Aspire Canterbury

30/07/2026

📣 2026 I.Lead Conference!
Are you a disabled young person aged 18-30 who wants to make a difference, connect with others, and help shape the future of disability leadership in Aotearoa?
Join disabled rangatahi from across Aotearoa at the 2026 I.Lead Conference, taking place in Wellington on 2-3 September 2026.
The I.Lead Conference is a unique opportunity to:
✅ Share experiences and ideas
✅ Discuss issues and barriers facing disabled youth
✅ Develop solutions and advocate for change
✅ Build connections with like-minded peers from across the motu
✅ Influence conversations that shape policy and decision-making
📍 Wellington
📅 2-3 September 2026
🌐 www.ilead.org.nz

28/07/2026

Looking ahead to life after school?
Our friends at Real World Living have spaces available in their upcoming Disability Journey into Adulthood FREE online presentations on 11 August and 20 August.
These sessions are designed for disabled young people, whānau, caregivers, and anyone wanting to better understand the options available when transitioning from school into adulthood. The information is relevant nationwide and can also be valuable for families with younger children who are planning ahead.
Topics include:
✅ Life after school
✅ Support and service options
✅ Planning for the future
✅ Pathways to greater independence
Only one registration per family or organisation is needed if attending from the same device, and you only need to attend one session as the content is the same across all presentations.
📅 Upcoming dates: 11 August & 20 August
💲 Free to attend
For more information and to register:
🔗 www.tinyurl.com/4xk78djt
You can also join the Disability Journey into Adulthood Facebook group:
🔗 www.facebook.com/groups/disabilityjourneyintoadulthood

23/07/2026

Garry is one of the dedicated volunteers supporting the Christchurch Collective for the Homeless. He gives his time and energy to help others in the community, and we’re pleased to share a small part of his journey toward greater independence, choice, and participation.

Through a collaborative effort between Aspire Canterbury’s Disability Hardship Fund and Hyman Marks Trust, funding was secured for an electric scooter to support Garry in getting where he needs to go with more confidence and ease. This support reflects our principles in action – helping disabled people have more choice and control, stronger community connection, and the practical tools they need to live the life they choose.

A special thank you to Davina, who supports Garry at CCFTH, and to everyone involved in making this possible. It’s partnerships like these that help remove barriers and strengthen inclusion across our community.

22/07/2026

Are you planning on coming to the Next Steps Expo? Some great stalls to check out!

These stall holders for The Next Steps Expo 2026 are about In-Home & Community Support

As we know, good support makes a real difference to everyday life. At Next Steps Expo you'll meet providers who work alongside disabled people to support independence at home and in the community, and most importantly, on your terms.

Come and kōrero with Camino Collective, CRC , Life Plus , NZ Carers, Phoenix Health Hub , and Flying Kites .

Tuesday 25 August, 10am–4pm | Parakiore | Free, just show up.

20/07/2026

Are you funded through EGL or IF and employ your own support staff? Come along to Quick Connections, hosted by WRLG.

💬 Meet people. Build your team.
📍 Braintree Wellness Centre, 70 Langdons Road, Papanui
📅 Sunday 20 September 2026
⏰ 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Register using the QR code on the flyer.

07/07/2026

Kia ora koutou,

Disability Support Services (DSS) has opened a new round of consultations to hear from tāngata whaikaha/people with disabilities, whānau, carers, and the wider disability community about further improvements to disability support services.

Consultations are open until Friday 31 July, and there are several ways you can have your say:
• Complete the online survey
• Register for an in-person or online consultation workshop
• Email or post a written submission

All is for All is an independent facilitator for the online workshops. They will gather participants feedback during the sessions and provide a summary of that feedback to DSS.

The public online consultation workshops will be held on the following dates:

Wednesday 8 July 10am - 11:30am
Wednesday 15 July 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Thursday 16 July 7pm - 8:30pm
Friday 17 July 10am – 11:30am
Thursday 23 July 1pm - 2:30pm
Monday 27 July 10am – 11:30am
Tuesday 28 July 10am – 11:30am

To register visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RegformDSS

Please note: This is separate to the DSS Bill, this consultation is part of DSS ongoing work to strengthen DSS.

If you need any support to access these online hui then please let us know.

01/07/2026

Come and join your host Kaley, at Prima Roastery Cafe, Brougham Street, Christchurch on Monday 13 of april at 10.00am.

Purchase your drink/food and meet up with some new people.

By supporting this get together we can then plan more meet ups.

Any further information email us at: [email protected].

Head Office: enquiries@enablinglove nz

Enabling Love & Friendship Christchurch Coffee Club, Hi All, Come and join your host ..., Prima Roastery, Christchurch, Canterbury, 7 July 202

01/07/2026

Selwyn Community Drop-In – You're Invited!
Join us for an evening of connection, information, and support at our upcoming Selwyn Community Drop-In.

Tuesday 8 July
7:00pm – 8:30pm
Lincoln Community Care Centre, 16 Lyttelton Street, Lincoln

Come along to meet and chat with organisations in Canterbury supporting disabled people, neurodivergent people, and their whānau, including:
Aspire Canterbury
Enabling Good Lives Christchurch / Ōtautahi
Parent to Parent
Affirming Mind & Body
Big Fun NZ

The evening will begin with a short introduction from each organisation, followed by plenty of time for conversations, questions, and advice.

Tea, coffee, and light refreshments will be provided.
NZSL interpreters will be available throughout the event.
Whether you're looking for information, support, or simply want to connect with your local community, we'd love to see you there!

24/05/2026

Tickets are going fast for the next Thrive Aotearoa speaker series with the amazing Julia Rucklidge - Mental Health & Nutrition Research: Te Puna Toiora. Don't miss out on this fantastic event, where you will learn all about the role of nutrition in mental health and the power of food and micronutrients to support mood, resilience and recovery. Tickets are $5 or choose the koha option to pay what you can (even if that's $0).

Kim and Grant will run a fun and interactive session, focused on helping you to use music to make connections within yourself and with others.