Archive for category: News

You are here: / News

A life well lived – Craig Imlay’s story

,

Today we would like to share a very special story about a past resident of Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust, Craig Imlay.

 

Craig was born to his parents Robin and Lindsay Imlay in Dunedin on the 5th of June 1960. Five months later, they along with their family became concerned with his health, and after checking in with professionals, it was found Craig had suffered a brain injury caused by Hydrocephalus. This is a rare condition that at the time would not have been able to be treated in New Zealand. However, around the corner at Otago University, an international medical conference was taking place. Craig’s diagnosis was referred to the conference, and incredibly, they found help. Presented at the conference was a brand-new shunt valve to prevent damage to the brain – one that was used on people with conditions like Craig’s. Craig was operated on immediately, and from this, was given a chance at life.

Before Craig, no one in New Zealand with Hydrocephalus had survived past the age of five. After his surgery, he was expected to live into his teens. Later, he was told he wouldn’t live past 40. Craig lived until he was 63.

 

Growing up, Craig had his challenges. As his operation was too late to prevent brain damage, Craig lived with a disability similar to cerebral palsy. While he spent his early years of education in a preschool for disabled children, Craig grew to be dedicated in his efforts to participate in mainstream schooling.

“Craig was tremendously determined and spent his life setting out to give things a go,” says Julie, Craig’s sister. “‘Can’t’ wasn’t a word in his dictionary – If he wanted to try something he would give it his best shot. There were many times in his life when he would push back against those who said he probably couldn’t do something.”

At school, Craig would get right into sports days. He would get up for races and run with his crutches. He knew he wouldn’t win, but he tried his best all the same. His mother Robin recalls these times.

“You could never put him down, you know. He was a kid with a perpetual smile. The principal couldn’t get over Craig, he would say ‘we’ve got other kids there that you just cannot get off their back sides, and there’s Craig out on his crutches, lined up, taking part in races.’ He was amazing.”

 

In his teens, Craig headed along to a meeting for disabled people interested in skiing. After more doubt from people around him, Craig got stuck right in. For many winters, Craig would be up on the slopes, loving life. He even won a number of certificates and competitions!

In 1986, Craig was determined to take his independence to the next level, as he moved into a flat in Ilam. Life was very social living in the flat, as Craig had many flatmates and fun times living as independently as possible.

“He had a pretty busy life, he was going out five days a week by bus or taxi, to Handmade Studio and other activities,” says Robin. “He loved his spinning and weaving at the studio. He was just enjoying life. And I think of how hard it was for him, you know, but he just loved everything that he did. He felt as though he was achieving something, being successful.”

After ten years of living independently, Craig’s needs began to increase, and he moved into Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust’s residential home in 1996, where he stayed for 25 years. During this time, he made many great friends and was determined to continue exercising and getting out and about independently. He would often head out in his wheelchair to visit his parents who lived in the neighborhood.

“I have not got a single photograph where he hasn’t got a smile on his face,” says Robin. “Nothing would get him down. I would say to him when things were going wrong, ‘oh Craig you just never let yourself get caught up. You’re always smiling.’ And he would say, ‘oh well, Mum, what’s the point of feeling miserable or making yourself feel miserable?’ We were just so proud of him.”

In 2021, Craig’s level of care had increased beyond the capacity of LFBIT, and he had to move to Merivale Retirement Village. Before he moved, he enjoyed a huge 60th birthday celebration with his family and friends at Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust.

In December 2023, Craig passed away peacefully.

This year, we were surprised and immensely grateful to learn that Alan Whittaker, Craig’s stepfather, had left a gift in his Will to the Trust. Alan, who passed away a few weeks before Craig in 2023, wanted to acknowledge the support and care Craig received from the Trust and hoped his gift would help provide others with the same opportunity for support.

Craig’s mother Robin told us, “He knew that Craig was very important to me. I was very happy about it. We were just so proud of Craig’s efforts and successes over the years. A life very well lived.”

 

Leaving a gift in your Will is a very special act of generosity. Your legacy helps us empower people with disabilities to live their best lives.

Alan’s gift is already having an impact on the lives of people who are supported by the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust – his kindness and generosity means the world to all of us.

