Disabilities Resource Centre is proud to support the River Edge Miniature Railway in Whakatane, by helping to provide an accessible railway carriage and lifting belt so everyone can have a go.
Don't forget to go along to the popular Glows in the Dark nighttime rides tomorrow, where all children receive a free glowstick in memory of longtime member, the late Gavin Morris.
Glows in the Dark
5:30pm - 7:30pm
14th July 2018
Disabilities Resource Centre Trust is proud to be a part of this exciting development for Whakatane!
The Te Puna Taiao working group has been extremely committed to planning for an inclusive and accessible design in their community garden, and we were happy to help with advice and donations. Nobody has been excluded with their careful planning, and we are so pleased Lotteries Communities has been able to see the great worth in this project.
Allandale School is one of our closest neighbours and we are looking forwards to seeing our young, old, able bodied whanau being able to share this community asset with those in our families who are living with disabilities.
Last week the Office for Seniors - a division of the Ministry for Social Development - hosted the National Age Friendly Forum in the historic Parliament Buildings, in Wellington. Representatives from senior interest groups, local government and iwi groups as well as community providers gathered at the heart of New Zealand's government to discuss issues around our ageing populations and share ideas on how to keep the elder members of our communities safe and engaged. There is a strong desire amongst all of these groups to have a society in which our eldest members feel valued and included.
Dianne Turner, Whakatane local and now Director of the Office For Seniors, has had long experience working at both central and local government level and is very aware of how important collaboration from all groups involved will lead to the best outcomes for retired people. Hopefully this will become a regular event where both feedback from ageing communities and helping agencies can be taken up, and applied to the work we do in our own communities.
If you have any issues you would like to be brought to the attention of the Office For Seniors, or MSD, let us know by calling DRCT on 07 307 1447 or drop us a line at information@drct.co.nz
Age Friendly Forum, Parliament 2018
Dianne Turner, Director of Office For Seniors at the Age Friendly Forum 2018. This beautiful room was the original Parliament debating Chamber
(Left to right) Dani Jugeleit, Community Development Advisor Tauranga City Council, Dianne Turner, Director at Office for Seniors, Amanda Perfect, Information Services Coordinator at Disabilities Resource Centre Trust Whakatane.
Collaborative work between our agancies is an important way to provide the best outcomes for seniors, and Dani and the TCC have been generously helping with our Beach Access Mat project here in Whakatane
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.