Family Support

Providing a service for clients and families from referral onwards through home visiting, assessment of needs, planning, advocacy, lobbying and inter agency liaison in order to provide holistic support and information to meet families needs. We are contracted to provide needs assessment for children aged under 21 years. For further information contact the Family Support coordinator.

Caregiver Coordination

Sommerville is contracted to provide a recruitment and training programme for Carers. The prgramme aims to match Carers to families of children and young adults with special needs in order to provide respite care alternatives. Needs Assessment determines carer relief entitlements for families. The programme provides on-going support, monitoring and training - modules are run over a broad range of subjects. Anyone interested in becoming a trained Carer can contact the Carer Coordinator for further information

Early Childhood

Stepping Stones Pre-School - A fully integrated pre-school centre providing education, technology, stimulation and opportunities for interactive socialization skills for children up to 5 years of age. Activities are available in a modern, safe setting. Individual programmes are planned for those children with special needs are a numeracy and literacy programme is provideed for 4 year olds.

Abilities Centre

Providing a service for school leavers and young adults. Working with the individual to develop a holistic plan that will build on ABILITIES. Finding ways to overcome barriers so the individual can be assisted towards achieving identified goals. Individuals are encouraged to become actively involved in our local community and the wider world. We offer:

• Computer skills
• Life skills
• Vocational Training
• Recreation/Leisure activities
• Community Participation

Computer Club

An after school computer programme for primary school aged children.

Holiday Programme

A fun and interactive programme for primary school aged children each term break.

Youth Group

A facilitated social group for secondary school students to access youth activities in our local community.

Information Service

General issuing of information for people with disabilities and/or their families and any other interested parties. Access to qualified staff and availability of a wide range of information including books, tapes and videos.

Disability Awareness Programmes

Programmes are offered to government departments, business firms, schools and community groups to promote awareness.

Total Mobility

Discount vouchers for travel by taxi in Wanganui are available to those who are unable to use public transport. Eligibility is via assessment at Sommerville. Please contact our office.

Disability Parking Identification Permits

Sommerville's own parking scheme for people whose disability makes it difficult for them to walk more than a short distance. Parking concessions have been made so that users can park as near as possible to their destination. Application forms are available from Sommerville and eligibility is required to be confirmed by a doctor.