A number of Kitchen Table groups were set up around the country as part of the ‘Think Differently’ campaign. The purpose of these groups were to strengthen their communities through a community project, as well as build a skilled and informed network of family leaders.
Kitchen Table community projects
Each of the Kitchen Table groups decided on a community project. These projects varied depending on location, community needs; as well as the interests, connections, and aspirations of the people within each group.
Each group was supported to;
identify assets and aspirations
identify a shared vision
identify an achievable project
be supported to develop/refine a plan of action, and
ensure that projects demonstrate Enabling Good Lives principles.
The groups tended to start informally, over a cup of coffee, with other interested parents (who had a disabled family member). Other interested people or people with particular expertise were invited to join the group to assist them to achieve their aims.
The projects varied and were dependent on local community needs. For example the Feidling Kitchen Table group raised funding to ensure their local pool was accessible for everyone and in Hokitika funding was raised for an accessible community van.
These groups were proactive and committed to seeing positive change in their communities.
The DIY resources were developed to assist a wide variety of family groups with useful information on planning new projects as well as information on facilitating groups. You will find information on: