About Avonside

We’ve been providing residential care for people with intellectual disabilities for over 45 years, with the Avonside House Trust being established in 1975. Our mission is to guide the people we support ‘towards fullness of life’ discovering hobbies, achieving goals, and developing the necessary living and social skills to live independently. 

We encourage all our staff to gain the National Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Foundation Skills, Level 2 and Core Competencies, Level 3).

Accommodation & Facilities

We provide seven homely accommodation sites across Avonside, Riccarton, and Shirley. All our seven homes meet Lifemark standards and are kitted out with modern, mobility-friendly facilities. With special care and attention to detail, our housing has been specifically designed to cater to those with mild to moderate needs, making life, for those, both easier and safer. 

Programmes

We work closely alongside the people we support, their Whānau, and management to plan and arrange the best programmes for them specifically. Helping them develop sufficient living and social skills as well as achieving goals and finding hobbies. We encourage an appropriate level of independent living and responsibility among our special needs members and have the skilled and caring staff to teach it. 

Some of our programmes include:

• Learning cooking, financial, and housekeeping skills
• Building self-esteem and social skills
• Attending training and vocational courses
• Participation in sporting activities (e.g. Special Olympics) and local events
• Regular outings, trips, and holidays