Resources for parents/caregivers
Parents and caregivers looking for advice and support for their children might find the following organisations helpful.
Some are based in Auckland but many are national.
Organisations are listed under subject headings.
Some of these organisation’s websites link to other useful sites and organisations that may give you more information.
Please help us keep this parent resource list up-to-date; contact Julie Moore Julie@fyd.org.nz with any changes in details or if you are involved with or know of other organisations that provide help, information, advice or support to parents.
WORK PREPARATION AND TRAINING
Forward Focus provides work preparation and training courses for young people. A range of topics are covered including obtaining a drivers licence, and developing skills that prepare young people for work.
Individual mentoring, work experience, work placement and support once a person is in work are also offered.
For further information please contact:
Forward Focus
Phone: (07) 848 1629.
Address: 38 Primrose Street, Hamilton
MENTORING
Big Brothers Big sisters
Looking to expand throughout New Zealand, Big Brothers Big Sisters is designed to provide young people with trustworthy adults who will listen, take an interest in them and be there in times of need.
BBBS New Zealand can be contacted on 03 545 9864 or email bbbsnelson@xtra.co.nz
Big Buddy
This programme matches well-screened male mentors with fatherless boys.
The programme currently covers the Auckland region, and will expand to cover the upper North Island. Please note that this is a preventative programme.
http://www.bigbuddy.org.nz/default.aspx
Ph: 09 838 4448
Email: info@bigbuddy.org.nz
Mail: PO Box 21 963, Henderson, Auckland
Physical address: 11 Edmonton Road, Henderson, Auckland
Buddy Programme
The Buddy Programme is a preventative mentoring programme for children between the ages of 4 and 12 who are in need of additional adult support.
Buddy Programmes are available in:
Dunedin, Oamaru, Balclutha, Central Otago, Tapanui and Palmerston
Contact (Presbyterian Support Administration)
Postal Address PO Box 374, Dunedin.
Street Address
407 Moray Place
Dunedin
Ph: (03) 477 7115
Fax: (03) 479 2020
Email: psotago@psotago.org.nz
ADVENTURE AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Discovery
Discovery is a positive, high-energy programme filled with excitement, challenges and fun. It provides an opportunity for participants to explore their untapped potential. The course is a seven-day residential life skills course for 14-18 year olds led by a team of professional educators. The last day of the programme includes a parent workshop giving the parents an overview of their teenagers' Discovery experience and a chance to explore parenting and relating to their teens.
The course costs $2250.00 (there are discounts for early payment that can reduce costs to $1650.00)
Also, help with cost may be available on application to Global Youth
http://www.globalyouth.co.nz
09 376 8267
Free phone: 0800 493 968
info@globalyouth.co.nz
Outward Bound
Outward Bound uses an incredible learning environment to aid social and emotional learning, the foundations of personal development.
The challenges on a course are physical, mental and emotional.
Sponsorship and scholarships are available, see website
http://www.outwardbound.co.nz/7.0.html
Among the courses available are:
Leaps & Bounds
Leaps & Bounds is a unique opportunity for young people (age 13 - 16 years) and their parents or caregivers to learn about themselves and each other. http://www.outwardbound.co.nz/75.0.html
Mind, Body & Soul
Mind, Body & Soul is a three week course for young people. This course is designed to equip 16-18 year olds with the life skills, attitudes and motivation that will help them in their transition towards independence and interdependence.
Call Outward Bound on 08000 OUTWARD (0800 688 927)
Email Margaret Woods at mwoods@outwardbound.co.nz
Sir Edmund Hillary OPC
As New Zealand’s leading provider of outdoor education to secondary schools, the OPC vision is to provide education using outdoor pursuits to New Zealanders.
OPC offers a variety of courses for youth ranging from their most popular course, the Youth Adventure Challenge to their Summit Leadership and youth skills courses. Many of these courses are programmed to run during the School Holidays so that individuals from around the country can come to OPC to have awesome adventures.
All their youth courses are carefully programmed to meet the needs of youth. Instructors are experienced, skilled and enthusiastic. They aim to provide safe experiences in exciting environments that makes learning challenging and enjoyable.
