Disability Information and advice service centres are located across Aotearoa New Zealand, ready to deliver experienced advice in-person to our disability community and their whanau (family). Each fortnight, your Firstport team are shining the spotlight on a new spot so you can discover what could be available to you and your loved ones.
Spotlight on your local Info centre – Manawatū/Whanganui
Easie Living is a centre for all things equipment and information. It’s really in their name, making life easy for disabled whānau in the mighty Manawatū and Whanganui.
Firstport caught up with Kelly and her fantastic team and were instantly captured by their secret sensory room. It's a hidden gem that’s perfect for anyone who needs a safe space to soothe themselves with sensory bliss. It’s only a secret in that it’s safely tucked beside their demonstration kitchen and perfectly sized for two power wheelchairs or up to 5 children.
Even better, it’s totally free and bookable for your exclusive use for up to an hour. Just head to easieliving.co.nz (external link) or give them a call.
“We see members of our community from all ages, from several months to people in their nineties. Not everyone uses the sensory space, but I’m happy to say that we’re always ready to help, no matter your age or stage.”
Kelly says no matter your situation, our ladies love a good chat and it’s rare that they get a request for information or advice they haven’t had before.
“We’re always keen to offer support to our disabled community and we get lot of requests from friends and family or support people too,” says Kelly.
As you explore the centre, you might feel like you’re in a giant doll house as you discover staged bedrooms, a bathroom and the kitchen/dining area. They’re all set up with really clever appliances and gadgets to help you live an everyday life in your home. It means you can get hands-on advice on using the gear too.
Around the corner, near the comprehensive wall of continence products for every need, there’s a conference room. From the number of workshops and meetings underway each week in the space, it’s definitely a favourite spot for not-for-profit disability services and a go-to hub for some fantastic community activities!
Can’t make it to the store?
Their Mobility Outreach Service has you sorted. Their Mobile Outreach Coordinator Lesley whips around the Manawatu, Whanganui, Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa in her van - with the gifted name Matahiapo te Ora (life is precious) - taking equipment and advice with her. These places include, Residential disability services, community groups and organisations, retirement villages, health professionals and more.
As an information specialist, she’s got herself a name for her success in supporting members of our community with lottery grant applications. Customers come into Easie Living asking Lesley and the team for advice and what they should have in their application.
Thanks to her support, Lotteries have given our community: 63 scooters, 4 wheelchairs, 1 companion dog and 3 vans.
We were so impressed with her work, we asked to film her presenting on how to apply to the local Palmerston North disabled community.
While it’s impossible for Lesley to support everyone, thanks to her talk, we reckon you’ll be equipped to make your own successful lotteries application.
Check out the video of her giving the lowdown on what to expect from a lottery grant below
Last updated on Friday, 19 July 2024