019 1st-7th

Parkinson's Society Awareness and Appeal Week www.parkinsons.org.nz

10th

Walk 2 D’Feet MND

To be advised

MS Walk the Loop

DECEMBER 2019 3rd Annually

International Day of People with Disabilities - Tiaho Trust celebration (at a venue to be announced)

10th Annually

World Human Rights Day www.amnesty.org.nz

JANUARY 2020 4th

World Braille Day

FEBRUARY 2020 4th

Annual International Epilepsy Day www.epilepsy.org Ruakaka Surf Day (Date to be announced)

MARCH 2020 1st – 31st

Neurological Awareness Month

21st Annually

Down Syndrome Awareness Day www.nzdsa.org.nz

24th-25th

Blind Foundation Guide Dog Red Puppy Appeal

26th

Epilepsy Awareness “Purple Day” www.purpleday.org

Enabling Recreation & Leisure

2019-2020

APRIL 2020

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2nd Annually

World Autism Awareness Day www.autismnz.org.nz

13th – 18th

Brain Awareness Week

11th Annually

World Parkinson’s Day www.parkinsons.org.nz

MAY 2020 1st – 31st

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month

1st -31st

Huntington’s Awareness Month

4th – 9th

NZ Sign Language Week www.deaf.org.nz

9th May

World Lupus Day

12th May

World Arthritis Day

30th

World Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Day www.worldmsday.org

JUNE 2020 21st

MND Awareness day www.mnda.org.nz

JULY 2020 1st – 7th

Neurological Foundation Appeal Week

Parkinson’s Northland SUPPORT GROUPS

Brain Injury Association Northland SUPPORT GROUPS

Kerikeri – 3rd Thursday monthly

Kerikeri – 1st Thursday monthly

Kaitaia – 3rd Tuesday every 2nd month

Dargaville – 2nd Thursday monthly

Whangarei – 1st Friday monthly

Kaitaia – 3rd Thursday monthly

Dargaville – 1st Thursday every 2nd month

Whangarei – The last Thursday monthly

Waipu – 3rd Friday monthly

Wellsford – 1st Tuesday of the month

Alzheimer’s Northland Support Groups

Stroke Foundation Northland Support Groups

Whangarei – 1st Wednesday of the month And 2nd Thursday of the month Ngunguru – 2nd Wednesday of the month

Whangarei – Every Tuesday Hydrotherapy Classes Every 3rd Wednesday Stroke Club Every Friday Toastmaster Gavel Club Group

Onerahi – 1st Tuesday of the month

Young Stroke Survivors Group

Kerikeri – 1st Wednesday of the month

Dargaville – 1st Monday of the month Stroke Survivors Last Monday of the month CHAT Group

Kaitaia – 2nd Wednesday of the month Mangawhai - 2nd Wednesday of the month

Kaikohe – 3rd Monday of the month Stroke Active Group

Dargaville – 3rd Wednesday of the month

Kerikeri – 1st Friday of the month CHAT Group

Bream Bay – 1st Wednesday of the month

Arthritis 20+ Northland Support Groups

Multiple Sclerosis Northland Support Group

Whangarei – 1st Saturday of the month

Whangarei – Last Thursday of the month

Every Thursday exercise class

“GETTING OUT THERE” EXPO 23 August 2019 – Forum North

“No Problem, You’re Welcome” H E A LT H S E C TO R C U S TO M E R S E R V I C E S T R A I N I N G F O R M E D I C A L P R O F E S S I O N A L S I N D I S A B I L I T Y AWA R E N E S S Endorsed by The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP)

“No Problem, You’re Welcome” is a training workshop and video which focuses on how to provide excellent customer service to people with disabilities when they enter your place of business or health services.

Did you know that 24 percent of New Zealanders are considered to have a disability? As a Health Professional this percentage among your clientele will be a lot higher. Are you and your staff equipped with the right customer service skills to ensure a positive experience for everyone?

Who is the workshop for? This 2-2.5 hour workshop is highly relevant for all medical professionals and their support staff including doctors, nurses, specialists, medical receptionists, front-line DHB staff, rest home providers with high needs clients and respite care providers. We tailor-make the training to suit the roles of attendees.

If you want to ensure your team is providing excellent customer service to 100% of the people who come through your door, contact Tiaho Trust for information and pricing options. Email Arlene Carter : arlene@tiaho.org.nz Tiaho Trust | Ph 09 430 3406

| Web: www.tiaho.org.nz

About the “No Problem, You’re Welcome” workshop Our aim in producing this workshop is to provide understanding for medical professionals and health service providers, how to engage with disabled clients/patients including older people as they become less mobile or develop physical impairments as they age.

‘No Problem, You’re Welcome’ Disability Awareness training for Medical Professionals has been endorsed by The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) and have been approved for up to 2.5 CME credits for the General Practice Educational Programme (GPEP) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) purposes. This is a short and cost-effective means of providing professional development for staff that can have 5 -!#2!8'52+ 01-!+!)% !305'+ 12 +"% '*-+13%.(- %:0%.!%2'%6 Each of our workshop facilitators are people with a disability. They offer real insights in how to be 4%++%. -%.)!'% 0.1)!&%.-7 &.5;!2# 12 8.-+"52& %:0%.!%2'%- +1 52-;%. /*%-+!12-6 ,9 +"% %2& 1$ +"% '1*.-%7 91* ;!<< )!%; &!-54!<!+9 $.13 5 &!$$%.%2+ 0%.-0%'+!)% 52& 4% '128&%2+ !2 providing excellent customer service to disabled people in the same way as for all your customers.

• Learn about how the Social Model and Medical Models of Disability can work together. • Listen to interviews of people with disabilities on their experiences when engaging with Medical Professionals. • Hear Dr Shane Reti’s views through a Medical Professional lens. “Having made the “No problem, you’re welcome’ sessions available to all of our operational staff, it was exceptionally well received. Facilitators, Wally and Kim really brought the content to life making the learning fun and memorable. Comments such as “I’d never really thought about that…” were a sure sign that new ways of thinking and acting will result from the workshops.” Michael Boyd, Manager - Learning & Development, Far North District Council

“Jonny and his team at Tiaho Trust have been providing Disability Responsiveness Training to our 2nd year nursing students at NorthTec for the past 5 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 a sense of whanaungatanga and a safe 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

Tiaho Trust PO Box 374, WHANGAREI Ph 09 430 3406 | Fax 09 438 1679 Web: www.tiaho.org.nz

EQ+ EQUIP · ENABLE · EMPOWER

The EQ+ brand is so much more than equipment and disability information services. "*, /-1)* 5!,*&2!2% *1 1). (),*13&.,0 42'!2% ,15)*!12, /2' %1!2% *#/* &$*./ 3!5&+ Mobility & Daily Living Equipment for Sale & Hire • • • • • • •

Scooters / Power Chairs / Ramps E-Bikes Walkers / Wheelchairs Crutches / Walking Sticks Kitchen / Daily living Equipment Adjustable Beds / Lift Chairs Bathroom / Toilet Equipment / Safety Rails • And so much more.

Mobile Van Services Our mobile van service travels throughout Northland on a monthly basis. We are also happy to provide in-home demonstrations with some of our equipment (fees & conditions may apply).

Community Group Equipment Presentations We provide free and informative equipment presentations and training to community groups and organisations, health groups and professionals.

0508 637 200 09 430 3469 73 John Street, Whangarei equipment@northable.org.nz

equipmentplus.org.nz

Equipment Agency at Far North Pharmacy 53 Commerce Street, Kaitaia • 09 408 0851