Attendees are supported to participate in regular meaningful and engaging activities that are important to each individual. They have an upbeat vibe and are strongly focussed on boosting the independence of people with high needs. The services are managed by our dedicated Vocational Service Manager
Personalised plans
Understanding each person’s personality, interests, needs and abilities helps our staff to work alongside them to prepare a meaningful day programme specifically for them.
This is not a set model that people are expected to fit into, nor is it about people simply filling in time. Instead, it’s about supporting each person to achieve greater independence and improved social skills.
Small groups: greater opportunities
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Each group is deliberately kept small, providing greater opportunities for one-on-one interactions with staff.
Your family member may attend for just one or several half-day sessions each week or they may wish to attend for a full day one to five days a week.
Examples of activities include:
- Art classes in the wider community
- Volunteering for non-profit groups
- Dance classes
- Transitioning from school to adult life
- On-the-job training
- Pottery making and selling the items from a market stall in the community
- Music therapy
- Cooking classes
- Social outings (chosen to suit each person’s interests and needs)
- Jewellery making
- Sports
- Community Zumba class
- Swimming at Rescare or community pools
- Helping at a community garden
Vocational evening sessions (4-6pm Thursdays)
- Blokes beer BBQ
- Wine and cheese night
- Ladies pampering night
Two purpose-built facilities
Our vocational services programmes are based at Rescare’s two purpose-built facilities – The Activity Centre at our Weymouth site and John Broad Centre (JBC) at the Flat Bush site. The John Broad Centre was built for adults on the autism spectrum. We also have community vocational group activities that are held off-site, providing participants with opportunities to improve their social skills and experience the wider community.
Our Weymouth and Flat Bush sites both have a swimming pool and spa pool.
Training café at Te Tuhi
Our partnership with The University of Auckland and the award-winning Te Tuhi art gallery, in Pakuranga, resulted in the establishment of a training café in July 2020. The initiative, which is the first of its kind in Aotearoa, is providing further opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to gain skills and work experience, and to work towards paid employment within the hospitality sector.
Based at Te Tuhi, one of New Zealand’s foremost art spaces, the café provides a venue for a community-based, in-house training programme and paid employment for people with intellectual disabilities.
Each participant has their goals and targets incorporated into a personal training plan designed by The University of Auckland. The plan is used to track participants’ progress and development.
As well as providing training and work experience, Te Tuhi Café serves barista-made coffee and a range of freshly baked cabinet food: hours are Monday to Saturday 9am – 2pm.
Located at 13 Reeves Road, Pakuranga, Auckland, Te Tuhi is fully accessible and has step-free entrances and accessible parking and bathroom facilities, making it an excellent choice for people with specific access requirements.
The café project is a non-profit enterprise.
Please contact Rescare if the Te Tuhi training opportunity is of interest.