NEWS & UPDATES
January news from the CP Society – it’s a new year and there’s lots happening
31 Jan 2025
I hope 2025 is off to a great start for you and your whānau and you’re making the most of the summer weather.
The team and I are back into the swing of things after a great holiday and we’re all enjoying getting back into our various projects. We have some exciting things coming up this year – which I’m looking forward to sharing with you in due course.
Back to school
Whether you went back to school this week, or it’s your turn next week….
Whether it is your first day of school, your first day at a new school, or the start of your last year of school……
The team at the CP Society wish our tamariki (and all their parents!) the very best of luck.
Here’s to a year of learning, growing and becoming even more awesome!
We’ve put together a list of school-related articles that will be useful year-round, whether your child is already at school, or will be starting school later this year.
Check it out here: www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz/getting-school-ready-primary-and-high-school
While we’re on the topic of school, if you care for someone else’s child, be sure to take a look at Work & Income’s School and Year Start-up Payment. It helps with pre-school or school-related costs at the beginning of the year.
You can apply for the once-a-year payment every year between mid-January and the end of February.
This payment is to help with pre-school and school-related costs, eg clothing, school fees and stationery.
More information is here: www.tinyurl.com/bdh8fzvm
Leave a gift in your will
Like us, we know you’ll want to ensure a future where people with Cerebral Palsy can enjoy their lives to the full – with endless opportunities, and the support in place so they can say YES to everything that makes them thrive and brings them happiness.
An easy and powerful way to ensure this future for our mokopuna is to leave a gift in your will. This kind of donation means you don’t have to find cash now or take part in a fundraising event. Of course, your own whānau will take priority, but once you’re satisfied that their needs will be met, it’s simple to include a gift of any size in your will to the Cerebral Palsy Society.
There are three types of gift you might choose to give:
– A specific sum or percentage of your estate
– The residue of your estate (once other gifts and costs have been deducted)
– A specific gift – for example, shares, bonds, or property.
Whether you’ve already made a will and would like to make an addition, or you’re ready to write your first one and include support for the Cerebral Palsy Society, we recommend you work with a legal advisor to make sure this important document is written exactly as you wish.
Head to our website to find out more: www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz/support-us/bequests-2/
Good luck Connor!
Cerebral Palsy Society member Connor Adamson is taking part in Round the Bays Wellington, on February 16.
The Wellington resident, who is GMFCS level 2 and uses a walking stick, will be taking part in the 4.8km event.
Connor is keen for other CP Society members to join him – and it’s not too late to do so. You can find out more here: www.tinyurl.com/dfks688r
Good luck Connor! We are right behind you as you take on this awesome challenge.
Coffee group updates
We’re really excited about most of our coffee groups getting underway in February.
Before things kick off, we’ve got a few updates to pass on.
Whanganui coffee group:
There is no coffee group happening in Whanganui in February. Your coffee group is going to kick off in March. Your host George looks forward to seeing you all on March 16.
Masterton coffee group:
Your coffee group has had a change of time. Effective from February 8, the Masterton coffee group will start at 10.30am. Be sure to head along and join your host Matt.
NEW Albany coffee group:
We’re excited to be launching a new coffee group in Albany, Auckland.
Venue: Columbus Coffee, Westfield Albany
Time: 10.30am
Date: First Wednesday of the month. The first coffee group will be on Wednesday, February 5 at 10.30am.
We’re delighted to be welcoming Em as the host! Thanks so much for volunteering to host a coffee group for our North Shore members.
And remember, at coffee group, the refreshments are on us! A companion, support worker and/or family member is welcome to accompany members to these groups. Up to $15 worth of refreshments per person is provided.
All the coffee group information is here: www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz/member-services/events/coffee-groups
Coffee groups are currently held in Auckland, Whanganui, Masterton, Wellington and Christchurch.
If you’d like to see a coffee group in your area, please get in touch with us to see what’s involved in being a host. Many of our coffee groups rely on volunteers and wouldn’t happen without them.
Call us on 0800 503 603 or email cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz.
Thank you for the support
The Cerebral Palsy Society relies on donations and grants to help us do the mahi we do for Kiwis living with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi.
With that in mind, we want to say a massive thank you to the Trusts, Foundations and friends that have supported us. Most recently:
– CBD Z Energy
You can check out all the Trusts and Foundations that support the Society here: www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz/our-supporters
CP Society e-Card
How to check your e-card balance:
It’s easy to check the balance on your e-card. Simply:
– Go to https://ecardsolutions.nz/portal/cps/
– Check your last receipt
– Or go to www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz, click the Dashboard button, sign in and click the “Check Your E-Card Balance” button.
How to add a supplier to the e-card programme
Ever wondered how to add a company or service provider to the Cerebral Palsy Society’s e-card programme?
We’ve written a step-by-step guide to help you. Feel free to share the link with companies and service providers that you think would be interested in becoming a supplier. www.tinyurl.com/b8j7s3j5
Research opportunities
Have you thought about getting involved in some of the research opportunities out there?
When you take part in research, you’re helping create a more informed and clearer picture for people living with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi across Aoteaora New Zealand, guiding advocacy and efforts towards change.
Current opportunities on our website:
– Transition to Adulthood
This study from the University of Toronto is looking at improving the transition to adulthood for youth diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi. Researchers are looking to get the perspective of youth aged between 12-17, and their parents, on their experiences and expectations during this transition process.
– Exploring Parental Perspectives: CMV Screening and Diagnosis in New Zealand through the Lens of Families
The University of Auckland is recruiting families of children affected by CMV. This work will provide information about what families want and need to know at the time of their child’s diagnosis, and later as they continue their journey with CMV. Researchers are looking for participants aged approximately 18 years old.
Head to our Research Opportunities page for more information: www.tinyurl.com/2va843ke
What’s on
Show Your Ability
Disability equipment expos are happening around the country in March and April:
Auckland – March 10 | Hamilton – March 12 | Palmerston North – March 14 |
Christchurch – April 8 | Dunedin – April 9 |
For more information go to www.3am.net.nz/show-your-ability
Waitangi Day at Manukau Live Steamers
If you’re going to be in Auckland on Waitangi Day, consider heading along to the Manukau Live Steamers.
They are hosting their annual Waitangi Day free train rides for children with special needs, and their whānau.
– Thur Feb 6
– Trains run 11am – 3pm
– Centre Park, Robertson Rd, Mangere
– Sausage sizzle, fruit, water (BYO bottles) and sunscreen provided
– BYO hats, blankets, chairs and enthusiasm.
Volunteers from the train club will be on hand to offer assistance.
Notify Lynne Giles on 021 959 106 or ikon@xtra.co.nz
Halberg Games
Have you registered for the Halberg Games yet?
It’s for 8-21 year olds, with a physical or visual impairment and is happening from April 24 to 26 at King’s College in Auckland.
There will be more than 20 sports, an opening ceremony and family festival activities.
It’s sure to be a wonderful three days of fun, challenges, team spirit, effort and celebration.
Get all the information and register today: www.halberg.co.nz/halberg-games/halberg-games
Well, that’s all from the team and I for now. Here’s hoping summer lasts a lot longer and we can all get out there and enjoy more of the warmth and sunshine.
All the best to you and your whānau.
Ngā mihi,
Clare Williams
General Manager