Staff Appreciation Post: Deb Carter

, ,

We have a vast range of disciplines here at the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust, and today we would like to recognise the work of Deb Carter, who has worked with LFBIT for the past eight years as a social worker.

When Deb began work with LFBIT, there was no dedicated role for social work. At the time, she worked part-time as a rehab assistant, and part-time as a social worker. Over time, as more referrals began to come through, Deb shifted into full-time social work. The service has now grown to the point where last December Deb was able to recruit her social work student to join the team as the new social work colleague.

As with many roles at LFBIT, no two days of work are the same. Deb does a lot of work in the community, following clients out of rehab and identifying areas of need. Through this, she can then connect clients with the appropriate resources. This can include things such as secure housing, financial support, family or drug and alcohol services and counselling or psychology services. This work involves a lot of communication between parties, often communication that clients may find difficult or frustrating after a brain injury.

“I work with lawyers, courts, police, WINZ, MSD housing, drug and alcohol, homecare agencies, a huge amount outside agencies,” says Deb. “We know that our clients with brain injury can’t always manage to get across what they want to say, so you’re there to help bridge that gap.”

As well as this work, Deb does single discipline assessments through our assessment team, supervises students and is LFBIT’s care and protection officer.

“You’ve got to be able to adapt really quickly. You could have a day where you come in and you work trying to help people get into housing, or you’re going to WINZ with someone, but then the next thing you get a phone call and that could be around care and protection. The job keeps you on your toes and you need to be able to think on your feet. I’ve got some complex clients, but they’re great. It is about working towards gaining the trust of a client and their whānau, once you get it, that is rewarding.”

Reflecting on these rewarding experiences, Deb notes particular pride in her work with Sarah, whose story you can read here.

“When I met with her it had been a couple of years since her injury, but she was really struggling. She is just lovely, but her situation was very sad as she was living in a shed. Once we got her into a house, her whole demeanour changed. Everything about her changed. It took a while for her to adapt to her home and understand that it was hers. Every time I go out there now, she has really made it her home, where she couldn’t do that before. Many LFBIT staff helped Sarah to furnish her house, and this speaks volumes to the people that work here.”

The LFBIT team, as well as rewarding experiences with clients, is something that Deb appreciates in her work.

“The teams that we’ve got here are amazing. Our managers are so approachable, Kathryn Jones as CEO is just fantastic, and everyone is very down to earth. If you’ve got things going on in your personal life, they’re very supportive and adaptable for you. It’s just a brilliant place to work.”

“Deb is an experienced Social Worker and adds huge value to our team,” says Del Eden, Speech-Language Therapy Clinical Lead. “She willingly offers her advice and expertise, supporting our LFBIT team, as well as clients and their whānau.”

We’d love to give our deepest thanks to Deb for all her work over the years. Your work is so essential and has such a great impact on the lives of our clients, it does not go unnoticed.

Medical Fitness to Drive Assessments

,

Are you concerned that a medical condition might be affecting someone’s driving safety?

Many factors influence a person’s ability to drive safely. A Medical Fitness to Drive Assessment ensures they remain safe behind the wheel.

Why consider an assessment?

• Peace of mind ensuring your loved one is driving safely.

• Early detection of medical conditions that may impact driving.

• Evaluate memory loss, confusion, or other cognitive impairments that might affect safe driving.

• Receive expert advice from an occupational therapist specialising in driver assessments.

Who should be assessed?

• People experiencing changes in vision, cognition, or mobility.

• Anyone with a deteriorating medical condition.

If you are interested, contact us today!

Laura Fergusson Assessment Services – part of Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust

Ph: 03 351 6047 E: hello@lfbit.co.nz W: www.lfbit.co.nz

Thank you to our patron – Beverly Murray

,

On Monday, staff and residents at Ilam Road held a special afternoon tea for Beverly Murray, who after 12 years is stepping down as our patron.

Beverly’s journey with LFBIT began with the Women’s Auxiliary, marking the start of a relationship that has been nothing short of extraordinary. As a Trust Board Member in the mid-1990s and President of the Women’s Auxiliary, Beverly’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in our growth and success.

Beverly’s tenure as Chairperson of the Noelene McIlroy QSO Laura Fergusson Residents’ Trust from 2004 to 2006 was marked by significant achievements and progress, setting a high standard for those who followed.

