Life as the parent of a child with complex specialised needs can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t know what support is available. For years, Peter’s mum carried the weight of caring for him almost entirely on her own, alongside her partner and two other children. She loved her son deeply, but the constant demands left little space for rest or time for herself.
“I didn’t know anything about Individualised Funding or the help that was out there for me and Peter,” she explains. “Life was hard because I thought I had to do it all myself.”
Amelia’s turning point came through Peter’s school, Oaklynn School. At a school event on the final day of term, she met Atawhai from Visionwest. “Atawhai explained Individualised Funding and the help that was available. That’s when I signed up. Before that, I never knew where to go or what to ask for.”
With Atawhai’s guidance, doors opened. She learned that funding could provide a support worker to take Peter out for activities, giving her time to rest and care for herself. “I always thought I could only ask family to help. But Visionwest recommended an agency, and now we have someone who’s become part of our lives.”
The change was immediate. For the first time, she could relax, spend time with her other children, or simply breathe. “It’s not just about Peter getting support. It’s also about me being able to do things I need to do and want to do.”
Visionwest’s support went beyond funding. Staff like Atawhai and Kenny became trusted guides, helping her navigate systems she once found impossible. “If anything comes up, I just call Visionwest. Kenny explains things and helps me through.”
Peter’s life has also been transformed. He now swims, goes to the gym, and walks in local parks. His mum dreams of more – bungee jumping, Rotorua trips, and new adventures. “I want Peter to do things on his own, to have as much independence as possible.”
She’s teaching her other children how to care for Peter and seek help. “Visionwest has been a big help. I always recommend them. They gave me hope, gave Peter opportunities, and changed our lives for the best.”