Work experience opportunities wanted2 min read

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Spectrum Care is looking for local businesses interested in offering supervised work experience opportunities for people with disabilities.

The organisation, which has recently moved to the corner of Grey Street and Onehunga Mall, provides disability support options to help every New Zealander with a disability live a full life of choice, freedom and independence. From their new workspace, they run a number of beneficial programmes, including the opportunity for people to contribute and participate positively in the community.

The first Aspirations programme will focus on successful skill development, work experiences, supported employment, and creating a micro-enterprise. People are supported in the development of life and work skills, while identifying their individual strengths, goals and interests. They will learn skills in communication, advocacy, education, personal development, making and keeping friends, interpreting social situations, preparing for employment, and finding valued social roles to help them participate in their communities.

The second programme, launching in April, will be more about fun, community-based activities and experiences, with the main goal being social inclusion. Their current screen-printing project will also be based from the new space, and participation will be offered to the wider community (for a low session fee) on Friday afternoons.

Service Manager, Piri Rutherford, says Onehunga has a great selection of services and initiatives on offer, and looks forward to working with local people to build on this strong foundation. In preparation, they have contacted a number of organisations, with the hopes of growing local connections. They are also looking to get involved with projects such as a community garden.

He says, “We want to create meaningful community participation, and help build local relationships to raise our visibility in the area. Onehunga is a great place, with a lot going on. There are so many local amenities here that we can all utilise together”.

Also, keep an eye out for Spectrum’s Community Open Day coming up in April.

If you are a business or organisation interested in providing work opportunities, or want to find out more about the Aspirations community and employment programmes, email piri.rutherford@spectrumcare.org.nz, or go to spectrumcare.org.nz

 

(Spectrum Care client, Paul, outside their new premises in Onehunga)