OPC has a ‘Challenge by Choice’ philosophy; participants will not be forced to do activities, rather they will be placed in a supportive environment and encouraged to give new things a try. Mailing address: OPC, private Bag 37, Turangi
Email: opc@opc.org.nz
Ph: (07) 386 5511
Freephone: 0800 OUT THERE
0800 688 843
Fax: (07) 386 0204
http://www.opc.org.nz/youth/youth.asp
Spirit of Adventure Trust
The Spirit programme facilitates opportunities for young people to discover things about themselves and those around them. Any young person aged between 15 - 19 years may apply for a voyage, either by applying through their school or by contacting the programme direct, or by being nominated by a member of the Trust.
The Emphasis of the Youth Development Programme is on team work, leadership, independence, problem solving, motivation, public speaking, self confidence, community spirit, self esteem and over coming challenges.
The sailing schedule includes all major ports in New Zealand at some stage. The activities vary, usually there will be both land and water based activities for teams and individuals. The voyage qualifies for Young New Zealanders Challenge (Duke of Edinburgh Award) Gold Residential Project.
The full cost of a voyage is $1600.00 but the Trust subsidises each trainee by $600 so that the actual fee payable by the trainees is $1000.The Trust pays for travel to and from the ship for those who live outside of 150km from the port of departure or arrival. Method of travel will be the most economical.
Mailing address: Spirit of Adventure Trust, PO box 2276, Auckland
Email: info@spiritofadventure.org.nz
Ph: (09) 373 2060
Fax: (09) 379 5620
http://www.spiritofadventure.org.nz/
Raise up n Represent
Raise up is a youth programme for 13 to 18 year olds that has been designed to give youth a safe and healthy environment in which to relax, socialise and achieve their goals. The aim is to support youth in being physically fit, to encourage personal ownership and leadership, and to foster a sense of pride and respect for themselves, and the communities in which they live.
Website: http://www.ymca.org.nz/
Auckland - http://www.nzymca.com/kids/youth.php
Shona Ballinger@nzymca.com
Ph: 09 303 5058
Or contact closest YMCA
Tracks/Tides
Tracks specialises in organising events that are a 'Rite of Passage' for boys becoming young men, and
'Tides' specialises in 'Rites of Passage' for girls becoming young women. Events aim to encourage all young people, instill positive values, increase self esteem and help develop visions for the future. Ongoing access is provided to a supportive community of peers, role models and mentors.
Tracks Trust
172 Rangiheaeta Rd
Takaka 7171
Nelson
Ph: Adge 03 525 8778 or Jim 03 525 9641
Fax: (03) 525 8228
COMMUNITY HELPLINE
211 Community Helpline
Family services link, a really useful government service to access community help
0800 211 211 - The 211 Community Helpline is a free, confidential service that connects people to a wide range of community services and information.
The 211 Community Helpline is:
- Open seven days a week from 8am to 9pm.
- Provides an easy central point of contact where New Zealanders can access resources for families and communities
- A partnership between government and the community
http://www.familyservices.govt.nz/
DRINK AND DRUGS
Drug and Alcohol - Alateen
Provides meetings on a daily basis for those whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. Provides a group for teens called Alateen, principally for young people aged 13-17 years
Phone: 09 309 4792
AUTISM
Autism New Zealand including Aspergers and related disorders
Autism New Zealand Inc. provides support, training, advocacy, resources and information on autism spectrum disorders including Asperger syndrome. Our members include those who have these conditions, their family/whanau, caregivers and professionals working with them. Local Branches: Auckland Address: 30 Panama Road, Mt Wellington, Auckland Phone: (09) 276 1396 Fax: (09) 276 8790 Email: Auckland@autismnz.org.nz POSTAL ADDRESS P O Box 22275, Otahuhu, Auckland http://www.autismnz.org.nz/branch.php?id=2
SPECIAL NEEDS
Parent to Parent
Parent to Parent is a support and information network for parents of children with special needs. Support is provided voluntarily by Trained Support Parents who have a child with the same or similar needs.
Parent to Parent provides information and emotional support to families who have a child with a disability, special need or health impairment.
There are more than 3600 different conditions covered by the service, ranging from the very common through to the rarest condition. By contacting Parent to Parent, families can access written information relating to their child's condition, and also receive emotional support through talking with a trained volunteer Support Parent who knows and understands from personal experience the challenges, frustrations and special joy that comes from parenting a child with special needs
Their services are free to families
http://www.parent2parent.org.nz/start.htm
National office:
Ph: 07-853 8491
Fax: 07-853 8491
TOLL-FREE: 0508 236 236
Email national@parent2parent.org.nz
Mail Address: PO Box 234 Waikato Mail Centre
Foetal Alcohol Syndrome
The ABC's of FAS/FAE: Teacher's Guide and Resource Booklet
http://www.lcsc.edu/education/fas/#DefFAS
MENTAL HEALTH
Headspace
Headspace is a community resource. It is aimed at providing good information about mental health and illness for young people, their family/whanau and their schools. Headspace.org.nz It is a website for young people in Auckland and all over New Zealand, as well as their families and schools. It provides information about a range of difficulties a young person may be experiencing.
