NZCT Helps Keep SPECTROOM Moving

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded SPECTROOM Charitable Trust in Mt Albert, Auckland, a $10,750 grant for a mobile sensory trailer, helping disabled and neurodiverse people access support in communities across Auckland. 

SPECTROOM Charitable Trust Founder and Director Mac Pouniu says, "This generous funding from NZCT is crucial to reaching disabled and neurodiverse tamariki, rangatahi, adults, and their whānau, who might not otherwise be able to connect with our services. It will help us make our communities more accessible by taking sensory support and disability services directly to those who may not be able to access them easily, expanding our reach far beyond our centre in Mt Albert."

The grant funded the purchase and fit-out of the trailer for SPECTROOM CONNECT, the trust's disability outreach programme. SPECTROOM is best known for establishing Aotearoa's first sensory gym and disability play space and now delivers a range of services that support disabled and neurodiverse children, young people and their whānau. Its soundproofed, ventilated and climate-controlled sensory space will enable year-round outreach at community events and offer a safe place to regulate in busy environments.

Parent Anna Harvey says, "Having access to a dedicated sensory space makes such a huge difference for my autistic son and for neurodivergent families like mine. For some of our kids, busy, noisy, or unfamiliar environments can quickly become overwhelming. Having a safe space where they can regulate, reset and feel understood can be the difference between having to leave an event and being able to stay and participate. The sensory trailer initiative will give us more confidence to be part of our community, knowing there is somewhere our child can go when he needs a break."

Sterling, 10, a SPECTROOM client, adds, "Sometimes places can get really loud and busy and I need somewhere quiet to have a break. A sensory trailer would give kids like me somewhere safe to calm down before going back and joining in again. I think it would help lots of kids who find busy places hard."

NZCT GM Grants, Marketing and Communications Ben Hodges says, "This is a simple idea with a big impact, helping bring sensory support and disability services directly into communities across Auckland. NZCT can fund this community good thanks to the fundraising partnerships we share with local hospitality venues via their responsible gaming rooms.”