Transitioning from school to the 'outside world' of work and independent living can be a difficult but exciting time for any teenager. At DRCT we have a specialist Transition Service to help. If your child has ORRS funding and you are interested in accessing this service, give Carrol call on 07 307 1447.
https://whakatanebeacon.co.nz/2018/06/life-beyond-school-for-special-education-students/
Paul Ellerby our Brain Injury Field Officer had a fantastic time yesterday with the students at Te Kura o Te Paroa, at their Health, Safety and Education Expo.
This was a great opportunity to show our young sportspeople how the brain works, what it looks like and why it is important to know about and recognize concussion at an early age. All kids need healthy and protected brains to grow to their potential!
Getting out into the community and sharing our knowledge around brain injury, disability support, equipment and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an important part of what we do at Disabilities Resource Centre Trust. If your school or community group in the Eastern Bay of Plenty would like someone to come and give a presentation about any of those topics, contact us on 07 307 1447 or information@drct.co.nz
Carrol is our new Supported Independent Living Co-ordinator who will also be taking on our Transition Programme, helping youth clients.
Carrol has lived in the Bay of Plenty for fifteen years and has worked in the disability and mental health field for twenty-five years, so her experience will be a great addition to our team!
Carrol is excited to be back at DRCT as she also spent some time as the Brain Injury Field Officer a few years ago, and has hit the ground running, getting out and about meeting her new clients.
To talk to Carrol call us on 07 307 1447
At the Disabilities Resource Centre Trust we believe in supporting people to stay active and independent, so we have a range of mobility aids to hire (or to buy).
If you're worried about getting through the ANZAC commemorations this year, we have wheelchairs and walkers available for hire at low prices to make sure you can still attend and be part of the services. Call us on 07 307 1447 or come in to see us at 141 King St Whakatane.
Whakatane: Form-up at the Whakatane Sports Fishing Club at 5am, march to Wairaka Marae for the 5.30am service. Civic service starts at 10.30am at the Whakatane War Memorial Hall.
Kawerau: Dawn Service will commence at 5.45am, outside the Kawerau Ex-Navalmen’s Club and the parade will march on to Rautahi Marae, followed by a complimentary breakfast in the Wharekai.
Opotiki: Dawn Service at Torere Marae, muster at 6.30am, powhiri at 7am. Meet at Opotiki RSA at 6am, if you would like to travel in convoy. Civic Commemoration at Cenotaph at 11am. Muster at the Opotiki RSA at 10.30am. Refreshments at RSA, after commemoration.
Research has shown that those who maintain strong community connections live longer, healthier and of course happier lives! Sometimes though, getting older can mean our circle of family and friends gets smaller.
Taking up new hobbies and exercise options outside the home as you age can increase your social contact - but what about when you are no longer able to get around under your own steam?
If you're feeling lonely or stuck at home, we know of some great organisations who can help - give us a call on 07 307 1447.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12022462
What an exciting day we had yesterday!
Thanks to the generous team at Nicholson Autos in Whakatane, Disabilities Resource Centre has a bright new car! Our staff are over the moon and so grateful that Nicholsons' are supporting the work we do in the community.
We managed to snap our CEO Bronwen Foxx looking as happy as we all feel. Give us a beep if you see us out and about!
Last weekend the EBOP Stroke Club was entertained at their monthly meeting by a local ukulele group, while they shared a potluck lunch.
With the change of seasons, we're all starting to get coughs and sniffles - and the flu.
Around one in four New Zealanders are infected with influenza each year. The flu can be a serious illness that is sometimes fatal if you are elderly or have an ongoing medical condition. It can also make an existing medical condition, such as asthma or COPD, a lot worse.
Getting immunised early before the influenza season starts is the best way to prevent infection.
Influenza vaccination is FREE in New Zealand for people who are most at risk, including:
- Anyone over 65
- Anyone aged 6 months to 65 years with chronic health problems
Ask your health practice nurses if you qualify today.
Most people know that Disabilities Resource Centre have caring, professional staff in many homes across the Bay of Plenty.
What you may not realize is that all of our Support Workers at attend regular training sessions to increase their knowledge and skills, often gaining NZQA qualifications as well.
This week our Opotiki Learners spent time studying how to maintain good hygiene practices, and manage infection control.
Cyclone Gita is due to hit New Zealand on Monday afternoon and DRCT is planning ahead in case things get rough. Slips, rapidly rising rivers and power outages can be serious for vulnerable community members. We will post updates on Monday if it looks like Bay of Plenty residents will be affected.
If you are worried about yourself, your whanau or neighbours, take some time now to prepare with Civil Defence:
http://bopcivildefence.govt.nz/be-prepared/disabilities/
Cyclone Gita spin-off to hit Aotearoa
The MetService has warned New Zealanders should prepare for the impact of Cyclone Gita next week.
