Parent to Parent Magazine Summer 2015

parent to Parent MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2015

no exceptions inclusive sport halberg disability sport foundation offers primary schools no exceptions training

verbal diversity voice thru your hands believe communication is a right

all for one in southland parent to parent southland’s collaborative approach

waikato gets the good stuff information sessions across the region preparing families for enabling good lives

Parent to Parent New Zealand is a nationwide not-for-profit organisation that believes in the value of families supporting families when parenting a child with a disability or heath impairment.

Parent to Parent’s services are free and confidential, and available nationwide through our network of 11 branches and our national office.

Get in touch with your nearest branch if you are interested in: • • • •

Being connected with a Support Parent Information on a condition Attending a workshop Your children benefiting from Sibling Support

Welcome

Welcome to the first issue of Parent to Parent Magazine for 2015. I hope your family had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. My family and I were fortunate enough to spend some time in the beautiful Marlborough sounds over the break, in a little bach accessible only by water - the lack of internet and cellphone reception really helped to get us into relaxation mode very quickly!

This coming year is going to be another year of exciting change and innovation for Parent to Parent and the disability sector as a whole. The Enabling Good Lives demonstration in the Waikato starts in July, and Parent to Parent are hosting a number of information sessions called ‘The Good Stuff’ around the region. These information sessions will feature family speakers who will share the successes their families have achieved using new approaches to disability support.

Speakers from the government agencies administering the Enabling Good Lives demonstration will also be talking about how this approach works, and can answer any questions you have.

Anne Wilkinson Chief Executive Board Members: Helen Johnson (P), Martin Gallagher (VP), Susan Warrington, Peter Campbell, Andrea Lee, Jim Craig.

Patron: Rob Hamill Life Members: Heather Alford, Linda Davies, Sally Duncan, Ian Evans, Janice Gordon, Helen Henderson, Ray Murray, Gwen Sadler, Shirley Wass, Russell Wilkinson, Christine Zander, Tariana Turia.

Parent to Parent is continuing the social change work we have been undertaking in 2014 using funding from the Ministry of Social Developments ‘Think Differently’ campaign. This work has been done in partnership with SAMS and Imagine Better. This year we hope to host six of our popular ‘Renew’ workshops, and two ‘Second Generation’ workshops.

The demand for our core services of connecting parents and providing quality information continues to grow, and January was a record month for the information and support team. It is reassuring to know that families are recognising the value of our services, and we are pleased to be able to support families to create good lives for their family members.

I hope you enjoy the summer issue of Parent to Parent Magazine. Ka kite ano.

In this issue 10

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NORTHLAND SIBLING FUN DAY Parent to Parent Northland give 15 kids a fantastic day out

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otago kids form group Siblings in Otago have started their own informal support group

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waikato gets the good stuff A series of information days for Waikato families share the possibilities of EGL

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the support parent connection Lisa Matthews shares how a Support Parent connection helped her

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verbal diversity Voice Thru Your Hands is promoting the use of sign language and visual communication

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no exceptions sport The Halberg Foundation offers a new training to make sport absolutely inclusive

@

contact us

www

read online

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Parent to Parent Southland embraces collboration

national@parent2parent. org.nz

parenttoparent.org.nz

facebook @parent2parentnz

instagram @parenttoparentnz

free phone 0508 236 236

all for one in southland

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events diary

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parent to parent library Parent to Parent offers a free library with titles selected especially for families.

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renew workshop A workshop for parents and caregivers that focuses on positive outcomes.

Parent to Parent New Zealand Inc. PO Box 234 Hamilton 3240 The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Parent to Parent New Zealand Inc. Front cover: Mia Rennie Photo supplied by Halberg Disability Sport Foundation.

The kids getting ready for a game of laser maze - one father who attended quickly became their number one target!

Photo: Lynne Hansen

Northland sibling fun day by matthew pryor Parent to Parent Northland organised a ‘Sibling Parent to Parent SibSupport programme, which is Fun Day’ at the beginning of December 2014, a programme especially for kids aged 8 - 18 who where 15 kids from the region got together for have a brother or sister with a disability. a fun-filled day of activities especially for them.