“On behalf of the Laura Fergusson Trust Board, our residents, client’s family and whānau, I extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions throughout the years and wish to acknowledge your retirement as Patron of the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust,” says Kathryn Jones, CEO.

“Your dedication to the Trust is a testament to your remarkable character and generosity. We are profoundly thankful for the years of service you have so selflessly given and for the support that has been vital to our mission and vision.”

A New Life – Doug’s story

Today we are pleased to be able to share about Doug Lynch, a resident of our Te Orewai community. After Doug’s life was temporarily put on hold after the discovery of a rare genetic disorder, he is thriving living independently and is enjoying life more than ever.

Doug grew up around New Zealand, spending most of his life in Christchurch, where he went on to gain a degree in Mathematics. With this, Doug entered teaching and did so for ten years, before his health suddenly began to deteriorate. Doug was living in South Africa at the time and returned home to New Zealand to figure out what was going on with his health. Here, he discovered that he had wolfram syndrome – an extremely rare genetic disorder that only eight people have in the entire country.

Wolfram syndrome can have a number of effects on the body. For Doug, this involved deteriorating eyesight, complete colorblindness, balance issues, depression, bladder and kidney issues, and other issues that made work impossible to maintain. It has been fifteen years since Doug’s diagnosis, and for the majority of this time, he lived with his parents. Deciding it was time to find more independence, Doug found a home in Te Orewai, where he has lived for the past two years.

“It’s like a new life,” says Doug. “It was so quiet, my life, when I was living with my parents. Now I’m just here and I’m a completely new person. It’s been absolutely fantastic.”

While his condition began to restrict parts of life for Doug, he found living at Te Orewai opens up many new opportunities. He spends time out and about, down at Richmond Club playing Euchre, at Step Ahead events, and out for walks, which he tries to do every day.

“I’ve really apricated the fact that they trying to encourage us to communicate and get on with each other, and I’m loving that. I’ve built so many great relationships with people here.”

Doug enjoys cooking and cooks his meals twice a week. Outside of this, there is a Sunday party meal each week, which many of the Te Orewai residents attend. Doug enjoys spending time with the group, playing Monopoly, and engaging with the staff.

“Doug is proactive, he thinks ‘outside the box’ and can improvise when the arises,” say staff at Te Orewai. “He Has a very good sense of humour and a very youthful spirit.”

Perhaps Doug’s greatest life passion is art. Since his diagnosis, he has invested much time into his paintings. He loves drawing people, pop culture like Star Wars, and especially loves paining cats. One cat that gets a lot of portraits is Gary, who lives at Te Orewai. With the loss of his colour vision, Doug enjoys painting in grayscale. Although, that doesn’t mean he can no longer work with colour.

“It’s very interesting because I started off life and I could see colours. It wasn’t until my 30s that I lost all my colour vision. Now I’m basically living in a grey blurry world, but I can remember what colour things were. If somebody can tell me, hey, look that’s red paint, then I know to put it in the top strand of the rainbow.”

Recently, Doug has loved painting stones, and has enjoyed placing them around the gardens at Te Orewai for those with a keen eye!

“I also enjoy painting portraits of those with wolfram syndrome around the world. I get in contact with them, ask for their permission. Then once I finish the painting, I send it to them.”

You may have seen some of Doug’s artwork at LFBIT, including our most recent Christmas Fete! Doug has plenty of paintings ready to go for the future, so be sure to check them out if you get the chance!

Thank you again for sharing your story with us, Doug! We are looking forward to seeing new artwork, and where your journey takes you!

Speech-Language Therapy Awareness week 2024

This week (23-29 Sept) is Speech-Language Therapy Awareness week. The theme is celebrating difference, inspired by the whakataukī E koekoe te tūī, e ketekete te kākā, e kūkū te kererū. Every voice is unique and we believe that diversity in communication enriches our world. We want to celebrate the power of diversity and the incredible ways we all express ourselves!

At Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust, we have a team of five Speech-Language Therapists who do an amazing job working with our clients who have brain and/or spinal injuries. We support clients who have a variety of communication difficulties, including cognitive-communication (difficulties with thinking skills), social communication (difficulties with social interactions), aphasia (difficulties understanding and expressing language), dysarthria (difficulties with speech), voice, stuttering and more.

