Scott takes on new COVID response role with ConneXu

Scott MacKay loves to get involved and work as part of a team – and his new role with ConneXu is seeing him make a positive impact in his community.

Following securing funding from Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, ConneXu were able to create and recruit for the role of a COVID response assistant to be responsible for creating specialised COVID care packages for disabled individuals in our community and those who support them.

“We developed a plain language position description and job advertisement and ensured our application process was simplistic leaving the opportunity open to everyone,” says ConneXu Group Manager Organisational, Wellbeing and Quality Laura Etz.

“We had some amazing candidates and Scott was successful in his application. He has been a great addition to our team here at ConneXu and this is creating a very cool learning opportunity.”

Scott, also known as Scotty to his mates, agrees.

“I have been packing some COVID packs and talking to people about what they need in them, It’s a good job and a lot of fun. I have worked in kitchens before and in an aircraft engineering hangar, and now this job.”

The funding from Te Whatu Ora covers the creation of a significant number of COVID care packages to ensure disabled people in the community, and those who care for them, are prepared for isolation if required.

Laura says the funding also brings a level of empowerment for both Scott, and those receiving the packs.

“By empowering a disabled partner to undertake this role and provide this service to the disabled community, they will be able to create a stronger support network. Scott then establishes what concerns the disabled person or their whanau have in relation to isolation, and we work to provide them with the appropriate resources. We really appreciate the funding and thank Te Whatu Ora for their support.”

Under the current COVID regulations, those who test positive for COVID-19 are still required to isolate for seven days, while their family members do not.

“While the regulations have changed since we applied for the funding, we are still meeting a need for those who will be isolating at home and ensuring disabled people within our community are prepared and empowered,” Laura says.

This project is another example of empowering disabled people within the wider community to live their best lives how they choose – following the principles of Enabling Good Lives.