Need a helping hand?

Our call for volunteers for the Community Networks/LINK Family Support Programme has had a great response, and we’re now sending an open invitation to local parents of tamariki who could use a little extra support to reach out to us.

Parenting can be a real challenge, and we know that family wellbeing and support are important issues in our community. You might be a single parent; a new parent; a parent of multiple children; a migrant; or someone whose family are far away. You might need help with the washing; the shopping; someone to hold the baby while you have lunch; or just to listen to you vent and put the kettle on.

The Family Support Programme is a voluntary service coordinated by Community Networks/LINK that offers practical support to parents of pre-school age children in the Upper Clutha. Volunteers are there to support your family’s wellbeing in your home for a minimum of six weeks, providing confidential and non-judgemental support.

They can help in many ways, from companionship and general conversation to day-to-day household tasks like vacuuming or hanging out the washing or accompanying you to appointments. They can’t offer help with errands or maintenance work – but if you need some one-off deep cleaning, repairing or gardening done, take a look at the community days provided by Wānaka New Life Church. They hold working bees three times per year, with the first of 2022 on April 2nd. Get in touch with Yvonne Godfrey, Community Days Coordinator on 027 249 5444 or ygodfreynz@gmail.com.

For more information or to register your interest in the Family Support Programme, email familysupport@communitynetworks.co.nz or call 03 443 7799.