SNN_August 2022 Issue_web low res

SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 7
Putting His Hand Up to Help
We profile Henry Matthews, Community Peer Support Worker
—Henry Matthews
I can remember the day of
my accident vividly.
number of new staff working in the regions. They are
doing a very important job of connecting with and
supporting people with an SCI.
Henry is a great example. He was nominated by Kim
Nepata, the Whānau Support Coordinator for the NZ
Spinal Trust.
“I knew that I have knowledge that could help others,” he
says. “I enjoy meeting up with others. I like to give back if
I can help others.
Henry says his role keeps him busy and proactive. He
enjoys meeting people.
“I know first-hand what newly injured people are going
through as I've been there. Everyone’s recovery is
different, and it's all about treating everyone equally and
with respect.”
Henry has plenty of invaluable life experience to pass on.
He became a tetraplegic at the age of 18. He was injured
after diving into shallow water at Matauri Bay, Northland.
NEVER GIVE UP: Henry says living with an SCI was a huge adjustment.
Henry Matthews wants to show that
anything is possible for people living with a
spinal cord impairment (SCI).
The 50-year-old Community Peer Support Worker, who is
originally from Auckland, has recently joined the
nationwide Peer and Whānau Support programme in
Palmerston North.
The $1.3 million investment from ACC into Peer and
Whānau Support has been labelled “a game changer” for
the SCI community.
The Peer and Whānau programme has been extended
across 18 regions from the far north (Whangārei) to the
deep south (Invercargill).
Most regions across Aotearoa have at least one Peer Support
worker. The investment supports a coordinated network
of 20 -30 fully-trained community peer support staff.
The expansion of the programme has resulted in a
Henry says it took him two years to get used to his new
life in a wheelchair.
“It was so hard, I didn't really want to go outdoors, I just
wanted to stay inside,” he says.
“The first couple of years was denial. Why me? I had a
good job, and I was just on holidays… I never thought it
would happen to me.”
He says a turning point in his rehabilitation was learning
how to get active again.
“If it wasn't for a couple of guys and ladies who would
come in and talk to you, and say ‘life is not over unless
you want it to be’… if it wasn't for them, I don't think I'd be
here today.”
Henry is a passionate advocate for taking risks and giving
things a go. He encourages people who have limited
mobility to get out of their comfort zone and try
something new.
“Go out and get proactive. There’s plenty of time to sit in
front of the TV.
“A lot of people in wheelchairs, you know, they can do
anything, if you put your mind to it."