One of our Speech-Language Therapists, Laura, has been working with Missy, who has had a stroke and has aphasia. Aphasia impacts the ability to express and understand language. Missy shares “I couldn’t speak at first, I tried to use different ways of communicating, now I use gesture and body language. It takes me ages to communicate my feelings. I want to talk and be better. People feel sorry for me, but I don’t feel sorry for me – I’m alive and I’m doing well”

Missy knows that Speech-Language Therapy has helped her to improve her communication “I try to be positive, you need help to better yourself”. Missy also attends an aphasia group, with other people who have similar communication challenges “I love it there, it’s a place where I can be positive…be myself”. Missy’s advice to others is to ‘be kind’; everyone communicates in different ways.

For further information, check out the New Zealand Speech Therapy Association (NZSTA) online awareness campaign with daily posts of stories celebrating communication difference.

Keep Going – Craig Wilson’s story

,

Each year September 5th marks International Spinal Cord Injury Day, providing an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges that those with a spinal cord injury face, as well as celebrate those who aspire to pave a way forward after injury. Today we’d like to introduce Craig Wilson. Three years ago, a spinal injury from a mountain bike incident left Craig paralysed from the chest down. Today, Craig, along with his wife Debra, strive to get out and about as much as they can.

After an initial stay in hospital for nine months, the ability to return home and continue to live autonomously was Craigs biggest challenge, and that was where our team stepped in. Twice a week, members from the team come to Craig for an hour to help with day-to-day life. Craig also has carers from Access Community Health, who come each day, Monday to Friday.

Initially, Craig required community rehabilitation and assessment services to support his transition into his local community. Craig worked with our interdisciplinary team including physiotherapists and occupational therapists to increase his independence. He states the main help has come in the form of equipment – a companion bed to allow Craig to sleep in the same room as Debra; and a cough machine that he uses twice a day to aid his breathing and respiratory management. Craig’s wheelchair and seating needs were assessed and supported, including a chair to allow him to play lawn bowls. It is not just large pieces of equipment, small things that play a large part in autonomy, such as ramps to get in and outside, and automatic doors, were all brought in through the LFBIT team.

“The Laura Fergusson team has been exceptionally good with everything,” says Craig. “The equipment that they have provided…we are very lucky. You don’t realise how much equipment is out there until you need it.”

Craig has been highly determined in his rehab, taking an attitude of challenging and pushing himself where he can.

“I’ve only really got two choices, I can either get on with life, or I can sit in the corner and just fade away, and I don’t want to do that. It’s up to the individual; nobody can make you do things. As they say, you can say you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.”

So, Craig gets out and about. Every morning, he heads out in his manual wheelchair to push himself around the road, usually for a good one to two hours. He loves his lawn bowls, going out to play every week and looking to the upcoming national bowls competition, which this year is being held in Christchurch. Most of all, Craig enjoys going out with his wife Debra. They like to get out of the house three to four days a week and continue to find new accessible places to visit.

“We intend to travel and go out a lot. There’s a lot of accessible units out there, but you have to do your homework.”

In the new year, they plan on driving up to Auckland for a fifteen-day cruise around the east coast of New Zealand, and then across to Sydney. The cruise has a good accessible unit, and Craig is looking forward to having an extended time away, to enjoy life together with Debra.

“I’ll keep going as much as I can. Our plan is to just really enjoy life as much as we possibly can.”

“I’d just like to thank Laura Fergusson, they are a splendid organisation, with very good Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists who have assisted me in getting to where I am now. I could not thank LFBIT anymore, I truly appreciate it.”

Thank you, Craig, for sharing your story with us, we look forward to hearing about your travels!

Staff Appreciation Post: Support Work Team!

,

Today we are fortunate enough to hear from some of the unsung heroes of the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust, a group from our incredible team of support workers!

We spoke with Gabriela, Kieran, Keeley, Maninderjeet, Lamia, and Hafsa, about their roles as support workers, what they enjoy about working at LFBIT, and what motivates them to succeed.

 

What do you do as a support worker?

