Work Together Rotorua and new Inspire Gallery opens to support disabled

A new service to help people with disabilities into long-term paid employment has opened in Rotorua.

The St Chad's Charitable Trust's new agency is called Work Together.

The trust has also opened a larger branch of the Inspire Gallery, expanding on its former artwork and gift shop at the trust building on Devon St.

Elsie Westman (left) and Donna Ross from St Chad's Charitable Trust, outside their new Work Together Rotorua office and the Inspire Gallery. Photo / Stephen Parker

Deputy mayor Dave Donaldson helped to "officially open" the agency and gallery at a gathering last night.

Work Together team leader Elsie Westman told the Rotorua Daily Post both aspects of the new space on Hinemoa St would help disabled people find sources of income.

"It will mean we are more visible to the public. Hopefully, more people will see what we are doing and talk about it and pass on the good word."

St Chad's manager, Nicky Mayne, said many of the Work Together clients would have previously been on a Jobseekers benefit or disability allowance.

"Anybody in the community with a disability or health condition will be able to get our help."

It was established after the trust secured a contract from the Ministry of Social Development at the end of last year.

St Chad's manager, Nicky Mayne, with clients and staff. Photo / File

"We are looking to branch out and build our employer network. We want to have conversations with them, to help them be disability confident and see how it is a good business decision."

The agency will also help clients with job applications and interview preparation, and work with students looking to transition to their next step after leaving school.

For more information
Visit https://worktogetherrotorua.co.nz/ or phone Nicky Mayne on (07) 347 8515 to hear more about the new agency