Support workers helping elderly and disabled people to remain in their own homes received a vote of thanks yesterday.
Te Hauora Pou Heretanga, which provides a range of support services from Mokau to Waitotara, held its inaugural conference at New Plymouth's Life Advance Community Centre.
The organisation, which has operated under the governance of a charitable trust for about 13 years, helps its clients to remain living independently in their own homes.
About 80 people, including support workers, clients and office staff attended the conference, which might become an annual event.
General manager Dr Nigel Christie said it was a chance for the organisation to show its appreciation to its staff.
"The complexity of their work is hugely underestimated and they tend to be very isolated in the work that they do," he said.
"We see this day as a small way of getting support workers together, along with in-office staff, to mix with each other for a while.
"It is also an opportunity to say thank you to them for their commitment to the work that they do."
Dr Christie said the day was a great success.
"I was really pleased, right from the start there was a really positive buzz around the room."
Internationally recognised motivational speaker Tony Christiansen addressed the group and there were sessions with funding and other partnership agencies.
Dr Christie said it was important to keep the staff inspired.
"I think that anything we can do to increase that connection and bring people together will add to the quality, purpose and ethos of the organisation."
