About Us
People for Us was created with the disability community and a group chosen by Whaikaha – the Ministry of Disabled People
In 2023, more than 420 people worked together. This included disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, families, whānau, and service providers.
They gave strong support for the idea and design of People for Us.
Why?
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that there hasn’t been enough support or checks on disabled people in residential care.
This has made it easier for abuse to happen.
People for Us is set up to listen to disabled people who might be most at risk.
Who is delivering the service?
Three organisations deliver the People for Us service:
- People First New Zealand (visiting across Aotearoa New Zealand)
- Te Ahi Kaa (visiting Tāngata Whaikaha Māori in Waikato and South Auckland)
- Vaka Tautua (visiting Pacific communities in Auckland).
People First New Zealand is at the forefront of this initiative doing visits across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Safeguarding
People for Us helps keep disabled people safe and makes sure they are looked after well by using these safeguarding rules.
Safeguarding means:
- protecting a person’s right to make their own life choices
- keeping people safe and well
- acting to prevent and respond to abuse, violence, or neglect.
Outcomes of the People for Us service are:
- Disability Support Services will learn and listen to the voices and experiences of disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, and their families and whānau in their services.
- Safety and wellbeing issues will be found earlier, and the team can respond quickly.
- Services will become safer and more in line with the Enabling Good Lives vision and principles.