The Chris Ruth Centre

Programmes

​Our programmes have two major focuses …

Workplace Participation

Voluntary employment positions are arranged with local businesses. Placements are usually for one hour per week and at no cost to the employer. Each person is accompanied by a support person who assists them and looks after their needs. Most people have one work placement, related to their interests and abilities.

Individual Personal Development

Each person has their own programme designed to meet their needs, incorporating life skills, communication, functional education, community orientation, physical therapy and recreational pursuits. Activities include horse riding, swimming, cooking, computer activities, crafts, woodwork, shopping, lunch out, attending festivals or outings. Physical needs to be met include eating, toileting, physiotherapy, appropriate downtime, medication and medical assistance.

​​The aim of the Chris Ruth Centre is to be part of the working culture within our community. The Community benefits by having our people experiencing a quality of life that would not otherwise be available to them. It is also very valuable for the wider community to have our people alongside them in mainstream life.​

EXAMPLE PROGRAMMES

Each person has a personal programme developed through our individual planning process.

A TYPICAL PROGRAMME INCLUDES:

  • Catering for peoples’ physical well-being through exercise programmes
  • Providing educational, vocational and life skills opportunities in real world settings
  • Encouraging community participation through a range of social, recreational and leisure activities
  • Workplace participation.

COMMUNITY OUTINGS WITH 1:1 SUPPORT:

  • Library visits – City Council libraries
  • Gym – Pioneer Leisure Centre and Jelly Park
  • Swimming – Pioneer Leisure Centre, Jelly Park, Graham Condon and, Rangiora Pool
  • Horse riding – NZ Care Riding for Disabled at Westwood Stables
  • Sensory room visits – Pioneer Complex

WORK PLACEMENTS

  • Library visits – City Council libraries
  • Gym – Pioneer Leisure Centre and Jelly Park
  • Swimming – Pioneer Leisure Centre, Jelly Park, Graham Condon and, Rangiora Pool
  • Horse riding – NZ Care Riding for the Disabled at Westwood Stables
  • Sensory room visits – Pioneer Complex​
  • Meals on Wheels
  • Dog Walking​
  • Café and restaurant visits
  • Mini Golf
  • Ten Pin Bowling
  • Movies
  • Other assorted recreational pursuits and community activities such as visits to Art exhibitions/galleries and attending special events – e.g. Crusaders victory parade etc.

CENTRE ACTIVITIES​

  • Craft activities
  • Music
  • Singing and dancing – Move interactive dance class with Lyn Cotton
  • Birthday celebrations
  • Reading
  • Computer learning opportunities
  • Cooking
  • Sensory Room
  • Trampoline, Treadmill, Stationary Bike
  • Massage – Therapist comes to the centre, Staff also complete hand & foot massages
  • Smartboard- Computer activities
  • Stretching and massage
  • Physiotherapy
  • Speech/Language therapy
  • Occupational therapist – available as required
  • Wheelchair assessments
  • Life skills – these are within the Centre and also in the community
  • Petanque and indoor bowls
  • DVD/videos