1. RESPECTMana
Self Advocacy
At Aspire Community Support, we believe that people are experts in their own lives. Through our Self-Advocacy Subcommittee, we support people across our services to exercise choice and control, understand their rights, and have their voices heard. Reflecting the Enabling Good Lives approach, we focus on building confidence, independence, and self-determination so people can actively shape their supports, pursue their goals, and make decisions about the life they want to live.
Self Advocacy Sub Committee
Your voice matters at Aspire. Our self-advocacy sub committee meets regularly to make sure everyone we support has the confidence, knowledge, and opportunity to speak up for what they need.
Your rights - empowering choice and advocacy
At Aspire, we believe every person is the expert in their own life and has the right to be heard, respected, and involved in decisions that affect them. Self-advocacy is about having choice and control, expressing what matters to you, and taking an active role in shaping your future.
It means understanding your rights, building confidence, and making informed decisions about the support you receive and the life you want to live. Self-advocacy also helps people develop the skills and confidence to speak up, participate in their communities, and pursue their goals.
Self-advocacy isn't about doing everything on your own, it is about being empowered to make decisions, direct your own life, and access the support you need to achieve the outcomes that are important to you.
We support self-advocacy at Aspire in a few different ways
Through the year, we bring everyone together to talk through the Code of Rights and other topics that matter.
Every two months, our sub committee meets to plan ahead and keep self-advocacy part of everyday conversation.
Each month, every house holds its own self-advocacy meeting - a space where everyone is encouraged to share, question, and be heard.
Your voice matters here. Always.
We believe everyone has rights that should be respected. Our Self-Advocacy Subcommittee meets every two months to learn about and discuss the Code of Rights, while monthly house meetings help keep these conversations part of everyday life.
Our Sub-Committee Team
Bethany Harwood
Hi my name is Bethany Harwood. I am 30 years old. I have got my own youtube channel. My hobbies include, singing, content creation and I love spending time with my friends and family. I moved to Hamilton to find myself and for new opportunities.
The Self Advocacy group has given this to me and its one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Steph Tong
I love my new room, because it is easy to get into using my wheelchair. It is much bigger and easier to close the windows and curtains, except for one, but my flatmate helps with that.
It’s nice to have a good laugh with the Advocacy Group.
Mark Matheson
I was born in 1979. I have been blind since age 10. I have been with Aspire since 2020. In 2011 after working in sales and marketing for 16 years I trained in Mental Health. I then moved to Hamilton and because a work and income advocate. I have also been with 'here2helpu' for 3 years.
I am one of the top advisors in advocacy, ACC, house and hospital sectors.
I love the advocacy group and like to keep management on their toes and challenge things.
Gerard Knapp
I was born on the 17th of September 1958. I dropped out of school at 16 and worked on my cousins farm for a year. In 1974 I started work at JC Huttons and i worked there for 15 years. In 1989 at 31 I got married and was married for 2.5 years/ In 1991 I started working in Electronics and I did that for 5 years.
I also worked at the Hamilton City Council. I came into Aspire to Ravenscourt on the 10 Sept 2019 and I have been here for 6 years. Aspire is part of Family now. I also turn 65 this year! I like doing 1000 or 500 piece puzzles and I also like colouring. I am an artist and that is part of my life. Thank you.
Tayt Crawford
My name is Tayt. I have been enjoying Aspire and the staff. I love toys, the gym, long drives, watching tv and playing games on my tablet. I like the staff members and I am happy to be part of the Self Advocacy Sub Committee.
Thomas Ross
My name is Thomas. I love Aspire so much. I have been with Aspire almost 8 years. I love where I'm living and my flatmates. I am a happy guy that likes to share good vibes. I feel listened to in the Advocacy group and I love being part of it.
Adele Whiteside
Our Advocacy Group is a crack up! It's really good to be with my friends.
Harry Stidder
I have been with Aspire for 25+ years. I worked at Achievement House for 10+ years. I am from Waharoa and I love working at Enrich.
Duane Porter
I have been with Aspire for 28 years. I am studying NZQA NCEA Level 3 Qualifications. I like watching rugby and hanging out with friends.
I am a member of the Advocacy group and happy to be part of it.
Malcolm Matheson
I have been in Aspire for four years. I am proud to be a member of the advocacy group. I get to listen to others and share my thoughts too. The best part is having a laugh.
Shona Inglis
I had an aneurism at 25, this lead to a stroke. It was tough, I was unable to walk, and became wheelchair bound. Through the years I progressed to a walking frame and the finally the tripod stick. My mobility has given me the independence that I wanted.
I was born and bred in Taumaranui. I have lived in 5 houses, and each one was supportive.
Becky Marshall
My name is Becky. I have been with Aspire for 4 years. I love horses and diamond art and spending time with my friends.
I am lovely and bubbly. I love being part of the Advocacy Group, I feel listened to and I like that the group is on the same page.
Johanne Overwater
My name is Johanne Susan Mary Overwater. I am 62 years old and my birthday is on the 5th of July. I live at Palmerston Street. I have a cat named Tigger. Tigger is 2 years old and will turn 3 on the 22nd of May.
I love going to church and praying for everyone I love. I love visiting my friends and family. Things that I enjoy doing are going out for coffee, going to the pub for lunch/ dinner and movies.
I also enjoy being around people whom I am familiar with, enjoy catching up and chatting about basically everything and anything.
I enjoy my walks into town, my favourite place to stop first is the bank ! To check if I have enough "moolah: to shop. I enjoy browsing at Kmart, warehouse, and the centre place mall.
I love being a part of this sub committee group as I enjoy voicing out concerns that may rise at my flat, and get feedback from my peers in the committee and possibly get advice on what could be done. Also I am happy to represent my house , and enjoy the special guest speakers we get and not forgetting the delicious dinner we get as well KFC and Pizza !!!
Your Rights
Ou Tika
when receiving a health or diability service
mo to whiwhinga ratonga hauatanga ranei
The Code of Rights means that you should have:
Mā tēnei Ture Tiaki i ōu Tika, ka ahei kia u nga tikanga:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does self-advocacy mean?
Self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself, expressing what matters to you, understanding your rights, and having a say in the decisions that affect your life. It's about making informed choices, being heard, and having the confidence and support to take control of your own future.
Do I have to do it on my own?
No. Self-advocacy is not about doing everything on your own. It is about having choice and control over your life while getting the support you need to make informed decisions. You can ask for help, seek advice, and work with people you trust, what matters is that your voice is heard and you remain at the centre of the decision-making process. Being a self-advocate means understanding your rights, expressing what matters to you, and having the confidence to make choices about your own life and future.
What if I don't know what I want yet?
That's okay. Self-advocacy starts with figuring out what matters to you. Talking it through with someone you trust - whānau, a support worker, or your house group - is often the best place to start.
What are my rights as someone Aspire supports?
Everyone we support has the right to be treated with respect, to make informed choices, and to have their voice heard. Our self-advocacy sub committee meets regularly to make sure these rights are understood and upheld.