Introduction
Community Connections – Te Hapori Awhina Tangata produced this short video to share perspectives from the Everyday Networks New Plymouth Hui (hui = meeting). The video includes valuable tips for people organising networks, particularly those inclusive of people with disability.
A network group is a group of people who choose to come together and support each other other making contributions to each other’s lives and to the wider community.
Anytime is a good time to create a group. If it’s to help people to come together as one, and helping each other with ideas and what to do.
Watch Video
The theme of the 2023 New Plymouth Hui was recognising that we are all important. We all have value and have something to contribute in our own unique way. The VIP Hui 2023 is an opportunity to focus on our strengths, build confidence, learn and grow – and also have fun together, while making new friends and also connecting with people we see often. We will have new experiences, can look out for each other and respect each others’ differences.
The people in the group decide what they want to do as a group. We come together as a group and we discuss it together with a facilitator and we see if it’s feasible for us to do it or not.
Everyone’s got different abilities and different needs. You’ve got to be patient with everyone. Not everyone is built the same, not everyone’s born the same. Everyone’s slow at things, some people are fast at things, and you just have to be patient with all that and go along with who they are.
About the Author
Community Connections – Te Hapori Awhina Tangata is a community-based service which provides services for young people and adults with disabilities, and their families. They operate in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and have a strong commitment to a person-centered approach so people can live the life they choose within their own community.