The website has pages on lots of things like depression, anxiety and stress, as well as lots of tips and ideas of ways to deal with stressful times.
Some of the pages are aimed at young people in Auckland but most of the site is for everyone. On all the pages you will also find links to other sites that can give you more good information.
http://www.headspace.org.nz/family-whanau/getting-help.htm
INTERNET SAFETY
Netsafe: The internet safety group
NetSafe, the programme of New Zealand's Internet Safety Group (ISG), is cybersafety education for all New Zealanders - children, parents, schools, community organisations and businesses. The ISG has been designated the Ministry of Education's 'agent of choice' for cybersafety education in New Zealand.
The Internet Safety Group of New Zealand service, it is not 24-hour; however, if you do not reach them directly, they will get back to you as soon possible. All queries are confidential. If they don't know the answer to your query, they will use all of their networks to try and get the information you need.
http://www.netsafe.org.nz/home/home_default.aspx
Office line: 09 362 0971
Fax: 09 362 0972.
You can also call toll free from anywhere in New Zealand: 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723)
Email: queries@netsafe.org.nz
Postal address: The Internet Safety Group, PO Box 105-817, Auckland.
See also - Young Adults and the Net
http://www.netsafe.org.nz/interviews/interviews_nathan.aspx
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
Performance net
Based in Auckland, this is a private company that offers regular weekly classes in drama and dance for young people through to adults which lead to professional productions, and offer school holiday programmes.
http://www.theperformance.net/
Free phone 0508737367
PARENTING SUPPORT
Kiwi Families
www.kiwifamilies.co.nz provides one of New Zealand's largest and most comprehensive free information websites for NZ parents. Kiwi Families' mission is to save other parents time, effort and frustration in searching for good quality parent-related information, including an extensive Support Groups Section.
Contact:
Phone: 07 543 4609
Website: www.kiwifamilies.co.nz
Parent and Family Resource Centre
The Parent and Family Resource Centre (PFRC) offers support, information and advocacy for parents and families/whanau with disabled and special needs children or young people.
Contact:
Ph: 09 636 0351
Fax: (09) 636-0354
Email: welcome@parentandfamily.org.nz
http://www.parentandfamily.org.nz/
Physical Address: Corner of Spring and Princes Streets
Onehunga
Auckland.
Post: PO Box 13-385, Onehunga, Auckland, New Zealand
NZ Support Groups
Over 80 listings of health and disability support groups in New Zealand
http://www.everybody.co.nz/page-b4a80586-d473-4dc2-abfd-4299b53a3853.aspx
Youthline
Youthline provides support for parents that includes:
A dedicated email service that connects parents with trained youth counsellors, experienced in parenting and working with young people.
Email: parenttalk@youthline.co.nz
Online information sheets for parents on topics such as alcohol, sex, risk taking behaviours, family dynamics and a sheet titled 'youth advice to parents'.
Will be running parenting courses, and parents are encouraged to ring the youth helpline for parenting support.
Web: http://www.youthline.co.nz
Ph: 0800 376633
Toughlove
TOUGHLOVE is a loving solution for families that are being torn apart by this unacceptable behaviour. TOUGHLOVE is a non-profit, self-help organisation that provides ongoing education and active support to families, empowering parents and young people to accept responsibility for their actions and stop destructive behaviours.
A TOUGHLOVE parent support group will give you 24/7 support if you want it, giving parents confidence to cope with unacceptable adolescent behaviour
http://www.toughlove.org.nz/
Ph: 09 624 4363
REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT
RMS Refugee Resettlement
New Zealand’s leading refugee resettlement agency. They support and work alongside refugees who are restarting their lives in New Zealand. Assisted by cross cultural workers, social workers and trained community volunteers
Have offices around the country.
