Teamwork at People First

The challenge

People First is led and directed by people with intellectual disabilities and aims to ‘empower and support people with intellectual disabilities to be strong and valued individuals in New Zealand’.

The response

People First’s regional office in Christchurch is run by three intellectually disabled adults, who are supported by their trainer and assistant, Pam Shanks. The three office staff work part time and, along with other People First members, sit on advisory boards for organisations like Canterbury District Health Board and Waimakariri District Council, run courses about rights and choices for people with intellectual disabilities, speak at schools and conferences, write reports and newsletters and run meetings.

“People with intellectual disabilities are part of the community like everyone else, and need to be absolutely included and accepted for who they are,” says Pam. “The more our members are out there, the more people realise just how much people with intellectual disabilities can do.”

How the Todd Foundation helped

Two years’ funding from the Todd Foundation ensures that the three office trainees have the training and support they need to run their own organisation. “This funding is very important because it gives our members a chance to contribute,” says Pam. “It enables us to put into practice our motto – ‘nothing about us without us’.”

What the trainees say about it:

“I get to know people and work out how I can help them understand and speak up for their rights. It’s quite a joy,” says Stewart Haig, one of the three office trainees. “I’ve also been up to Wellington to lobby government for things like schooling and wheelchair access. We stand up in meetings and talk, and we write reports. My confidence has grown so much since joining People First.”

Pam agrees. “Stewart has so much to say and like many of our People First members, he is very dedicated and has a strong social conscience. With their hard work, they break down the barriers and stigmas and are great role-models for the younger ones.”