Forging new connections for Pacific disabled people in Porirua
Vaka Tautua’s Disability Information Advisory Services team in Porirua has been actively engaging with other providers to open up more opportunities for the local Pacific disabled community and explore new pathways for Vaka Tautua’s service users.
Team Leader for Disability Information Advisory Services, Faye Seumanutafa, and Coordinator Mere Faraimo recently attended Whitford Brown Community Trust’s mid-year celebration for their service users. The Trust, located in Titahi Bay, is a community participation and transition service for adults with disabilities. Their team is passionate about people with disabilities living their best life, having freedom of choice, and getting the support they need.
Guests at the event enjoyed a dance session and candle-making demonstration as examples of the varied activities the Trust offers, which include art and music therapy, literacy and numeracy, and life skills. Proceeds from a contract to supply candles to National Candles contribute to Whitford Brown’s fundraising efforts.
Mere, who joined Vaka Tautua in June this year said, “It was my first time attending a disability community engagement event hosted by another service provider. It was fantastic to see everyone joining in the fun, singing at the top of their voices and dancing to the songs.” She added that meeting regularly strengthens connections, giving a great sense of belonging which is crucial to the mental, social, and emotional wellbeing of disabled people.
Logan Amer, Whitford Brown’s Community Inclusion Coordinator, spoke about how they work with other community organisations to give disabled people opportunities to join in mainstream activities. Logan is also Chair of Special Olympics Mana, which is running a free 10-week programme with the New Zealand Institute of Sport. Clients participate in sessions with personal training students, giving the students the chance to work with and learn from people with special needs.
Staff from Vaka Tautua and Whitford Brown Community Trust are looking forward to partnering together in the future, sharing information and services to further enhance the experience of the disabled communities they support.
Learn more about Vaka Tautua’s Disability Services