“It’s a really important programme, not just for the The day started out the Whangarei Laser Maze kids, but for the parents too” said Hansen. “The and Bowling centre, where the group was divided parents were really grateful to Parent to Parent for into two teams - from this point it was all on! One providing a fun day out - one parent said to me of the fathers who attended the day was roped that that the kids really need it.” into playing a game of laser maze and the kids “The kids know it’s all about them. It’s a day for very quickly made him the target. them to have time out, to have a laugh, and make After laser maze the group made their way on foot some friends.” to the Whangarei town basin for a pizza lunch. The kids played games in the sunshine vying for the The SibSupport programme features many giveaways that were on offer, while others interactive workshops where siblings can share feelings and discuss their siblings with enjoyed sprawling on blankets in the grass. other kids who are in the same situation.

Parent to Parent Northland Coordinator Lynne These are offered as a one day workshop, Hansen said “it was a really cool day, and I had and a weekend camp. Contact your local one girl tell me it was the best day ever.” Lynne branch if your child would like to attend. feels this comment validates the importance of the 4

PARENT TO PARENT MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2015

Siblings supporting eachother

by matthew pryor Parent to Parent Otago regional coordinator has a long list of activities they want to do which Sheryl Davies knows the benefits of the include sports days, horse treks, mountain biking, SibSupport Programme, after meeting kids and swimming, baking, archery and touring Larnarch parents after the Otago/Southland SibCamp Castle. While the main draw card of the group held in Gore in 2012. will be the activities, the group will most benefit “Speaking to the parents and the kids after the from the peer support they can offer each other. camp, I really began to appreciate how much Sheryl says “spending time with other kids who this programme is valued by both the kids and have a brother or sister with a disability shows parents” says Sheryl. “It provides a special time kids that their situations aren’t unique, and they’re just for the siblings, where they are the centre not alone – this is the philosophy behind the of attention, get to try new activities, and form SibSupport programme.” great friendships.”

“The SibCamps are held once every two years, and the kids love it so much they didn’t want to wait that long to see eachother. We thought they would enjoy an informal sibling group which would meet between camps.”

A questionnaire was circulated among the Parent to Parent families in Otago to find out what the kids wanted to do with their group. Sheryl says “the responses that came back were very positive, and indicated that the kids and parents really wanted the group, so I set about getting them together.”

Parent to Parent Otago are currently in the process of organising the first Sibling Group activity for term one, and would love more siblings to come along and enjoy the fun.

If you’re in the Otago region and your child would like to join the Otago Sibling’s group, contact Parent to Parent Otago toll free 0508 236 236, or email otago@parent2parent.org.nz.

The group, currently consisting of eight kids met in December for a Christmas-themed day.

They created Christmas presents and treats before spending some time talking about how they wanted their group to operate.

“The end result was the group want to get together once a term, and do an activity that they have never done before, or don’t get an opportunity to do very often.”

The

group

now

Photo: Sheryl Davies

PARENT TO PARENT MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2015

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waikato gets the

by glenn lambert-vickers The Enabling Good Lives (EGL) approach to supporting people with disabilities is coming to the Waikato region from July 2015. Parent to Parent is facilitating ‘The Good Stuff’ information sessions where families can learn more about how the EGL approach can help their family member.

Enabling Good Lives is currently being demonstrated in Christchurch and the Waikato demonstration is another phase in exploring this approach to disability support.

The ‘Good Stuff’ sessions spotlight the experiences of families who are using new approaches and how this has helped them achieve good stuff for their family member.

Enabling Good Lives is a partnership between the disability sector and government agencies, aimed at transforming the way disabled people and their families are supported to live everyday lives.

Minister for Disability Issues Nicky Wagner says the Waikato demonstration of Enabling Good Lives will give more disabled people in the region choice and control over the support they receive to achieve an everyday life.

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Good Stuff

The sessions also feature speakers who are working on the demonstration at government level. The speakers will talk about their experiences with EGL, and can answer any queries families may have about the approach.

Debbie Davidson (left), Parent to Parent’s Family and Community Development Coordinator, is coordinating the ‘Good Stuff’ sessions. Debbie’s extensive experience in a variety of roles in the sector including education, service provision, employment, new models and concept rollouts, provide an ideal skill basis for the role.

Debbie loves her role working alongside families and people with disabilities, helping to ensure that people know what is available and happening in the sector. Working with Parent to Parent is “great because its relationship based” Debbie says, “I love focusing on community networking and building relationships.”

