Tash Finds Magic in Every Day
Growing up in Devon in the UK, Tash Serle says she comes from a family of carers. Fast forward more than 20 years, and she works as a ConneXu Community Facilitator in Tauranga.
“I work with six different partners in both residential and community settings, providing person-centred care via the Enabling Good Lives principles,” says Tash.
“I’m supporting the people we partner with to promote more independence, integrate into their local communities, supporting them go to certain events and live their best lives.”
Ten years ago, Tash jumped on a one-way plane to Australia. After two years, she relocated to New Zealand and has been here ever since. She moved from Gisborne to Tauranga in 2022 and started working at ConneXu.
Tash’s love of the outdoors complements her job. She and her partner like to spend their spare time doing motocross, trail rides, downhill mountain biking, rollerblading and snowboarding.
“Most of the time I’m getting overtaken,” she laughs. “I also like to read in my downtime too!”
As a Community Facilitator, she recently supported a partner to complete the Ultimate Athlete obstacle course event in Mt Maunganui, competing alongside her and providing support when she needed it.
“This partner is very active and sports-driven. The Ultimate Athlete event popped up and she wanted to be a part of it...I was just along for the ride.”
Tash has facilitated other activities and partner excursions too, including a trip to the Women’s Expo, Armageddon, the Cambridge Velodrome trikes, a ‘Wish for Fish’ boating trip and a Friday coffee club at the ConneXu flat she’s based at.
Another partner has been supported to get involved in the community through some volunteer work at the Radius Matua Retirement community in Tauranga.
“They have a sit and a chat with residents and help set up if there is an activity happening like art group. It’s about encouraging the partner and the residents to get involved and it’s mutually beneficial to everyone.”
“It’s all partner-led – we just make things as accessible as possible and support them to achieve their goals.”
Tash says her love for learning and teaching helps her be successful as a Community Facilitator.
“One of the people I support is non-verbal and I want to be able to communicate better…I am doing a New Zealand Sign Language Course and my Health and Wellbeing Certification at the moment,” she says.
She says every day is different and she loves her job.
“I feel privileged to support the inspirational people that I do. It’s uplifting to see what partners can achieve.”
