A community that is positively diverse and strives to empower is one that is valuable for all New Zealanders. The North Shore definitely delivers this way of life, with so many inclusive groups and activities designed to cater to everyone.
PHAB (Physically Disabled and Able Bodied) is a not-for-profit organisation that makes a big impact on our community. It is a place for people with disabilities to gather and thrive together, and offers services such as a life skills programme, weekly social group, holiday programme, and fitness opportunities. PHAB manages a fully accessible youth space in Takapuna, which was designed by young people themselves, and is equipped with basketball hoops, accessible drift bikes, Playstations, computers, board games, musical equipment, a full kitchen, a lounge hang-out space, and an educational virtual reality kit. This organisation continues to grow its presence in our community by offering a fun, interactive and safe space, open to anyone aged 16 and over.
PHAB offers an educational life skills programme called PEERS, which runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the week. The activities and skills that are taught in this programme are all chosen by the members of PHAB, as they co-design and co-deliver their programmes themselves. There can sometimes be a separation between the disabled and the public, but PHAB engages its members with others in the community and encourages them to learn skills they may otherwise struggle with. It’s about getting the members out there and doing things such as paying for meals or even interacting with new people, as PHAB focuses on normalising everyday life for disabled youth within the community. Skills taught are decided by the PHAB group, based on what they value for themselves.
PHAB’s groups run all over Auckland, from Orewa to Papatoetoe, and accommodate different age demographics in each area. The PHAB building in Takapuna is a social and recreational hub for both youth and adults to come along to and interact with each other. Once a week, the groups meets at the venue or out in the community and members participate in all sorts of activities that they decide they want to do. These can range from quiz nights, discos, movie nights and baking nights, to meals together, tenpin bowling, and other exciting activities.
During the school holidays, PHAB runs a holiday programme called PHDs (PHAB Hang-out Days). This runs from Tuesday to Friday and incorporates different activities each day, alternating between doing things in the PHAB building, and getting out and about around Auckland.
All activities undertaken at PHAB are decided by what the group members think they would gain value from. This approach is really important for the self-driven development which PHAB promotes under the Enabling Good Lives (EGL) principles, and really helps to empower members so they feel that they are getting the most out of the activities and projects on offer. EGL principles promote self-engagement, building knowledge and skills, determination, and investment in families and community.
Also run from the PHAB youth space is a weekly exercise and nutrition programme called ACE. This is aimed at utilising a social and fun environment to engage young people in healthier lifestyle choices, and to increase their overall wellbeing. Additionally, PHAB run sports days, bi-annual balls, fun days out, Christmas parties, fundraisers, and other events.
PHAB is based on the values of fun, family and friendship, respecting diversity, integrity and inclusion. PHAB staff are trained on how to work with the wide range of diverse people in their community; and as PHAB is an equal opportunities employer, the PHAB staff are a diverse group themselves. They create a safe and fun environment for everyone involved. They also spend a great deal of time focusing on the different strengths and weaknesses of each individual member, and what kind of support is needed for them to thrive most.
As a charitable organisation, PHAB relies heavily on donations from philanthropic funders and community organisations. One of the PHAB projects running currently is the creation of a garden space that caters to all, with wheelchair access and planter boxes that everyone can enjoy. These gardens will also be used during cooking activities at the PHAB venue in Takapuna, so members can have a ‘garden to table’ experience. The garden is slowly being created by working closely alongside Men’s Shed North Shore, and Bunnings Glenfield.
Donations for this project are greatly appreciated and welcomed from anyone who would like to assist. Donations can be made directly to the PHAB bank account: 12-3072-0458676-00 with the reference “Garden”. You can get in touch with PHAB through its website: http://www.phab.org.nz, or reach Chewy Wilson, Operations Manager, on email or phone: chewy@phab.org.nz 09 488 7490.