Good Stuff sessions will be held in Matamata on 14th February 2015, Taumarunui on 18th March 2015, and Paeroa on 14 April 2015.

Hamilton will be announced soon. To register for any event, contact Parent to Parent.

PARENT TO PARENT MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2015

the support parent

Connection by matthew pryor

Lisa Matthews is a mum to two beautiful girls; 14 year old Laylah, and 10 year old Chloe who has Asperger syndrome. The family lives in Dunedin, and love to spend quality family time together at the beautiful Otago beaches.

Before she received her support call, Lisa would feel anxious taking Chloe out. She worried that people would judge Chloe for the way she behaves. She now knows that some people will pass judgment, but she also knows that these are “Chloe is a friendly, talkative girl who is keen the people who don’t know the full story. “I have on photography,” says Lisa. Since receiving become a much stronger parent. I know that I am a camera for Christmas, Chloe has been fine doing the best I can, and I love my girls more than tuning her photographer’s eye by taking shots anything else in the world.” of the beautiful Otago rouged sunsets. “Chloe Lisa hopes to ingrain a passion for learning in loves beaches and crafts, so her daughters, and believes photography is an interest that learning is a life long of hers that I am really keen process. “My girls and I are “I have become a much to extend.” stronger parent. I know that going to make many positive family memories. I hope to go When Chloe was first I am doing the best I can, on camping holidays, and try diagnosed with Asperger and I love my girls more than new outdoor adventures.” syndrome, Lisa felt a mixture of both relief and grief.

anything else in the world.”

Lisa plans to participate in a ‘Growing Up with Autism’ “Knowing the reasons behind course this year, and broaden some of her behavior was her contacts with other parents great, but it made me sad thinking that her life who are in a similar situation. “I am passionately might be unpredictable,” says Lisa. supportive of my girls taking advantage of every “After Chloe was diagnosed, her father and I opportunity that comes their way.” ended our 16 year long relationship, and I became a solo parent. The girls now have step siblings and a twin half brother and sister. This has been a Connecting parents with a Support Parent lot for Chloe to take on board.” is the core service that Parent to Parent One of Lisa’s good friends told Lisa about Parent provides. We search our database of 600 to Parent. “One day I was having a really hard time, trained Support Parents, and connect you and I reached out to her for support. She pointed with the perfect Support Parent who has me in the direction of Parent to Parent, which I am similar experiences to you. now really grateful for.”

“My first support call from a Support Parent was fantastic! She was so caring, non-judgmental, and gave me some great advice.” Lisa felt able to freely vent about her daily challenges to another parent who truly understood how she felt. “After the support call, I felt like a weight had been lifted.

I was able to see the bright side again.”

This Support Parent will then phone you, and offer you a listening ear, and advice and wisdom from someone with lived experience.

If you would like to be connected with a Support Parent, contact Parent to Parent today. Our service is free and confidential.

PARENT TO PARENT MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2015

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the attribute of

Verbal Diversity by nicolina newcombe

“Communication is a right not a privilege” says Alison (Ally) Attwell, founder of Voice Thru Your Hands.

Voice Thru Your Hands (VTYH) is a parent run organisation. It supports every person to find their own voice through fostering the use of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) and/or visual communication. Ally is an advocate for anyone who has verbal diversity, which she says is an attribute not a disability.

was non-verbal but she was communicating fine with us.”

From humble beginnings Ally dedicated herself to setting up VTYH full time. An effort which, being voluntary for five years, has just gained her a Queens Service Award for services to speech impairment.

“First I met with Deaf Aotearoa and they were receptive. I then met some people that said I could set up my own organisation and I thought VTYH shows how NZSL improves communication ‘yeah whatever, I can’t do that.’ But I googled, for everyone, from people with a wide range researched and looked at different things and of conditions for whom a visual language just I talked to a lot of people. In 2007, VTYH was works better, to increasing attentiveness in launched and we are still going strong” said Ally. school children.

If we all Ally is dyslexic herself and says New Zealand Sign Language use the same language, learning a visual language “improves communication for we can communicate with everyone, from people with a wide was really helpful. Now she more people. has a Bachelor of Arts in range of conditions for whom a Ally has an 14 year old visual language just works better, to Linguistics and graduates in daughter Tarryn, who has increasing attentiveness in school April with a Graduate Diploma Down syndrome.

