SNN_August 2020 Issue FA_low res

NEW ZEALAND SPINAL TRUST 6
very, very real. On this journey, one will encounter a
whole other side of life which will touch them in all facets
of their physical, emotional and spiritual life.
Our founder, Professor Alan Clarke, declared 25 years ago
that each person needs to be in charge of their own
rehabilitation and that learning is key to that. That is
why we have an enthusiastic team available to help.
Our SNN readers who were around before 2016 will
remember the beautiful Allan Bean Centre and Library
located just beyond the Burwood Spinal Unit. One of the
most difficult consequences of being ousted by the
earthquakes from this purpose-built space was the
separation of our services. The last time our three key
Burwood-based services operated side-by-side in an
easy-to-get-to, accessible space was July 2014. We have
worked hard to support positive futures despite our
location limitations.
We are so very excited because the Resource Centre Team
recently joined our Vocational Rehab and Peer and
Whānau Support teams in the main corridor which
connects the Spinal Unit to the Gym – side by side again!
Being able to see people as they roll past our office doors
again and welcome them as they ‘pop in’ is a huge benefit
to us. It allows us to do so much more for families, as they
negotiate one of the biggest life-shocks they will ever
have. Do call in and see Bernadette and her team.
Finally, in response to an unprecedented number of
concerns expressed recently by the SCI community about
their carer agency, and also the variable agency responses
How does one adjust to a
life-changing moment?
to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are conducting a
nationwide survey of Care Agencies and their services.
If you or someone you know needs a carer, we would be
very grateful if you could complete the survey to help
us, as we seek to improve the services. Visit our website
to view the survey nzspinaltrust.org.nz
If you are reading the SNN magazine for the first time
I hope you find it interesting, uplifting and
encouraging, especially if you are new to spinal cord
impairment or injury.
Noho ora mai - Hans
PS NZST’s Annual Appeal is coming up – August 29th to
September 5th. Keep an eye on your letter box for my Appeal
Letter with the theme “Winning at Life”. Only 20 per cent of
our funding comes from government sources (ACC, MoH,
MSD, etc) so we really do rely on the generosity of our
community to help support positive futures. If you can help
us out with a donation, that would be awesome!