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Our December Networker features Disability Support Services, click here to read 

Paradigm     

‘Paradigm’ is a new service approach established to support young disabled people to live the lives they want.  To find out more please click here.  For our Paradigm pamplet please click here.  For our Paradigm Newsletter click here.

The Belonging Initiative

The Belonging Initiative is a community development partnership between four small agencies, Parent & Family Resource Centre Inc., Standards Plus, Parent to Parent Inc (Bay of Plenty) and Family Action Support Team Inc. This initiative is part of an approach to build a co-operative movement for the development of innovative service models in New Zealand that will support families of disabled people. For further information please click here.

A Guide for Carers

The Government has just published A Guide for Carers booklet and flyer.  This is a practical help for people caring for families or friends who are older or have ill health, a disability or a mental health issue, alcohol or other drug issue.  For more information click here. 

Volunteers needed - are you willing to help trial Statistics New Zealand's Disability Survey?

Every five years, Statistics NZ surveys people with disabilities to get a better picture of the well-being of all New Zealanders.  This survey collects important information that Government and community organisations use to make decisions that affect everyone living with a disability, including their families and carers.

Between January and April 2010, Statistics NZ will test the survey to make sure the questions are easy for everyone to understand and answer.

Would you like to help?  Statistics NZ is looking for people aged 15 years and over who would like to help improve this questionnaire. If you have a disability or look after a disabled child, they would like to talk to you.  They are looking for people with impairments that have lasted, or are expected to last, 6 months or more.  This can be, for example, a physical, hearing or vision impairment or a mental health condition.

What's involved?  There will be interviews in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.  Either someone from Statistics NZ will visit you, or you can go to their offices to answer questions about the surveys.  The date and time will be arranged to suit you.  The interview will last about an hour, and you will be given vouchers to cover any travel expenses and thank you for your help.  Information you give Statistics NZ in the interview will be kept confidential.

If you are interested in helping test these surveys or would like more information to help you decide, please contact Ninya Maubach on (04) 931-4172 (by voice or through NZ Relay) or email Ninya.Maubach@stats.govt.nz.

See the Statistics NZ website for more information about the survey: http://www.stats.govt.nz/reports/people/2011-disability-survey

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Changes to Individualised Funding 

Important changes to Individualised Funding will take place early in 2010.  Individualised Funding will change from a Pilot Scheme to National Programme.  The Ministry of Health will open the contract for provision of Individualised Funding to those who meet the criteria for service provision under the National Programme.   Manawanui InCharge will continue to be a provider of Individualised Funding but from early 2010 there will be other players as well. 

This transition will mean several changes to Individualised Funding as it is in its current form.  These include:

• Greater financial accountability
• Invoicing for services received
• No retention of unused funds
• Annualised funding package meaning clients can use their funds within a one year period according to need

In preparation for the move to a National Programme, Manawanui InCharge will need to standardise their financial accountability meaning that current clients will be requested to provide a report regarding the status of their Individualised Funding accounts – unused funds will need to be returned to Ministry of Health. 

These changes will have a significantly effect on clients.  Manawanui InCharge held a meeting at the Auckland Disability Resource Centre in Royal Oak on Saturday 14 November from 2-4pm to discuss these effects.  Suggestions and concerns arising from this meeting will be forwarded to Ministry of Health and Manawanui InCharge.  Further queries regarding these changes should be directed to Rob Creagh (Operations Manager, Manawanui InCharge) Ph. 0508 432 622 or info@incharge.org.nz

Lu'i Ola is an interagency Auckland Pacific Regional Project

which aims to better serve the needs of Pacific peoples with disabilities, their families or aiga and their caregivers. Led by government organisations, the project is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs and has the support of eleven local and regional government agencies.

The Lu’i Ola Project is seeking expressions of interest from Pacific peoples with disabilities, their family members and carers to be active members of the Lu’i Ola Steering Group and the Lu’i Ola Operational Work Stream Groups from October 2009 to August 2010. 

Click Here for more Information
Click Here for Registration Form

Post Natal Distress Support Group

This is a gentle, safe environment for you to be with other women who are experiencing similar feelings and symptoms.  The group meets weekly on Tuesdays 10.00 - 12pm and is a free service.  For more information click here.