Disability Support Services in Waitaha

Written By Kath Stewart

Christchurch and the wider Waitaha Canterbury region have a wide range of disability supports for disabled people, neurodivergent people, whānau, and carers. Whether you’re looking for respite, advocacy, supported living, transport, social connection, or help navigating the system, there are services designed to support people of all ages and access needs. Below are some of the organisations available in our region.

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Needs Assessment & System Navigation

Enabling Good Lives

‍Enabling Good Lives (EGL) is a national approach to disability support that gives disabled people and whānau more choice, control, and flexibility over the supports they receive. Their services is available to those who qualify for ORS funding.

Services They Provide: ‍

  • Personalised support planning based on your goals, strengths, and what a “good life” looks like for you

  • Flexible funding options, including the ability to choose your own support workers or providers

  • Connector/Facilitator support to help you navigate services, build your plan, and access community opportunities

  • Whānau‑centred support, recognising the role of family and natural supports

  • Support for transitions, including leaving school, moving into adulthood, or changing living situations

Enabling ‍‍Good Lives are based at The Loft.‍

LifeLinks (Canterbury NASC – Needs Assessment & Service Coordination)

LifeLinks is the NASC service for Canterbury. They assess eligibility for disability supports and coordinate funded services such as respite, carer support, supported living, and equipment.

Brain Injury Specialists

‍Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust

Specialist rehabilitation for people with brain injuries or neurological conditions. They provide rehabilitation, assessments, residential living facilities and group programmes.

Child & Youth Disability Supports

‍Parent to Parent Canterbury

Support for parents of disabled children, including peer support and information. They run regular parent support groups in cafe’s in Christchurch, Rangiora, Selwyn, Timaru and Ashburton.

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Autism New Zealand

They provide services and support, education and information on autism for autistic people and family/whānau, caregivers, and professionals who engage with them. They can help with the process of a diagnosis. They also advocate for the betterment of autistic people in New Zealand.

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IHC Family/Whānau Liaison

IHC supports people with intellectual disabilities and their families through advocacy, family/whānau support, residential and day services (delivered through IDEA Services), employment support, and accessible housing. Their work focuses on ensuring people with intellectual disabilities have their rights upheld, are included in their communities, and can live good, meaningful lives with personalised support.

Website: ihc.org.nz

Advocacy & Rights

Aotearoa Disability Law

Free legal services for disabled people with disability‑related legal issues.

Nationwide Health & Disability Advocacy Service

Free advocacy for anyone wanting support with a health or disability service complaint.

  • Email: advocacy@advocacy.org.nz

  • Phone: 0800 555 050

  • Website: advocacy.org.nz

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People First NZ

‍A Disabled People’s Organisation run by and for people with learning disabilities. People’s First also provide Easy Read guides on a variety of topics.

Respite & Residential Supports

‍CCS Disability Action

Supports disabled people and their families with mobility, housing, advocacy, and community inclusion. They offer short-term respite care. They also offer support for longer-term in-home care and foster caregivers.

They also run the mobility parking permit.

Emerge Aotearoa

Residential support and respite for people with mental health or disability needs. They can provide support for a wide range of disability needs.

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Brackenridge Services

Respite, supported living, and residential services for people with intellectual disabilities and autism.

Employment & Life Skills

‍Skillwise

Employment, training, arts, and community participation for people with intellectual disabilities. They provide a variety of classes and workshops to help people find their passion and enter the workforce.

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Workbridge

Workbridge is a mainstream service that has a dedicated disability service for those looking to find work.

  • Phone: 0508 858 858

  • Website: workbridge.co.nz

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Neurodiversity Supports‍ ‍

Neuroinclusive

Mentoring and coaching for autistic and neurodivergent people.

Together Diverse

‍Social groups and support for autistic and neurodiverse adults.

  • ‍Website: togetherdiverse.co.nz

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Altogether Autism

National autism information and advisory service.

‍ ‍Transport & Accessibility

Waka Ora Health Shuttle (St John)

Donation‑based transport to health appointments, with wheelchair‑accessible vehicles.

Total Mobility Scheme (Environment Canterbury)

Subsidised taxi fares for people with disabilities.

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Hāpai Access Card

A card that communicates access needs to participating businesses. The Loft can help you apply for this card.

  • Phone: 03 595 0577

  • ‍Website: hapaiaccesscard.org.nz

Social Groups & Community Participation

Recreate NZ

Life skills, adventure, and social programmes for youth and young adults with disabilities.

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Hohepa Canterbury

Creative, sensory, and community‑based activities for people with intellectual disabilities.

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How The Loft Can Support You

The Loft is here to help you navigate the wide range of disability supports available in Christchurch and Canterbury. If you’re unsure where to start, what you’re eligible for, or which services best fit your needs, we can talk it through with you. We can meet with you by phone or Zoom, whatever is most accessible for you. The Loft is a fully accessible office. You can find us by parking in the accessible car parks near McDonald's, and using the elevator to reach our office. Please tell us your accessibility needs, and we’ll do our best to accommodate them. If you’d like someone to walk alongside you as you take your next steps, Contact Us and we’ll help you get connected. ‍

Kath Stewart
Next

Rangatahi supports in Canterbury/Waitaha