National Office
P O Box 11 236
Wellington
Ph: 04 471 1932
Fax: 04 471 1938
Email: info@rms.org.nz
http://www.rms.org.nz/
CHANGE, LOSS & GRIEF
Skylight
skylight, currently operating in Auckland schools, provides a national support service for New Zealand children and young people who are experiencing change, loss and grief - whatever its cause. Supporting those caring for them - their families, whanau, friends, professionals and community volunteers, skylight helps them to find ways to live with life's losses, to build on their resilience, and to move forward.
http://www.skylight.org.nz/
Email: info@skylight-trust.org.nz
Write: P O Box 7309, Wellington South, New Zealand
Phone: 04 939 6767
Freephone: 0800 299 100 (this is not a crisis or 24 hour helpline)
Fax: 04 939 4759
Visit: Welcomes visitors during business hours Monday – Friday, but it's a good idea to phone us first so we can be ready to welcome you. You can find our offices on the corner of Green St. and Riddiford St, 2nd floor of the National Bank Building, 143-145 Riddiford Street in Newtown, Wellington South. We are right near the main Newtown bus stops.
The TRAVELLERS Progamme (operates in Wellington region) is an innovative support group programme for young people in Year 9 to learn skills to cope with change, loss and transition
For further information please contact:
Bice Awan
skylight
0800 299 100
04 939 6759
ce@skylight-trust.org.nz
PO Box 7309, Wellington South, New Zealand.
YOUTH COUNSELLING
Youthline
A valuable source of information for youth issues, Youthline also offer a counselling service both in person and by telephone (individual and family therapy) and self-development programmes.
Youth help line: 0800 37 66 33
Mailing address Youthline House
13 Maidstone Street
Ponsonby, AKL
Office tel: (09) 376 6645
e-mail youthline@youthline.co.nz
Also check out: http://www.youthonline.org.nz/Main/mainframe.htm
SCHOOL PROGRAMMES
Your child’s school may run or be interested in starting up one of these programmes.
Child Development Foundation
Reaching forward, 7-10 years, Aim is to enhance the social development of young people & to build self esteem.
http://www.reachingcdf.org.nz/main/reaching_forward.htm
Peer Pressure, Resource pack, aim is to challenge children to think clearly and critically about the positive and negative influences of peer pressure. http://www.reachingcdf.org.nz/main/resourcekit/reskits.asp
Also have guides (old stock) available that can be sent to individuals on request (requires small cost to cover postage)
Website: www.rechingcdf.org.nz
Ph: 520 6512
0800 438 233
No Bully
Helpline information and guidelines for Kids, teachers and parents
http://www.police.govt.nz/service/yes/nobully/index.html
Also - see Kia-Kaha a whole school approach to eliminate bullying. It aims to help schools create environments where everyone feels safe, respected and valued, and where bullying cannot flourish. This intervention consists of an Implementation Book ‘Kia Kaha in Your School’ — a working booklet, (one for primary and one for secondary) which gives a step-by-step guide to putting the whole school approach in place, and four curriculum programmes.
Skills for Living - School programmes
Resources span the ages 5 through to 19 and aim to help children and young people develop positive behaviours such as self-discipline, good judgment, responsibility and the ability to communicate effectively and to resolve conflicts peacefully.
You may be able to get your school interested in running one of these programmes – If so the school should contact Skills for living at:
http://www.lions-quest.org.nz/
Programmes, Skills for growing 5-10 year olds
Skills for adolescence 10-14 year olds
Skills for action 14 years >
Enquiries for Auckland
Pat Haskell
Telephone 09 837 3688
pathaskell@xtra.co.nz
Project K
Project K is a Foundation for Youth Development programme.
A youth development programme designed to inspire 13 – 15-year-olds to reach their potential through building self-confidence, promoting good health and education and teaching life skills such as goal setting and teamwork.
Community driven, there are local trusts throughout the country. This programme is offered through participating schools
Project K National Support Office
Postal address Private Box 303 287, North Harbour, Auckland
Ph: 09 476 7026
Or 0800 HELPPK
0800 435775
Email office@projectk.org.nz
http://projectk.org
Stars
Stars is a Foundation for Youth Development programme for all Year 9 students in a participating school.
In this programme teachers are Group Leaders and senior students are trained to be Peer Mentors.
Stars is delivered by community licensees who are authorised to do so by The Foundation for Youth Development.
For more information see http://www.stars.org.nz
Kiwi Can
Kiwi Can is a life skills and values programme for Year 1-Year 8 students. It is run in primary and intermediate schools across New Zealand. Its aim is to help build children’s self-esteem towards a positive future by helping them to:
- become more confident
- respect themselves and others
- be better prepared to handle the challenges and opportunities that life will offer them
For more information see http://www.kiwican.org.nz