Idea Services, is an IHC subsidiary, providing vocational and employment support for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Taranaki. Its facilities include hubs in New Plymouth and Hāwera, and Atawhai Nursery, which gives volunteers the chance to develop horticultural skills.
“Our vision is to engage people with intellectual disabilities into the community and improve their life through experiences,” said Stephanie Beasley, Admin Manager.
“It’s called My Challenge because it challenges people to experience events and be exposed to new things so they have an informed choice.”
In 2025, New Plymouth’s Community Day Base relocated to Devon St to fit the growing number of people wanting to access My Challenge.
“We had the building but we didn’t have the resources to run the programmes. We didn’t have chairs, tables, bean bags, or TVs. We didn’t have music systems or computers and so we requested funding for all those things and more. Now, 170 people, including families, directly benefit from the programmes enabled by the grant.”
$20,000 from Toi Foundation helped Idea buy essential equipment and resources. This allows My Challenge to offer activities including exercise sessions, computer and tablet training, a driving simulator, beauty therapy, cooking lessons, art, board games, puzzles, bingo, Kapa Haka, karaoke and more.
“It’s a mix and match and people choose their own programs,” said Sarah Russell, Service Manager.
“Another wonderful outcome has been the success of our arts and crafts programmes, made possible with new art supplies and photography equipment.
“A highlight for us was Beren Hughes winning first prize in IHC’s nationwide photography competition. There’s a real passion and talent in our people and having these resources exposes them to so many more opportunities.
“We want to say a huge thank you to Toi Foundation, because otherwise we would have had a mostly empty building. Instead, we’ve created a bright, cheerful environment that everyone’s very proud of. Our people love being there.”
