blog

Think pink to address bullying

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:05:59 +1200

Pink Shirt Day is coming up! On May 18th, Diversityworks Trust will join together with the Mental Health Foundation and other partner organisations to celebrate our national day of awareness and action around preventing bullying and promoting positive relationships. We are hoping you will spread the word and get people involved this friday. I know you have a big reach and this is a worthy cause. We'd love for you to tell your network and promote Pink Shirt Day.

Pink Shirt Day aims to reduce bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting the development of positive social relationships. An annual event celebrated throughout New Zealand and the world, Pink Shirt Day aims to create a New Zealand where all people feel safe, valued and respected. While Pink Shirt Day is celebrated on only one day per year, we all recognize that the work needed to prevent bulling must continue throughout the year to make a real difference. Pink Shirt Day is about starting conversations and taking action.

The event began in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 2007, when a group of students stood up to defend a classmate who was bullied because he was wearing a pink shirt. The students took a stand by all wearing pink shirts to show solidarity. We’ve been celebrating Pink Shirt Day in New Zealand since 2009.

We want to encourage everyone to wear a Pink Shirt on May 18th, 2012 as a commitment to working to prevent bullying, celebrating diversity and creating an Aotearoa where everyone feels included.

We have resources and information on our website. There are posters and toolkits available for downloading, and information for how to get further involved.

Like us on Facebook.

We also have a video PSA about this year’s event, here.

Many thanks for your support.

Innovation fund will support disabled people into self-employment

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:29:42 +1200

Diversityworks Trust has secured funding from the Ministry of Social Development's Employment Innovation Fund to support disabled people into self-employment.

Disabled people wishing to become self-employed, particularly those who are currently recipients of Work and Income or ACC income, are invited to apply for a six-month intensive mentoring and coaching programme.

Click here to apply for the programme »

The programme will be led by Diversityworks Executive Director Philip Patston and Lesley Slade, both of whom have personal experience of self-employment and disability over a combined period of 20 years and have proven skills in starting up, developing and maintaining small businesses while managing the impact of permanent and short-term disability.

The two will work with a group of 10 people to mentor and coach them to develop themselves and support each other to be sustainably self-employed. Modern and agile small business ideology will be used to help people vision, strategise, implement and review their small business concept.

An ongoing network will be created so that the small business owners can share skills, administrative services, web development, and other operational costs.

By the end of six months each person will aim to be established as self-employed — including company, tax and accounting set-up — and be ready to offer a product or service to the market. Each will have an established business framework which will allow them to adapt and grow their business over time. They will have developed skills in management, marketing, product and service development, customer service and social networking.

Funding for support (eg. Workbridge Self-Start and Job Support) will have been identified and applied for. Each will be part of a supportive, small business/self-employment network infrastructure.

At the end of the project each person will also undergo a self-assessment of their confidence and capability to remain self-employed. Further development needs will be identified. Marketing success will be measured through client leads.

Current self-employment support options for disabled people are limited to Workbridge's Self-Start fund, which requires a comprehensive business plan, projections and business skills, but offers no follow-up. This project will fill this preparation and sustainability gap in current services.

Community arts project cancelled

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 22:04:08 +1300

Sadly, Diversityworks is no longer able to run its Image Theatre project, funded by Creative Communities.

The decision was made due to a low indication of interest from initial promotion and successful funding for a second large Government project (to be announced shortly), which affects capacity.

Project funding will be returned to Auckland Council.

Media encouraged to embrace uniqueness

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:35:24 +1300

Diversityworks Trust has received a grant from the Ministry of Social Development's "Think Differently" Disability Campaign to influence the media's portrayal of disability.

Media has a high conscious and sub-conscious impact on society. ’Unique Extras’ is a project that aims to use popular culture through the media to make disabled people visible in everyday life. TV drama, film and advertising reaches audiences across New Zealand.

Diversityworks Trust seeks a part-time, self-motivated person with good media knowledge and networks to head a six-month project that will use the popularity of these media genres to influence public attitudes toward disabled people by promoting disabled and Deaf people as extras and increasing appreciation and visibility of disabled and Deaf people.

