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THE NEWS How long have you been with the CP Society and what is your job? I have been with the Society for 11 years. My job is Member Support and Programme Coordinator for the Canterbury Region. What do you love about your job? I really enjoy working with, and engaging with members to make sure they get the support they require. Whether this is through the programmes and services the Society offers, or by connecting them with external organisations, to help support their independence within their community. What’s a successful day at work? I really appreciate getting positive feedback from members when I’ve helped them with an enquiry or given them support. If resources and funds weren’t an issue, what would you like to see our members enjoying? Knowledge of preventive medicine (preventive health care to improve well-being) for Cerebral Palsy to prevent it from occurring in the future, and unlimited support for everyone currently living with Cerebral Palsy. What do you do to relax outside of work? I enjoy exercising, travelling and spending time with family. The Total Mobility scheme assists eligible people, with long- term impairments, to access appropriate transport to meet their daily needs and enhance their community participation. This is provided in the form of subsidised door-to-door transport services wherever scheme transport providers operate. It is funded in partnership by local and central government. Fifty percent of the fair is subsidised, up to a maximum subsidy – which varies between regions. If the total fare is more than the maximum subsidy, passengers must meet the additional cost. The Cerebral Palsy Society’s getOutThere programme helps financial members, who have Cerebral Palsy, fund part of this. Total Mobility is managed and operated by regional councils. The Cerebral Palsy Society is, or will be, an assessor for members living in Auckland, the Manawatū and Christchurch. The Halberg Foundation is running a series of three regional two-day sports festivals in Christchurch, Auckland and Palmerston North this October for young people aged 8-21 years with a physical or visual impairment. Contact your local Halberg Adviser on 0800 HALBERG or go to www.halberggames.co.nz. If you live outside of these areas, you can find an assessor by contacting the local CCS Disability Action branch. The Society’s role is to determine whether a member meets the eligibility criteria for the scheme. Once initial eligibility is confirmed, a face-to-face assessment is carried out, which includes filling in a form which asks about the member’s mobility, and their photo is taken. The completed documentation is passed on to the relevant council to process. Once a member receives their Total Mobility card they can then start using it. Useful information: • Total Mobility - www.tinyurl.com/2p8b32hx • Cerebral Palsy Society’s getOutThere programme - www.tinyurl.com/mdpp5aa2, and a list of suppliers who accept payment via the programme - www.tinyurl.com/5f2ad7bj Out and about with Total Mobility Meet our team Halberg games Matthew Slade Each edition we introduce you to a CPS teammember. MAY–AUG 2022 THE REVIEW | 5