To say the 420 Centre’s new programme of activities has something for everyone is a bit of an understatement – it covers art, crafts, literacy and physical activities.

For the first time at Pact's Dunedin-based centre, woodwork and woodcarving is being offered, thanks to new team leader Bob Smart and new diversional therapist Ray Hayes who have the appropriate skills.

Bob has been impressed at some of the talent coming to the fore in this area. Patrons are taught how to use the tools and can then take on any projects of interest but recent undertakings have included signs for Pact houses.

“We made a sign for Asquith House and now Forbury Road want one as well.”

At 12.30pm on Mondays, patrons can go horse-riding at the Waikouaiti Race Course. A van goes from 420 and there is no charge – up to six clients can go at a time.

“It’s very popular. Some clients have done it before and some haven’t. A lot of them said ‘we’ll just go out there and try it.’ Now you’ve got to say ‘hey, give someone else a turn.’ We share it around to keep the interest up.”

Bob had the idea for the horse riding because it was something he used to organise when he worked at Wakari Hospital.
At 1pm on Mondays there is more woodwork and carving and then artwork in the afternoons. “Some are making frames, some are doing a bit of glass painting and some oil painting.”

Then on Tuesdays there is dog walking with the SPCA at 10am. Bob says that has been popular with up to six patrons coming along. Even on one of the coldest days of winter so far three patrons still turned up. “I didn’t blame anyone who said they didn’t want to go that day, but they were keen.”

At 10.30am on Tuesdays there is a swimming group, which goes to Moana Pool. “Some have a spa, some have a swim depending on what they want to do. That’s very well- patronised.”

On Tuesday afternoons there is more artwork, wood carving and woodwork and also an upholstery group. “We’re lucky enough we’ve got a tradesman who has his own business who is actually a patron here. He’s come in and is helping anyone who wants to do any upholstery. He’s already done some of our chairs. So if anyone has any work in any of the houses – if they supply the materials we can sort it out.”

On Thursdays there is craftwork at 10am and from 1pm to 4pm three groups run – the men’s group, the women’s group and the literacy group. The men’s and women’s groups take turns at staying behind while the other group goes out. Bob laughs that the women are much better organised than the men. “They do tai chi, they do footspas! The men’s group has done quite a bit of work around the place though. They put up two dart boards - there’s always something for them to do.”
A woman comes each week to help anyone with literacy issues. She has been helping some patrons prepare for their driver licence test, others write letters and some with their polytechnic work.

On Fridays there is swimming and woodwork at 10am and woodwork, craft work and a sewing group at 1pm. The sewing group is new, after 420 acquired a sewing machine. Bob says many people are interested in sewing and 420 can supply not only the know-how but also the machine, which many patrons can’t afford.

The lack of cost is a feature of all the activities. Patrons might not be able to afford to go to polytechnic or might not be able to sit through a course without needing a break. “Here they can go away for half an hour and come back.”
A cooking skills group is also in the pipeline.

In addition to the activities 420 also supplies two meals a week for a small charge ($3 and $4). On Mondays and Tuesdays there is soup and buns, and on Fridays there is a free meal.

“There’s always something here to eat.”

For further comment please contact:
Louise Carr
Pact CEO
Ph: 03 470 2206
Cell: 027 499 3251
louise.carr@pactgroup.co.nz