The ’Unique Extras’ Agent/Co-ordinator will work with media andproduction companies to encourage them to use disabled or Deaf people in non-featured roles in popular media including advertisements, tv dramas and films. This will provide employment opportunities for disabled people and allow a space for other actors and crew to interact with disabled people professionally.

The Agent/Co-ordinator will also work to increase the appreciation of disabled and Deaf people's talents among media/production and the frequency and breadth of diversity portrayed in screen media in a low-key, regular manner.

We believe this is a more effective way to promote awareness than having disabled featured characters as it allows a diversity of people to be visible without over-emphasising the issue of disability — people just happen to be in scenes interacting in everyday settings.

We wish to increase knowledge and understanding of disability by bringing images of disabled people engaging in “regular” activities into the lounges of NZers. It will increase the personal relevance of disability for all New Zealanders by reminding them that disabled people are part of their daily lives. It will mobilise personal and community action for positive change by requiring actors and crew to engage equally with disabled people and discuss this with family and friends. It will address the social environment that tolerates or accepts exclusion of disabled people by modelling natural inclusion.

This project gives disabled people in Auckland an opportunity to front up and take the personal risk of participating in a simple but high profile media-based activity to raise the frequency of disability being portrayed on tv in a low-key, regular manner, which will benefit both local and national audiences. It creates opportunities for interaction with actors whom have influence in society. It also facilitates confidence-building, networking and experience that has potential to have positive spin-offs in disabled people’s lives.

Please note: This is a new idea, the fund is for small community-based projects and we are a small organization based in Auckland, so we have focused on Auckland this time around. We don't have budget for travel but we welcome interest from people throughout NZ as opportunities could well open up outside Auckland and/or for people outside Auckland as the project unfolds.

Director contributes chapters to books on faggots and social change

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:50:10 +1300

Diversityworks Trust Director Philip Patston has chapters in two books that will be launched in the next few weeks.

The first book, to be launched in San Fancisco on 14 February, is "Why are Faggots So Afraid of Faggots?" The book "challenges not just the violence of straight homophobia but the hypocrisy of mainstream gay norms that say the only way to stay safe is to act straight: get married, join the military, adopt kids! Compiled by trans-activist Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore, it reinvokes the anger, flamboyance, and subversion once thriving in gay subcultures in order to create something dangerous and lovely: an exploration of the perils of assimilation; a call for accountability; a vision for change."

Patston's chapter, entitled "Fluidity is the New Diversity", discusses his experience of disability in the gay community. He says, "It leads me to believe that the fear, on both sides, is not so much of the disability factor, but rather of the need to communicate about the difference and allow this new shared experience to deepen the relationship. It takes trust, respect, strength and a whole lot of faith to have what are unusual and, sometimes, difficult conversations. It means letting go of expectations and traveling into the unknown.

"Now, more than ever before, we need to be considering more fluid spectra of diversity, sexuality and identity, which includes disability — or, more specifically, the “functional diversity” through which we move in, out and around during our life time.

"Lets call it fluidity.

"Fluidity is about uniqueness and commonality, similarity and difference. It's about how to believe in ourselves, especially when others don't quite understand us. Fluidity is about self-awareness, communication, inquiry, exploration. It's about the dialectic of certainty and confusion, knowing and not knowing. It's about recognizing fear and meeting it, head on, with love and peace."

The second book is "How Communities Heal", by vivian Hutchinson and the New Zealand Social Entrepreneur Fellowship, of which Patston was a member. The book "tells the unique stories of a group of New Zealand social entrepreneurs, and their work to create systemic and sustainable solutions to New Zealand’s social challenges. [It] seeks to foster social innovation in New Zealand by highlighting and promoting the particular variety of leadership that brings insight, entrepreneurship and practical hope into our communities."

