IHC New Zealand

18/06/2026

What our volunteers love most? The friendships and connections they build through the IHC Online Friendship Programme.

18/06/2026

Sara Hillier-Jones has been volunteering with IHC for 15 years, and says it continues to bring her joy, purpose, and a deep sense of connection.

For National Volunteer Week, read Sara’s story and find out why she believes volunteering brings joy to both giver and receiver.

Pictured: Sara and David, enjoying their baking and art sessions

,

17/06/2026

17/06/2026

Check out this very cool new initiative especially for SIBLINGS aged 18+…..
Plus One is a new project by New Zealand Down Syndrome Association, supporting siblings aged 18+, creating a space to connect, learn, and talk openly about their experiences. The first online workshop will be held in early July, and siblings can complete a survey to help shape the programme and register their interest.

We know that Down syndrome is a family affair. There are plenty of resources for parents, carers, and people with Down syndrome. But for siblings, the support often stops after the picture book “Why is my sibling different?”

Plus One is here to change that. It’s a new project designed specifically for siblings aged 18+ across Aotearoa.

It’s a space to connect with other siblings, learn together, and talk honestly about what life as a sibling really looks like.

Led by Siobhan Vaccarino, a younger sibling working in the disability sector, these online workshops will explore the topics siblings actually want to discuss.

The good.
The complicated.
And the things we don’t usually say out loud.

Our first online workshop will be in early July.

If you're a sibling wanting to connect with others who "get it", complete our survey to help shape the conversation and register your interest.

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=b2s7uZKv90u-hRJw0w3OuU_obAay5x5Hj_L4jEBL7zZUOVVVTUswRVBCT0g0NVRWNU8wMEJYMks3Qy4u&route=shorturl

17/06/2026

“It makes me feel like I have done something good with my life, it gives me purpose to use my powers for good.” – Hayden

Many of the people we support through IDEA Services volunteer their time to make their local communities better for everyone. Since 2022, more than 600 participants have contributed over 91,000 hours of volunteering with Student Volunteer Army. Read the full story in the article below.

~~~

,

16/06/2026

"My name is Meredith. I enjoy volunteering because I like being busy, making new friends, and meeting lots of new people. It feels good to know that I am helping others and supporting organisations in my community."

Volunteering has become a big part of Meredith’s life! She’s helping her community, keeping busy, and doing things she loves. And she’s receiving awards for it.

🔗 Check our her story for National Volunteer Week in the link below.

Pictured left to right - Dianne Pelvin - Student Volunteer Army Ambassador, Camilla Nilsson - Service Manager, Meredith Jones

~~~

Volunteering New Zealand

,

16/06/2026

"People don’t volunteer just to fill time. They do it because they want to belong, to contribute and to make a difference in ways that feel real. The Volunteering team’s role is to honour and support that kaupapa by building a programme that creates a place for meaningful relationships to grow."

IHC was started by volunteers 77 years ago. This National Volunteer Week, Clare Nash talks about that legacy and the many benefits of our volunteering programme for people with intellectual disability and volunteers.

🔗 Read her story in the link below.

,

15/06/2026

“Volunteering connects me to something bigger and makes me feel worthwhile,” Hamish Gilbert says.

He balances multiple volunteering commitments with a job, and has just taken on the title of Volunteer 'Champion'.

Whether it’s supporting the elderly or advocating for the disabled or the environment, Hamish Gilbert is determined to show up.

Read his full story in the link below.

~~~

Volunteering New Zealand, Sustainable HB, GoBay Hawke's Bay

,

15/06/2026

⏰ Reminder – happening today at 3pm!
Keen to have your voice heard at decision-making tables?

Join us for a free online webinar exploring how neurodivergent people, including people with intellectual disability, can get involved in public sector committees.

Hear lived experience from speakers sharing what it’s really like to go through the recruitment process and sit at the table, plus an open Ask Me Anything session.

📅 Today – Monday 15 June 2026
🕒 3pm
💻 Online via Microsoft Teams

👉 To register: email [email protected]

Everyone is welcome!

14/06/2026

Would you like to join some fun online sessions with IHC Media? 😊

IHC Media is an online space made for and by people with intellectual disabilities. Join from home, learn new skills, share your ideas, and connect with people across Aotearoa. Our live online sessions are free to join.

This week’s sessions:

💃 Monday 11am – Jolt Dance: movement and music
🗣️ Tuesday 11am – Tu meke reo time with Noeleen and Mary
💪 Wednesday 11am – Move with Bex
🎨 Thursday 11am – Draw with Lindsey
💪 Thursday 1:30pm – Strength & Balance with Nic
🥁 Friday 11am – Drumming with Chewy

Find Zoom links and more here: www.ihcmedia.org.nz.