Gabriela: Each resident has their own routine here. Some of them have been here for quite a long time, and others are quite new, a couple of weeks or months. We will go through their routine with them, e.g. in the morning shift we help them prepare for the start of their day, help them get up, have their showers and have breakfast. So, we help with things that may be simple for some people, but for those who have certain disabilities, it can be quite a challenge.

Kieran: We have a pretty even mix of responsibilities, like healthcare workers – maintaining the residents’ physical health, working with the nurses, and supporting them with their care and daily activities. We also provide support for things that families would traditionally do, like taking clients out to go shopping; if they are running out of a clothing item; we help them make phone calls; we help book appointments; we take them to and often participate in entertainment. We often go off-site for activities as well, some clients play sports, and we go with them. It is about enabling them to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing.

Keeley: We work with a variety of individuals, and help to enable them to participate in meaningful activities in their community. We help with daily personal care, and plan goals around specific aspects of their lives and wellbeing, all to help them achieve maximum independence. When we come to work, it’s our job to adjust to their way of life, rather than bringing our own.

Maninderjeet: We are here to help the residents. I like to make their world beautiful. That can be in any way, just in their daily routines, to go out and about and help in any way possible.

Hafsa: Our main purpose is to be an advocate for the residents who live here, being the extension between them, their everyday life, their families, and other allied health professionals. This is especially important for those who can’t speak up for themselves. Also, some residents see us more than they see their own family, they see us on a weekly or daily basis. So just being that kind of emotional support for them, if they want to vent, we are there, as well as our overall care for them.

Lamia: I feel the whole team are our family, and we do care for them, and support them emotionally, and physically – their wants, their needs, everything. Even their day-to-day life, and relationships with their family who they can’t contact themselves, it’s a bond between us that holds us together.

 

What do you enjoy about working at LFBIT?

Maninderjeet: I enjoy working here. I get a sense of satisfaction when I help the residents, I feel like I’m helping my grandparents or my parents – this is the most important thing. And the staff here are really good, they’re cooperative and work well together. And our team leader, Greenville, helps us with everything. He is the best!

Keeley: I love hanging out with the residents. I love making new connections with them. I’m just able to engage with them on a daily basis and knowing how they just trust me a lot is really nice.

Kieran: Working with the clients is what I enjoy most. It feels like helping a family member. We build strong relationships with a lot of the clients on an individual basis. Some of our clients have real wicked senses of humour, and they’re great to have a laugh with. Being able to do a job where you’re actually making a tangible and immediate difference in someone’s wellbeing is really nice.

I also quite like the diversity of what we get to do. I have ADHD, I get way too bored doing the same thing over and over again. So, having a wide range of different tasks that change daily is enjoyable for me. Also, being in the LGBTQIA+ community, I am transgender and my last workplace was not always respectful of that. So, coming here on my first day the team leader at the time immediately said, “No, any hate will not be tolerated. That’s not going to be a regular thing.” We’ve got so much diversity and so many queer people, neurodivergent people, and people from different countries, that it really makes for quite a supportive environment. You don’t feel ostracized for any little differences that you have.

Gabriella: What brings me joy is helping the residents with their daily care and life and helping them achieve their goals.

Hafsa: I think for me I do like the environment. It is quite cozy and homey. Each room is individualized to what the resident likes. Everybody comes down and has dinner together. They do activities together. So, it’s not an isolated place, it very much brings this togetherness. And that is what draws me to it.

Lamia: For me, the inclusiveness of this place is really attractive to me. I admire the culture of diversity. Also, we work well as a team, it is very collaborative. And the residents are each other’s friends and family – they have their dinner, lunch and everything together. The other great thing is the team leaders; they support us a lot – we feel safe and secure, and the environment is really home-like for me.

What motivates you to succeed?

Kieran: Simple answer, the first thing that comes to mind is the clients. The fact that our work has an immediate difference in someone’s quality of life is very motivating. Our primary goal isn’t to sit at a desk and make someone richer. It’s going out, meeting and helping people who are in vulnerable positions. And we get to make their day a little bit better, to keep them healthier, safer and happier. That’s something that we get to do every day, which is really cool.

Keeley: What motivates me is my desire to help these residents, and have a laugh with them. Working here, it’s made me now want to get into registered nursing. So, I have started my pre-health, and then I’ll roll into registered nursing. There’s lots of opportunity to grow here. Being able to watch everyone, and work with nurses and physiotherapists, is all very interesting. You can find what you want to do through this role.