Patston's chapter, "Adding Diversity to Common Sense", draws comparisons between disability and other change movements. “Take women’s or indigenous people’s health initiatives, for example ... the services got better when the people being served took more control. The way that disability support services are provided is predominantly from a commonly functioning perspective and does not meet many of our basic, let alone higher, needs. We need to affirm the fact that we can and will plan, assess, deliver, fund and evaluate services which meet our own needs, in a way that suits our lifestyle and culture."

"How Communities Heal" will be launched in Auckland on 20 February.

New strategic direction for 2012

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:02:05 +1300

Diversityworks will enhance its ability to facilitate opportunities for projects and partnerships that promote diversity and creativity as levers for healthy social change in 2012.

At a Board meeting in late 2011, Trustees adopted a new, simpler strategic plan, emphasising working to the organisation's strengths, responding to opportunity and using humour and play as catalysts for change.

Trust Director Philip Patston, who presented the strategy in a simple, diagramatic form, said the plan reflected changing times. "We are a small, agile organisation working in an era of rapid change. I wanted a strategy that allowed us to move quickly when opportunities arise – and let go of things when they stop working.

"We now have a strategy which allows us to ask, 'Does this promote diversity and creativity as levers for healthy social change?' If it does, let's play with it and see where it goes."

The Trust's work programme in 2012 includes reviewing its peer support network, running a workshop on Image Theatre and working with the media to increase representation of diversity.

More about the Trust and its strategic direction »

Diversityworks Trust announces new community arts project

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:30:54 +1300

Diversityworks Trust is pleased to announce a new community arts project to take place in 2012. The "Images of Change" project aims to engage a group of creative people with unique and common function (disabled and non-disabled) to work together to create a performance narrative using the technique of image theatre.

Image theatre combines imagery, tableauxs, physical movement and basic counter-balance/acrobatics. Socially aware physical theatre is used consistently in both developed and developing countries as a tool for conflict resolution, leading to a diverse range of people working together to create progressive, thought provoking performance.

"Images of Change" is informed by this global legacy of peace through art projects. The projects structure is adapted from the image theatre model used by Makhampom Theatre Company in Thailand, where the innate creativity and inner wisdom of each participant is highly valued. Dialogue is encouraged and there are no props or costumes. We produce engaging theatre through the reliance and use of our bodies and voices.

Diversityworks Trust aims to create social change through the relationship between diversity and creativity, having found that engaging with diversity through an arts project builds confidence, creative expression, a sense of self-worth and empowerment, a sense of achievement and an accumulation of creative social capital. The project aims to bring people together to create a unique performance expressing solutions to problems that limit our opportunity to celebrate and capitalise on the diversity within our communities focused on function (disability).

The project is tailored for around 40 participants, who are interested in both creative expression and social change. Six full day workshops will be spaced over three weeks in May 2012, facilitated by Sarah Houbolt and Edward Clendon.

Sarah is a professional circus and physical theatre performer, actress and community arts worker who specialises in aerials, acrobatics, hula hoops and fire. She has worked with Vulcana Women's Circus in Australia, Auckland circus theatre company The Dust Palace and as Community Arts Coordinator at Auckland City Council. In 2011 she built upon her applied theatre knowledge by spending several weeks in Northern Thailland, teaching circus skills to refugee children and working with Makhampom on their community theatre projects. Makhampom specialise in image theatre and are one of the leading community cultural development companies in the region, with excellent processes and sustainable outcomes.

Edward is an ex-gymnast, a trained actor and an experienced performer. His current passions are aerials, acrobatics, tumbling and handstands. Having studied teaching, Edward has studied teaching, has experience working with children with unique needs and adults from diverse backgrounds. He uses image theatre to teach drama to children in primary schools and holiday programs, is Sarah's acrobatics and aerials creative partner, and is also a member of The Dust Palace, Outfit Theatre and Co. Theatre Physical.

Participants will gain performance skills and experience, increased connection and networks, as well as renewed awareness of diversity.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Project Coordinator Barbara Pike at barbara@diversitynz.com

(Photos show Sarah working with 2011 Be. Leadership participants.)

