Parenting isn’t easy
This month at Community Networks/LINK, we’re highlighting our Family Support Programme, a voluntary service offering free support to parents of pre-school age children in the Upper Clutha.
We know that parenting can be a real challenge, especially in our community where many are without family support. If you’re a new parent or a parent of young children, there are many ways to get a little extra support. Just a few of the organisations available locally are highlighted below.
Precious Beginnings is a free postpartum and parenting programme available to parents of a new baby 12 weeks and younger. Precious Beginnings offers a space for parents to experience a warm and supportive environment where they can connect with other parents in the same season of life. Through conversations and activities, parents will continue to develop their own understandings and gain trust in their parenting intuition.
The Central Lakes Breastfeeding Charitable Trust leads and supports initiatives in our community that protect, promote and enable a positive breastfeeding experience for families. Along with great resources on their website, they also operate the Wanaka Well, a drop-in support group for mums at any stage in their breastfeeding journey – during pregnancy, after birth, when returning to work, or during the weaning stages of parenthood. For support, a cup of tea or to discuss your journey in a safe space, drop into the Plunket Rooms on Ardmore Street between 10:00am and 12:00pm on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month. There are always knowledgeable peer supporters on hand as well lactation consultants who can help with any technical concerns. If you would like some immediate support or to talk through any problems, message the Wanaka Well on Facebook or call the Peer Support line on 0800 560 650.
Health Improvement Practitioners are health professionals with experience in mental health available for free, on-the-day appointments at your medical centre. They can support clients of any age with their mental or physical wellbeing, helping them leave with a plan to start to build-up their wellbeing, or a referral to another service if necessary.
Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group is focused on improving mental wellbeing and building resilience in our community, working to build awareness of available local services, connect people with the support they may need and help them to stay well. There are many helpful resources available on their website and Facebook page.
If you need more hands-on support, get in touch with our Community Networks/LINK Social Worker, Heather Clay, by calling 03 443 7799. Heather can help you work through your challenges and connect you to the best long-term support for you if needed. You can also find a list of Counselling and Mental Health services and mental health FAQs on our website.
Community Networks/LINK, your one-stop community support and connection centre.