No barrier to CCS branch in Whanganui

Les Gilsenan

Whanganui will have its own branch of CCS Disability Action after a 16-year gap.

The national organisation provides support for those with disabilities to help them live an ordinary life and feel like part of the community.

At a meeting on June 16, more than 30 people showed their support for a branch to be established in Whanganui.

"This was a very strong vote of confidence in our organisation," chief executive David Matthews said.

"It was clear to us that those present welcomed the opportunity for our organisation to offer a range of services in their community and provide a greater choice for disabled people and their families."

CCS will work in partnership with Whanganui Disability Resources Centre and is currently negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding with its trust board.

Les Gilsenan, the Resources Centre manager, said his staff were excited about the prospect of being part of a national organisation that works in communities to remove barriers to participation.

"There is a real connection between the values of both organisations and I am confident that the Whanganui region will benefit greatly by this decision," Mr Gilsenan said.

Following the meeting, an application to incorporate the branch was successfully lodged, and now both organisations are working on a number of transition processes.

"As far as the people we currently support, nothing has changed," Mr Gilsenan said.

"It is very much business as usual with some exciting prospects for the future."

An interim local committee to oversee the branch has been established and will be chaired by Judy Karaitiana, co-vice chairwoman of the Whanganui Disability Resources Centre.