Gabriella: When I started I was really motivated because my background back home was in nursing. So, moving here, I needed to understand what it is like in New Zealand which was quite a challenge. But, I was open to entering this challenge, gaining new skills and improving my English. That’s what’s kept me motivated, as well as helping the clients achieve quality of life.

Maninderjeet: I’m from a different country, English is not my first language, and my communication skills have improved a lot. My previous job was as a machine operator. So this job is quite different and has increased my interest in healthcare. So, just like Keeley, I’m hoping to get into nursing after another one or two years. Having this goal helps me to bring more confidence to do the job.

Lamia: From my childhood, I wanted to devote myself to the healthcare system. The way we were brought up in our family was that we cared for each other. So, I always wanted to become a healthcare professional. Now I’m here, I care for the residents, but they also care for us. If we see them, they will ask us when our shifts are, they are hoping to see us. They motivate us in our work life.

Hafsa: For me, I come from a psychology background. As I was studying, I wanted some kind of work experience under my belt so that when I finish my degree, I already have brain injury experience under my belt. As well as this, there are some themes that I think you can take away from your workplace and apply to your everyday life – these are things like the humbleness you learn when working in a place like this, the constant compassion, and learning active listening as well. So, there are characteristics that can better you as a human being. I genuinely feel like working in this environment will build your patience, your humbleness, your compassion, and those initial characteristics will make you succeed, even after you leave the workplace.

A huge thank you to everyone on the team for sharing their work and experiences. And a huge thank you to everyone who works tirelessly behind the scenes to make life better for our residents.

Grenville Matijevich, team leader of everyone here, shared his thoughts with us on his team.

“At LFBIT, we are privileged to have a diverse range of support workers. In our current society, we have become more diverse – Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust is in a fortunate position to reflect this change. This will only enhance the level of care our clients receive. Our support workers are our strength. Maintaining their wellbeing should be a high priority. I would like to thank each of you for the dedication and commitment that you bring to the table. When we all work together, we support each other, it makes the job way easier. And for me, that’s success.”

Staff Appreciation Post: Kiesha Waller

,

At LFBIT, we aim to be the best for our residents, enable them to participate in the community, feel included, and maximise their independence. An essential aspect to achieving this mission is providing a consistent and new variety of activities to participate in. This brings us to the wonderful Kiesha Waller, our Diversional Therapist and Recreation Coordinator for both our Ilam Road and Te Orewai homes.

Kiesha worked in aged care since she was 15 years old, finding an early passion for running activities for and with residents. Eventually she was hired part-time for activities at her aged care facility, and after achieving her Diversional Therapy qualification in 2016, she was hired full time. Kiesha always wanted to work for a charity, and a year ago found her opportunity with LFBIT.

“It was quite a daunting prospect,” says Kiesha. “To build the courage to even go for a job interview, I hadn’t been in an interview since I was 15. I was quite content in my work, I loved the residents. But, I just got to that point where I knew that I wanted to go further.”

Diversional Therapists do what it says on the tin, they divert people! This means creating or finding meaningful activities that a client can divert into, in order to avoid certain behaviours, or feelings of loneliness or isolation. This could be through things like music, heading out for coffee, going to see a show, going on holiday, doing crafts, and so much more. Through engaging in activities on a consistent basis, you can divert away from the things that negatively impact life.

For Kiesha, work doesn’t simply involve finding a new activity for the day – it involves getting out and about, and finding and meeting people who can help in activities; heading to expos and learning; seeking out discounts for clients; spreading the word and looking for volunteers; working to get everyone their Hāpai cards and Total Mobility cards. It took some time to build relationships with our clients and team, and develop a plan for consistent activities, but Kiesha is well on her way to making Ilam Road and Te Orewai places that bustle with activity. And there is still plenty that Kiesha wants to achieve.

“My vision is to get the clients out and about as much as possible, which isn’t always easy with COVID and money constraints. But, to be out in the mainstream community, interacting with the public, is so important.”

Kiesha says that the main thing she loves about her work is enabling opportunities for clients to follow their inspirations and watching them achieve it. Plans are put in place for clients’ goals, no matter how big or small, and the steps are taken to go and make them come true.