Trust celebrates six years of diversity, creativity and change

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:24:59 +1300

Diversityworks Trustees held their 6th Annual General Meeting in Auckland last night.

Chairperson Carol Waterman said, "Yet again our work has been generously supported by the Todd Foundation and others, and supremely executed by our small but diligent team. I also continue to appreciate the wisdom and oversight of my fellow trustees."

Diversityworks was set up in 2005 to promote diversity through creativity and education by running projects and social networks that assist people, particularly youth, to gain confidence and skills in order to reach their potential.

2010-2011 Annual Report (5.8MB)

MEDIA RELEASE; Director recognised for benefitting NZ quality of life

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 10:05:11 +1300

Diversityworks Trust's Founder and Director Philip Patston has received recognition from the Orangi Kaupapa Trust for his service to the community.

"It is incredible that Philip has been recognised for his contribution to others' lives," said Diversityworks Chairperson Carol Waterman. "Even though it came as a surprise to him, it will be no surprise to anyone who knows him."

In a private meeting last Monday, Orangi Kaupapa Executive Officer Vicki Carnell and Trustee Pip Duncalf presented Patston with a cheque, the proceeds of which they told him, "you must spend on yourself, not your work!"

They said, "Philip is a great example of an Orangi Kaupapa Trust recipient. Over the past 10+ years, he has created several innovative projects that provide benefit, inspiration and support to the disability community and also has a positive effect on the quality of life for all New Zealanders."

The Orangi Kaupapa Trust was established in 1987 with the purpose of rewarding people whose work benefits the quality of life in New Zealand. Funds are contributed by commercially successful people aand seek to reach those who are outstanding in non-commercial fields.

Orangi Kaupapa solely supports individuals who gain little or no financial benefits from their endeavours. It does not support organisations or projects.

In a blog post the diversity and social change expert said, "I am incredibly and humbly thankful to my colleagues and the Orangi Kaupapa Trust, who have demonstrated with humility their gratitude of me. What a wonderful way to operate in the world. Let there be more."

Over the last 20 years Patston has been the recipient of a Winston Churchill fellow; receive a Billy T James award for commitment and contribution to the NZ comedy industry; spoken and performed in Canada, the US, Belgium and Australia; set up several non profit organisations to benefit people experiencing disability; been recognised as a creative entrepreneur by the Arts Regional Trust; been an inaugural member of the NZ Social Entrepreneur Fellowship; spoken about diversity at the Skoll World Forum on Social Entrepreneurship in Oxford; is currently co-director of the Be. Institute's Leadership Programme; and was last year appointed as a Patron of Rainbow Youth, which supports queer young people.

MEDIA RELEASE: Exhibition successful beyond belief

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 06:19:04 +1200

Diversityworks Trust's "How Diversity Works" exhibition closed on 3 September with nearly 1800 people visiting the gallery or attending the related programme events.

The exhibition featured the works of 23 artists from New Zealand, the US, Canada and UK. It included visual art, sculpture and multi-media installations.

About 200 people packed Ponsonby's Artstation on 16 August for the exhibition's opening, with one attendee describing it as the best they'd attended. Artstation staff said it was the most diverse and popular opening the gallery had hosted.

An artist panel attracted a modest 17 people but stimulated interesting discussion about the role of art and art-makers promoting a more holistic and less confrontational understanding of diversity.

The Diversity Inquiry workshop attracted 40 people with most participants rating it as excellent. One described it as "inspiring and mind-shifting", while another said, "The clarity re-uniqueness and individuality has been inspirational and refreshing."

Executive Director Philip Patston said the project had been an overwhelming success for the Trust. "It was a perfect way for us to introduce and demonstrate our revised mission for 2012 and beyond, which is to inspire inquiry into the nature of diversity, creativity and social change."

Patston said he was already in discussion with prospective partners to organise a second exhibition and related programme next year.

Meanwhile the exhibition will be archived online and made available later this year.

For more information contact Diversityworks Trust.

