On the road to healthy living
Porirua resident John Mu isn’t letting his disability slow him down. Armed with information and advice from Vaka Tautua’s Disability Information Advisory Services team in Wellington, he is racing along his journey towards increased mobility and wellbeing.
John Mu on a ride with Cycle Safe Porirua.
John is preparing for hip replacement surgery by working hard to reach his weight reduction goal. Ianeta Clarke, Vaka Tautua’s Acting Team Leader for Disability Information Advisory Services in Wellington, has provided John with information about free gyms and exercise classes in the community and encouraged him to keep moving.
Having taken full advantage of Ianeta’s advice, John is tracking well towards his weight-loss goal. He regularly visits his local swimming pool, attends free aerobics classes, and maintains his membership with Cycle Safe Porirua. Ianeta recently joined John and his cycle club and was impressed at the strength, stamina, and determination he showed on the ride.
Vaka Tautua’s Community Connector Service also provided John with assistance for dental issues he faced during the 2021 COVID-19 lockdown. The Community Connector team supported John’s application for discretionary funding from the Ministry of Social Development, which helped pay for the treatment he needed. John was also grateful to receive delivery of essential wellbeing packs containing personal protective equipment, which helped his family maintain their home hygiene to keep safe during the pandemic.
John thanked Vaka Tautua for the information and advice he received, saying, “I’m grateful there is an organisation like Vaka Tautua that cares for individuals with disabilities. I’m now on the right track to healthy living, but I know I can contact their Disability Information Advisory Services if I have any challenges in the future.”
The Vaka Tautua team wishes John well and applauds his amazing attitude towards actively pursuing health and improving his quality of life.
Learn more about Vaka Tautua’s Disability Information Advisory Services and our Community Connector Service.