The
MAY 2016
Produced for the community, by the community
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Grace achieves her ultimate goal As part of the IHC one to one friendship programme there is a Skill Based programme, where a suitable volunteer is paired up to help a person with an intellectual disability, either reach a personal goal or help them learn a new skill, this is a short term assignment of no longer than 12 weeks. The perfect opportunity to kick off the Skill Based programme in North Canterbury came about when Laura from Woodend approached IHC looking to volunteer, it was soon discovered she played the drums and a match was made with Grace, from Pegasus, who had a drum kit at home, wanting to learn more. Over the coming weeks, with Laura supporting and coaching Grace to improve and learn new skills, Grace set herself an ultimate goal of being to be able to play the drums along to Jail House Rock, she was diligent with her practice and a number of weeks later Grace played her debut performance, which was filmed and is available for people to view on the IHC New Zealand facebook page. In mid April, Grace’s video was shown to her friends and staff at the IDEA services Vocational Centre in Rangiora and Laura presented Grace with her certificate. It was a very proud moment and the completion of the first Skill Based Assignment in North Canterbury.
IHC volunteer Laura, congratulates and presents Grace, with her certificate of achievement.
Grace played amazingly well, the skills learnt and the progress made in just a short period is outstanding. At the beginning of the programme, Grace was only playing for short bursts and the same rhythm, the video shows her playing along to Jail House Rock for a full 3 minutes with a drum solo at the end. If you want to know more about Volunteering with IHC, visit their website at www.ihc.org.nz/get-involved/volunteering or contact the local co-ordinator Jackie Cronin, 027 531 3579, jackie.cronin@ihc. org.nz