Auckland embraces new ideas about diversity

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:40:55 +1200

Over 150 people attended the opening of Artstation’s latest exhibition, How Diversity Works, an innovative art event that sparks a complex and intriguing new conversation about diversity, in Auckland last night.

Artstation Manager John Eaden said it may have been the Auckland Council community gallery's best attended opening yet.

Cr Richard Northey

Cr Cathy Casey

How Diversity Works is produced by Diversityworks Trust to encourage artists to think about diversity beyond the usual categories of gender race, disability and sexuality.

Guests were entertained by Auckland singer-songwriter samRB and enjoyed a rousing acrobatic performance by circus performers Sarah Houlbolt and Edward Clendon.

Sarah Houbolt and Edward Clendon

samRB

“Diversity is not about physical characteristics and political categorisations,” said exhibition curator and Trust Director Philip Patston. “It’s about recognising our simultaneous uniqueness and commonality.

"It’s about agreeing to disagree, feeling comfortable with discomfort, being certain about uncertainty, and embracing the paradox of decay and growth.

“Most of all diversity is about building healthy relationships with each other, based on understanding these things and,” quipped the ex-comedian, “buying the beautiful artwork in the room.”

Diversityworks Trust Founder and Director Philip Patston
chats to Auckland Disability Law's Neha Patel

Diversityworks Trust Chairperson Carol Waterman and Maria Brown

Involving 23 artists the exhibition features works in a wide variety of art mediums including moving image, fused glass, painting, drawing and sculpture, by artists from both New Zealand and abroad.

Exhibiting artist, Afuwa Granger from Canada, said of her understanding of diversity, ““The barriers used to construct someone as Other are themselves a prison.”

“Diversity is all and nothing at all,” said NZ artist James King, and DJ Grierson defined it as “the recognition of the ontology of the human race.”

Joey, Ivan Yeo (Mental Health Foundation) and Wai Ho

How Diversity Works is on display until 3 September and features a related public programme. On Saturday 20 August at 2 - 4pm join a selection of artists for a panel discussion as they reflect on diversity in all its complexity.

On Wednesday 24 August, 5.30 - 7.30pm is the Diversity Inquiry Workshop (DIVINQ) an exploratory workshop-like process designed and facilitated by diversity and social change consultant and ex-comedian Philip Patston.

More information and registration here.

Photos: Anna Nelson

More photos

Diversityworks Trust announces diversity exhibition

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 07:29:03 +1200

Diversityworks Trust is pleased to announce its exhibition "How Diversity Works" from 17 August to 3 September 2011 at Artstation Gallery in Auckland.

"How Diversity Works" delves into a complex and intriguing dialogue about diversity, featuring works in a variety of mediums, by a wide range of artists from both New Zealand and abroad.

Several events accompany the exhibition including a panel discussion of artists reflecting on diversity in all its complexity. A workshop, facilitated by Diversityworks Trust's Director Philip Patston, will enable participants to explore changing fundamentally the way we respond to human diversity.

"How Diversity Works" is presented in association with Artstation and Human Resources Institute of NZ.

Don't miss this opportunity to confront head-on humanity's challenge to recognise, understand and respond to the uniqueness and commonality that exists in all people, in all places, at all times. See more info and register for events now!

(Image: Kathy Ready)

Diversity through art – opportunity ends soon

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 11:24:18 +1300

The call for Expressions of Interest for Diversityworks Trust's exhibition, How Diversity Works, closes on 31 January 2011.

Trust founder and director Philip Patston says the Trust is extremely happy with the interest received so far. "We've had submissions from a wide range of people with some really creative ideas about diversity," he says.

"We are still keen to receive expressions from artists and artistic communities who may be interested in the exhibition’s aim, which is to develop a more in-depth dialogue about diversity.

“We want to move beyond the usual characteristics of culture, race, gender, disability, sexuality – to explore the idea that diversity exists in all people, in all places, at all times, and that the challenge to humanity is to recognise it and respond appropriately.”