“I love seeing the expressions on the clients faces. Recently I woke up at three in the morning to build this snowman for our Midwinter Christmas. It was a fairly meaningless activity that took a good amount of time. But during that, residents and staff came along to help, bringing clothes for the snowman and giving advice. It created lots of joy and laughter. Sometimes getting out and just laughing, it is the best medicine.”

There has been a clear and positive change amongst the clients since Kiesha began her work, and she has gained a lot of great feedback from friends and whānau of clients who love to also come along and get involved.

“This is probably one of the most rewarding jobs. To see someone else, smile or just look and laugh in a different way or a positive way is so great. I love everything about my job. And every moment is a treasure.”

One difficulty in her role is finding new volunteers to come in and help out with activities. We are always on the lookout for volunteers to come along and help in any way. This could be something as small as coming in to paint nails, or even coming along with instruments to play. If you’re interested in coming in to volunteer, please reach out!

Thanks again to Kiesha for the wonderful energy you bring to LFBIT. It is always a joy to see and hear about the latest outings, and we can’t wait to see what the team do next!

Staff Appreciation Post: Cheryl Smith

,

It takes no small team to keep our residential home in Ilam Road running, all of whom are essential to maintaining a high quality of life for our residents. One of the crucial teams is our Household Services team, and today we’d love to celebrate Cheryl Smith, who leads our wonderful team of Cleaners, General Hand, and Laundry Assistants!

Cheryl’s pathway to becoming a Team Leader is highly admirable. After leaving school, and not finding herself in the right mindset for work, Cheryl spent a few years unsure of her path. She then got into cleaning and spent fifteen years in hotel-based cleaning.

“The hotel was a very toxic environment to work in, there was a lot of unhappiness,” says Cheryl. “I was quite depressed working there. So, I left, I had enough of it. I was unemployed for six weeks and tried to apply for work, and then I applied at LFBIT.”

Cheryl got the job. At the time the team was much smaller, with one other full-time cleaner and another who worked weekends. In the few years since Cheryl joined, the team and her own responsibilities have grown rapidly. Cheryl grew in her role, gaining her level two certificates. She was also appointed team leader, meaning she now takes one day a week for admin, rather than slotting admin around working for the residents.

“It was really nice when I got offered to be a team leader. To have some of that dedicated time to do the stuff I was struggling to find the time for. It was nice to be recognised, to be told what I do is important, it made me feel validated because I’ve got that allocated time.”

As a team leader, Cheryl works closely with the team, understanding their needs and knowing fully what needs to be done for the benefit of the residents. Cheryl has even been able to hire a casual worker to join the team so that their standards can be maintained to high levels.

“A lot of our other staff have got kids and other commitments, and I was like, we’re kind of falling here. I talked with Sarah (Household Services Manager), and she was supportive of the idea. We hired someone and she has worked out awesome, picking up so many hours. It is her first work in New Zealand too, which makes you feel quite humbled – that you can just change people’s lives outside of the residents here too.”

After not finding much support or room to grow in her previous work, Cheryl has appreciated the chance to grow in her career.

“I didn’t care about education when I was at school. Now it’s nice to have Sarah supporting and pushing me in the right direction. I probably wouldn’t necessarily go for it, but she’s encouraging and says, ‘Do it, you can do it.’ To work for a company also that provides training at their own cost, getting educated on the job and I’m not even paying for it myself, it is just awesome.”

“Cheryl is one in a hundred,” says Sarah Barham, Household Services Manager. “Right from the get-go you never have to explain to Cheryl what our values are, she always treats everybody with respect. It would not be unusual to hear her going out of her way to speak to clients, or push a wheelchair – because she is there, she will help you out. She lives and breathes our values, and because she is like that, all of our team follow suit. They see her and know that is how we operate.”

“I’m just really proud to have Sarah as a manager. And the team under me are all awesome. It takes a whole team to run this place, we work well together. I’m excited to see what the future holds for everyone and all the growth that’s to come.”

A massive shout-out to Cheryl and the team for their incredible work. Cheryl brings so much to the table, and her work and dedication to the residents can not be understated. Thank you so much for your incredible work!

Skip to content