Support is available for all amputees through the Federation and its Regional Societies. Regional Amputee Societies – Amputee Societies are a valuable form of peer support and are a great resource for any amputee, new or experienced, and each Society has volunteers who are available to visit with you and offer support and encouragement. Amputees who are members of an Amputee Society benefit in various ways, but most commonly by the encouragement and companionship provided by fellow amputees. Belonging to an Amputee Society also provides the opportunity of helping or being helped by others with similar disabilities. Membership subscriptions of a Society are minimal – in many cases just $5 per year. Amputee Societies offer a wide range of support services to assist amputees, their families, whanau and friends. These services include: Visits to amputees in hospital and in their homes, offering practical and emotional support and companionship; Encouragement with rehabilitation and realisation of activity potential; Information on assistance available to amputees; Information on visits by Limb Centre staff to areas outside the six Artificial Limb Centres; The issuing of Total Mobility vouchers which entitle members, who are unable to use public transport, to a 50% discount on taxis in most areas throughout New Zealand; Social functions which provide an opportunity to meet fellow amputees and discuss common problems.