Tarryn in Teaching (Early Childhood children. If we all use the same has delayed speech and language, we can communicate with Education). communicates through NZSL. more people.”

Through her studies, Ally One day Ally was watching has found a lot of evidence television and saw another family going through the to back up what she has been saying all along. same thing she was, struggling to get recognition Researchers such as Reggio Emila and Carlina and support for the language that their child uses. Rinaldi tell us that children are born ready “I was watching a TV program about a young boy to communicate. with scull deformities and a high clef pallet going to kindy for the first time. His parents had to go into the kindy too, which was a lot of work for the parents. Then, the speech language therapist from Starship Hospital went on national TV and said that you ‘need spoken language to communicate.’

The organisation has met with immense demand for their four hour ‘Let’s Listen’ workshops, and their two hour professional development ‘Assisting Communication and Enabling Support’ program.

“We are about making it easier for families and professionals to understand the importance of I stood up and started yelling at the TV screen. My NZSL. We break down barriers and show them husband said to me, ‘you know honey that they that it is not that hard to start using NZSL, it is can’t hear you.’ That upset me enough to start quite easy. Some people will only ever need basic doing something about it, because my daughter communication, and we show people that they 8

PARENT TO PARENT MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2015

have a broad base of communication already,” said Ally.

The professional development course is useful for all professionals like teachers and dentists, through to the business sector.

“I thought I was setting up a very tiny organisation that was just going to be a thorn in people’s sides.

Now we are launching nationwide,” said Ally.

“It has been hard yakka to get people to understand the importance of communication, but we just keep getting in people’s faces,” said Ally.

The arc is bending, and a 2013 a report from the Human Rights Commission ‘A New Era in the Right to Sign’ includes “hearing people with communication difficulties” in its scope. The report says “international research highlights the benefits of providing sign language learning and teaching for hearing disabled children, including children with autism, Down syndrome and learning disabilities” (p. 29).

Ally has provided 52 ‘Let’s Listen’ workshops with funding from Think Differently. These have now grown to take on a life of their own, with success stories coming out of each one.

tears and said it was the first time anyone has been able to communicate with her in a medical setting” Ally relays.

“In schools one teacher aid told me that she had passed on what she had learned at a ‘Let’s Listen’ workshop, to the mum of a child with high needs.

They decided to start with just one sign. They taught this child the sign for lunch and they said that once they started using that sign at home and at school his behaviours diminished significantly.”

Debbie – Teacher Aid Russel Street School.

Using visual communication benefits everyone, especially those with verbal diversity.

“It is definitely important for teachers to use NZSL if they have one child with verbal diversity in their class, but at the same time all the other 28 children will benefit from it. Glue ear and noisy classrooms are very common in schools, and when teachers use NZSL it trains children to look at the teacher and be more attentive” said Ally. VTYH is about making the community more inclusive.

To find out more about Voice Thru Your Hands visit www.voicethruyourhands.org.nz or find them on Facebook

“I got told of a story a deaf person who came into the Emergency Department and she was seen by some people who had been on my course. They ran to get their hand-outs and were able to use those to ask her name, book an interpreter, and make her feel at home.

She burst into

PARENT TO PARENT MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2015

The VTYH team and Ally (far right) at the Palmerston North summer concert in the square.

Photo: Ally Attwell.

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Sport for all ...no exceptions by nicolina newcombe There are no exceptions for anyone, regardless The school is now able to identify student needs of their abilities, to be able to be involved in the when they book training online so that the trainers sports of their choice. can come ready with examples that the teachers That is why the Halberg Disability Sport can relate to and use straight away. Halberg NET Foundation, which aims to enhance the lives of helps teachers teach physical activity regardless physically disabled New Zealanders through sport of the level of ability of any child in their class. and recreation, developed No Exceptions Training (NET). A Halberg NET is a training course giving organisations the tools and confidence to deliver sport and recreation activities that are accessible for everyone.

A physically disabled child may actually be among the stronger students in the class.

Halberg NET uses a process called STEP which stands for space, task, equipment, and people.