He said the intention is for the exhibition space to reflect the diversity theme, so artists are invited to use diverse mediums, including painting, drawing, photography, moving image, multimedia, sculpture, installation, written/spoken word or performance.

Click here to submit an expression of interest.

Movember achievement

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:11:15 +1300

Our Movember team, Diversitymo (consisting of Philip and his mo bro, Sina) raised a grand total of $485 for the Cancer Society and the Mental Health Foundation

Thanks so much to everyone who donated and supported us to raise awareness of mens health issues.

Normality is so common T-shirts

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:46:31 +1300

Diversityworks is excited to announce the availability of our new t-shirts, the front of which feature the slogan:

"Normality is so common...be unique."

On the back is our logo and website.

We have an initial run of 20 t-shirts in 100% preshrunk cotton available in medium or large sizes. They are available on TradeMe at $15 reserve or $20 buy now.

Click here to visit the TradeMe auctions »

Art event to explore diversity

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 08:11:06 +1300

Diversityworks Trust has launched a second call for expressions of interest from artists for an exhibition next year in association with Artstation in Auckland, centred around the theme How Diversity Works.

Trust founder and director Philip Patston is particularly interested in expressions from artistic communities who may be interested in the exhibition’s aim, which is to develop a more in-depth dialogue about diversity.

Submission information

Expressions of interest in the How Diversity Works exhibition should reflect the artist’s understanding of the concept of uniqueness, difference and abnormality in contrast to commonness, similarity and normality. Existing works will be considered, as long as they match the exhibition criteria. Works will be selected for an online or gallery exhibition at Artstation from 16 August to 3 September next year. Expressions of interest close on 31 January 2011.

Click for more information or to submit an expression of interest.

(News item shared by Arts Access Aotearoa)

Diversity in Movember

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:33:46 +1300

In celebration of Movember, Diversityworks Trust has created its own group, Diversitymo, to help raise funds for men's mental health and cancer prevention.

Trust director Philip Patston, who will grow a moustache to support the cause, said he experienced undiagnosed depression as a teenager and in his early 20s.

"I used reframing techniques like neurolinguistic programming that I learnt as a counsellor to become well," said the gay disabled comedian and 1999 winner of the Billy T Award. "Even now I am still prone to depressive thoughts but I keep well through humour and creativity."

A group of people often overlooked by mental health campaigns are young people, including young men, who experience disability, said Patston. "The stress that people endure – including bullying, peer exclusion, worry over finances and support – largely goes unnoticed by mental health and disability services, fuelled by the myth that disabled people are 'looked after' by families or the state."

He said the experience of disability, coupled by current moves by Government to tighten rules on benefits and disability funding, creates enormous pressure. This was exemplified when a prominent figure in the disability community committed suicide last year.

Patston is currently working on a music project using lyrics he wrote in the early 1990s which address mental health issues. He also works in schools and community promoting new thinking around diversity, including mental health, to promote concepts of uniqueness as opposed to illness and disability.

People can support the Diversitymo team's fundraising attempt by visiting the Movember website.

Trust celebrates five years

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 07:49:06 +1300

Diversityworks Trustees and staff celebrated five years of promoting diversity, creativity and change at its Annual General Meeting last night.

"We have reached school age," said Chairperson Carol Waterman, "and just as going to school opens a child’s interaction to include a wider group of peers, we are noticing our work reaching a larger audience."

Carol congratulated and thanked Trustees and the Team of Director Philip Patston, Peer Support Co-ordinator Anna Nelson, Project Development Co-ordinator Kelly Griffin and Philip's PA Barbara Pike.

"The work of the Trust, enabled by the generosity of funders – particularly Todd Foundation -reaffirms for me the value that creativity can contribute to society’s diversity, she said.

Diversityworks Trust promotes diversity through creativity and education by running projects and social networks that assist young people to gain confidence and skills in order to reach their potential.

Download the Trust's Annual Report »

Disabled people aware of disaster attitude

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 18:15:00 +1300

Safety is all about being aware and prepared for what you would do if something unexpected happened, a safety consultant told a group of disabled people and community leaders in Auckland on Saturday.

