Safer Walking

Safer Walking

This presentation introduces Safer Walking, a free, national programme that promotes independence, choice, and inclusion, by providing tools and strategies that support people with disabilities like Down syndrome to independently navigate their community, while reducing personal risk.
Learn about Safer Walking’s practical safety strategies, available resources, and how families, whānau, and support networks can work together to help people be in their communities with confidence while maintaining their freedom and connection to their community.

Presenters

Liz Henderson
National Public Safety Manager/Safer Walking Coordinator-New Zealand Land Search and Rescue

Samantha Richards
Safer Walking Ambassador

Nick Richards
Safer Walking Ambassador

Biographies

Liz Henderson is the National Public Safety Manager for New Zealand Land Search and Rescue. With a background in disability, health, sport, and emergency response, Liz is passionate about helping people live active, connected, and independent lives while reducing risks to their safety and wellbeing. Liz leads Land Search and Rescue’s Safer Walking Initiative, a national programme that provides practical tools, resources, and strategies to support people who may be at risk of becoming lost or going missing in the community. The disability community is a key focus for the initiative. Liz leads a range of stakeholders and organisations to promote approaches that balance safety with independence and quality of life.

Samantha Richards and Nick Richards are proud to be ambassadors for the Safer Walking Initiative. Samantha’s younger brother Nick, who is 25 and has Down Syndrome, has been the driving force behind her passion for creating a safer and more inclusive world. As a family, they are committed to learning, growing, and supporting Nick to live as safely and independently as possible. Being part of Safer Walking is a meaningful step in helping raise awareness and ensuring that people of all abilities can navigate their communities with confidence.

Theme: Connections
Audience: All welcome

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85391346886?pwd=8frdFakcplaJrKq8tl9fTrlWLu8zN0.1
Meeting ID: 853 9134 6886
Passcode: 632855