September Update

Posted: 29/08/08

We are continuing to improve the website and services to the DT Community.

This month there have been several changes to the Education – Library section. With the addition of email to request books, an updated order form and a current list of books available by subject.

Also we have added a contact email for the editor of the Newsletter so you can email in those items to keep all us informed.

The big news is a major update to the Vacancy section of the website. You now have three options for vacancies needs. Several employers have struggled to cover the temporary absence of valuable DTs. If you need a locum, list the details here and they will be placed on the website (For FREE). The advertising options are:

Remember the clients of Diversional Therapy deserve the best; please bring this to the attention of your workplace.

August Update

Posted: 01/08/08

This month we have updated several areas on the website to assist members.

The website now has a ‘What’s New’ heading on the front page so its easier to find those most recent items added to the site. New items posted to the Forum only appear on the Forum page.

The members Handbook has is now available online with its own separate section.

The Forum has been extended with a new section for the Regional Support Groups. The details of next meeting and reports can now be posted for wider DT community.

The next DT conference is in Wanganui is the ‘River of Life’ 31st July 2nd August 2009. More details will be post as they come to hand.

Update to this column on last months report with regard to the Rest Home gagging, the District Health Board has terminated the contact. For more information click here.

Remember the Forums are an opportunity to list items of interest to the wider DT community.

Finally the Health Dept produces a wide range of Public Health Resources which are available here.

July Update

Posted: 03/07/08

Urgent: The Society has a need for a volunteer to take on the Registrar Role. See the vacancy page for full details.

The stark imagine of a rest home resident with her mouth taped has shocked and stirred the public of New Zealand. The Prime Minister, Television and Radio have all featured extensive coverage of the item, while the Public Heath authorities and the Police have launched inquires. Grey Power and Age Concern have voiced serious concerns about the incident and maltreatment generally.

The image is shocking and surreal and will generate much debate and soul searching amongst care facility managers, owners and the government. There will without doubt be rebuke and change to the particular institution and I would not be surprised at future adjustments to the NZ residential care industry. We must all be greatly concerned and shocked about such abuse. There is a need for ongoing training and skills development of all those concerned with clients in a residential care situation.

June Update

Posted: 03/06/08

The new Executive Committee appointed at the Annual General Meeting held at the resent Conference in Invercargill have been busily absorbing the many responsibilities undertaken on behalf of members.

President	Mary Gracie	Auckland
Vice President	Catherine Donnelly	Blenhiem
Past President	Sheree McIntyre	Winton
Secretary	Julia Carson	Christchurch
Treasurer	Joyce Carson	Christchurch
Library Portfolio	Sandra McLachlan	Blenhiem
Education/Research	Jenny Wilson	Wanganui
Policies/Procedures	Helen Erridge	Gore
Registrar	Mirri Andrews	Rangiora
Media Liaison	Frances Rodden	Auckland

Changes agreed to at the AGM include the removal of annual year tags from future membership badges, manly due to cost and proof of membership is the member’s payment receipt. The Annual Conference will also change from May to the first weekend in August, starting in 2009 in Wanganui.

Conference Update

Posted: 06/05/08

Conference is over and it has been an outstanding success.

Well done and congratulations to the Invercargill committee for a well-organised programme.

The conference notes on Distance Based Workplace Learning by Alexa Andrew presentation are available here for download.

Diversional Therapist is an exciting and expanding occupation and I continue to be amazed at the number of vacancies for DT and Activities officers available around the country. As a professional service the website provides an affordable place to advertise all vacancies to the people that count, that is the qualified and training DT.

If you know of a vacancy or have a vacancy at your place, ensure it advertised on the DT website. And for those seeking a change or students seek employment check the vacancy section of NZSDT website FIRST!

May Update

Posted: 01/05/08

It seems incredible that May 2008 has arrived and its conference time!

To all those travelling to conference please travel with care, I am certain it will be a educational and profitable time, with some fun mixed in for good measure.

I continue to be amazed at the number of vacancies for DT and Activities officers available around the country. As a professional service the website provides an affordable place to advertise all vacancies to the people that count, that is the qualified and training DT. If you know of a vacancy or have a vacancy at your place, ensure it advertised on the DT website. And for those seeking a change or students seek employment check the vacancy section of NZSDT website FIRST!

Looking forward to stories from conference on the Forums page of the website and the next newsletter, if you want to see your name in print or have a creative streak then you need to be writing next week! How about someone giving us a daily updates under the Conference heading in the Forums?