The Papermill

How does your service support whānau? 

The Papermill provides a safe, vibrant and team-centric creative space tailored for individuals with intellectual disability. Those participating in our vocational service acquire not only creative skills but vital social and everyday life skills. In our Papermaking Studio, participants delve into the involved process of crafting handmade paper, starting from harvesting plants, like flax, and progressing to fiber processing to make it suitable for making paper. In the Creative Studio, they gain proficiency in various artistic techniques to create art and crafts using the handmade paper. Additionally, they engage with visitors, assist in the shop, conduct tours, and lead workshops, enhancing their overall knowledge base.

What do you think gets in the way of people contacting you for support (what are their fears and concerns)? 

I don’t believe people have concerns and fears contacting us for support its more a case of despite The Papermill being around for nearly 35 years, not everyone knows about us 😊

What surprises people when they do start working with you? 

People are surprised about how structured and routine based we are which is one of the main reasons we have been so successful over the years. Those people that chose to attend our service commit to regular attendance and become part of a team where tasks and responsibilities are shared but expected.

What results have you seen in your work with whānau? 

We are privileged to witness people flourish and gain confidence over time working at The Papermill. Often people start their journey with us shy and feeling socially hesitant and lacking confidence in their skills. However once they discover our non-judgemental environment and that everybody is treated equally irrespective of their abilities, We have the privilege of witnessing great progress.

Would someone you have worked with in the past share their experience of how your service has helped them? 

Alex has been attending the Papermill since 2017. Asked how the Papermill has helped him, if at all, his response was he likes making lots of stuff out of paper and he likes meeting people. He has made lots of friends and everyone is nice to him.

His Aunty who is his key support person had this to say ‘Beyond words to explain the overall benefits of the benefits The Papermill has had on Alex, but here’s a few. Self confidence, Self worth, Self esteem- finding a place of ease and a sense of community and friends which he calls family, he’s found his fit and is shining so brightly with creativity which we never knew he had, his communication and speech, interactions with outsiders has improved tenfold. His fine motor-skills have improved beyond expectation. A will to thrive and live his best life is what The Papermill has given Alex a purpose.’

Is there a referral process or can people self-refer to your service? 

Anyone can visit our studios weekdays between 9 am and 3pm or give us a call to find out more. We are limited in the number of spaces we have available and run a waiting list.

Next Steps

Visiting our studios is by far the best way of gauging who we are and what we are about. If that’s not possible phone call or email us info@thepapermill.co.nz.

GET IN TOUCH WITH

THE PAPERMILL

Phone: 09 459 1459

Email: info@thepapermill.co.nz

Website: http://www.thepapermill.co.nz