It’s time for kids to getMoving

We’re so excited to be launching our latest programme – getMoving!  

It’s all been made possible thanks to generous funding from Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa and the enthusiastic energy from Mike Hynard and the team at Functional Adaptive Movement™Ltd (FAM™)! Thank you!  

What is getMoving?

getMoving is a new exercise opportunity for 16 Auckland-based Cerebral Palsy Society members, aged 6-18, who live with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi.  

We know that physical activity for people with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi is important to improve functional ability, such as standing and moving around with greater ease, and to reduce complications and pain. Physical activity also has a huge positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. 

The opportunity to take part in specialist and customised exercise classes will improve overall mobility and quality of life, teach useful and impactful exercises and techniques that participants can take with them as they grow, and build good habits for life.  

These classes will also enable youth to build a network of friends who are facing similar experiences and challenges. 

FAM™’s hour-long classes offer adapted exercise and equipment play tailored specifically to the needs of those participating. This means the classes will be of maximum benefit and will support daily movement and control. 

Mike Hynard, CEO and founder of FAM™, will deliver the classes. He is known for being “exceptionally motivating” – we’re sure you’ll agree once you meet him!  

Mike’s daughter, Siobhan, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi, and other conditions, when she was 1 year old. Inspired by his own experiences, Michael founded the FAM™ Program.  

Programme details 

The 44-week programme will be held at FAM™ in Mt Albert on Wednesdays from 3.30pm – 4.30pm for a full year from July 24, 2024, until July 23, 2025.  

We realise the afterschool commute may mean that 3.30pm is a bit of a tricky start time – but Mike doesn’t mind if participants are a little late.  

Classes will run through the school holidays but will break for the Christmas and New Year holidays.  

Each person accepted on to the programme will undergo a pre-assessment on the first day to determine how the classes can be adapted to best benefit them. There will also be an assessment at the end of the programme to track progress.  

Parents/caregivers are welcome to stay and watch or drop their child off and come back to collect them at the end. 

What the funding covers

Thanks to the generous funding from Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa, this programme is free for 16 members of the Cerebral Palsy Society. 

The funding covers 44 classes, and a contribution towards travel costs to get there.  

Registration

To register your interest in getMoving, please send an email to Member Support and Programmes Coordinator Theo van de Klundert with:  

• The name of the CP Society member you would like to be considered for the programme (please note – participants must be current members of the Society)
• Name and contact details for their parent/caregiver
• How the participant would be getting to the FAM™ venue in Mt Albert – ie private car, mobility taxi, public transport. 

 Once Theo has processed the registration requests an email will be sent to notify you of the outcome. Successful applicants will be asked to fill in an official FAM™ registration form that covers medical needs, emergency contacts etc.  

What people are saying about FAM™ 

“The physical strength that I gain through FAM™ classes, transfers into my normal life. If I am physically strong, I can be mentally strong.” 

“FAM™ gives my life purpose and helps me see a future.” 

“A lot can change for people with disabilities. FAM™ doesn’t change and is the one constant they have to look forward to.” 

“FAM™ has given me more confidence as a carer. It helped me realise what she can do.” 

“Mike brings it out in the kids and makes them believe they can do anything. My daughter worked on her core strength and now she can sit up straight in her chair at school. Which means she can listen and learn.” 

“For an hour a week I am not disabled. I am just like the other athletes in my class.” 

“As a parent it takes so much stress and guilt off me. The kids love it, and they can see and feel progress.” 

 

 

For more information about getMoving, please send an email to Member Support and Programmes Coordinator Theo van de Klundert.