“In a disaster expect chaos,” said Tony Lewis of Tony Lewis Consulting. “Attitude and mindset are key to surviving. No matter what systems are in place, nothing is certain and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.”

The workshop, organised by Diversityworks Trust, was held in response to the earthquake in Christchurch. Reports show disabled people fare worse than non-disabled in emergency situations.

“The workshop showed us that most people have planned their response to only a quarter of potential disasters and consequential hazards,” said Trust Director Philip Patston. “Planning is essential for anyone, but if you have limited mobility or particular support needs, it could mean the difference between surviving or not.”

A key message was to ensure people had a minimum of three people who would contact them in the event of a disaster. Workshop participants were advised to make sure at least one was in a different city, so that they were not affected by events.

Council and Fire Service officials attended the workshop and supported the concerns raised. “The disability sector is one that I am keen to work with in my upcoming role,” said Catherine Gilhooly, emergency management co-ordinator with the welfare portfolio for the central area of Auckland.

Diversityworks Trust has been contacted from people outside Auckland who are interested in the workshop being repeated. “We’d certainly like to hear from others who are concerned about supporting people to be ready for the unexpected,” said Patston. “Anyone who wants to be part of a safety network can sign up at Diversityworks Peer Support Network http://dpsn.net.nz and join the Disaster Safety Group.”

Participants were advised to equip themselves with emergency and getaway kits with any medical or disability support necessities. “But above all, in a worst case scenario, tell yourself to be calm,” said Lewis. “Being calm keeps you safe.”

ENDS

Concern that disabled people could suffer more in a disaster

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 17:50:51 +1200

Disabled people, elderly people – even children – are needlessly vulnerable and could suffer unnecessarily in a disaster because they are not ready to act in an emergency. Civil Defence may not be ready to support them, says Diversityworks Trust, which will host a workshop to help people plan to survive in the event of a disaster.

Overseas reports show that disabled people are left behind in emergency planning and fare badly in situations like the recent Christchurch and Haiti earthquakes. Evidence also shows over 70 per cent of the casualties of Hurricane Katrina were older or disabled. Many people with disabilities in New Orleans were evacuated without their medicine, medical equipment, wheelchairs and service animals.

“Coping in a disaster like the recent Christchurch earthquake is hard for anyone,” says Trust founder and Director Philip Patston, “but I’ve talked to people who were unable get out of bed on their own and were unable to quickly leave the house. Imagine being a single parent with infants? What would you do? Waiting for emergency services to find you could mean waiting to die.”

“We can never make anyone feel 100% safe about these situations,” says Patston. “But we do believe that by making people more aware of what they can do and helping them to establish networks of support and communication, they can feel more ready to respond in emergency situations.”

The workshop will be run by security and safety consultant Tony Lewis of TLC Consulting. “The average person has the ability to plan and procure items that they will need to survive more easily than someone who needs assistance, or who needs to assist others,” says Lewis.

“People in such situations generally rely on some form of support network to assist with their day to day requirements. To ensure the safety and wellbeing during and after a disaster it is integral that every person involved as part of the support network is made aware of their requirements and is involved from the onset with the planning process.”

The workshop will assist those who experience disability, are elderly or who have independent responsibility for young children to think about the type of disasters that could affect them and their family; to think about the type of hazards they face in their home; to develop a response plan; to prepare equipment, food and water; to consider the establishment of a support network; and to take actions to reduce risk.

Diversityworks Trust promotes diversity through creativity and education by running projects and social networks that promote confidence and potential. Established in 2005 by comedian and social entrepreneur Philip Patston, Diversityworks Trust facilitates a peer support network committed to shared support and learning in a social environment between people who experience both similar and different circumstances.

To register for the free workshop email barbara@diversitynz.com before Friday 24 September

“Diversity Disaster Response” workshop

Garden Room, Grey Lynn Community Centre

Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn, Auckland

Saturday 25 September 10.30am to 12.30pm.

ends.