The process looks at how one or more of the Halberg NET is available STEP elements can be for any organisation but In the past disabled children sat changed so that everyone the Foundation identified on the side-lines or were given a can join in.

“In the past different task to do, but Halberg that primary schools are an many disabled children sat important target group for No Exceptions Training ensures on the side-lines or were the training programme. given a different task to do,” that all children can do Primary school teachers says National Manager Nicki the same activity. get limited instruction on Turner, but a Halberg NET physical activity within their ensures that all children can training and scant professional development on do the same activity. For example when playing the subject. Unlike at secondary schools, there cricket it might be easier for a child who is visually are generally no specialist physical education impaired if the class uses a ball with a bell in it or a teachers onsite. “Disabled young people often softer ball but they are still playing cricket. need more of an emphasis on physical activity in Another example is playing seated sports like their early years, otherwise they can get behind seated volleyball: all children in the class are pretty quickly,” says Halberg Foundation National seated and the net is lowered so that everyone Manager Nicki Turner. plays the same game. It is still volleyball but the The Foundation has partnered with Thinking space and the equipment have been changed.

Differently to tailor Halberg NET to different Halberg NET promotes flexibility and variation audiences, starting with primary school teachers. within sports.

The Halberg NET training for primary school teachers is now shorter and more practical. It has been piloted with a number of schools to rave reviews.

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PARENT TO PARENT MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2015

Photo: Halbery Disability Support Foundation

As part of Halberg NET participants will have teacher awareness and attitudes towards access to online resources to further develop disabled students. the opportunities at their school. The Foundation is currently developing these and they include The Foundation aims to reach over 4,000 videos, activity cards and a classification tool to people working in primary schools with their find sports that best suit students according to training. If you think your primary school could benefit from Halberg NET registration, their specific requirements.

Alongside the practical aspect of the more information can be found at training, Halberg NET also seeks to improve www.halbergallsports.co.nz/schools PARENT TO PARENT MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2015

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all for one in

Southland by nicolina newcombe

Supporting families is what matters most to Parent to Parent Southland Regional Coordinator MaryAnn Hughes.

in rural areas is crucial for MaryAnn because they can identify far flung families who don’t know about the support that Parent to Parent can offer Based at the Southland Community House in them. “It is all about getting our services out there Invercargill MaryAnn covers the greater Southland and making sure there is support when required.” and Queenstown Lakes areas.

MaryAnn loves to get people dropping into the Working out of the Community House alongside Community House. “They can come up to my other not-for-profit organisations has really office any time, it is very relaxed and I am very laid benefitted Southland families and Parent to Parent back. I like it to be casual and not clinical. I like families to feel welcome”. as an organisation.

There are 12 organisations in the Community Families can contact MaryAnn as little or as often House. “We are like a wee family, all supporting as they like. MaryAnn always does a follow up call each other and doing what we can for the after a family gets information or a Support Parent connection, and provides ongoing support by community” said MaryAnn. calling families as and when People can access a number required. of support organisations in MaryAnn loves to get people once place. Organisations The monthly email that dropping in to the Community can refer people on so that House...“They can come up to my MaryAnn puts together they have the right supports is worthwhile reading for office any time, it is very relaxed in all areas of their lives. and I am very laid back. I like it to be any Southland family living MaryAnn is clear about her casual and not clinical. I like families with disability. It has upto-date information about priority, “The work we do is to feel welcome”. what is happening in the all focused on supporting region, disability related or families. Each family is otherwise, lets people know different and likes to be supported differently.” about any training opportunities that are coming Another outcome of working together with other up, and keeps families abreast of any changes organisations is that MaryAnn has struck up a or new supports. For example, when the Nga carpooling system with coordinators from Autism Kete Matauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust in New Zealand and the Epilepsy Association Invercargill started offering low cost doctor’s visits, New Zealand. This helps to reduce the costs MaryAnn sent that out in her email and they got travelling around the extensive Southland region. inundated with requests from families.

Southland also boasts highly successful MaryAnn is Mum to 13 year old Bethany, who has interagency forums where around 80 Asperger syndrome. She says she has “empathy, organisations meet monthly at the Invercargill not sympathy” for families, and a passion for City Council. MaryAnn makes good links with “so children. She also loves walking with her dog many people in the Health and Disability sector” at every day, reading, gardening and catching up these meetings, particularly with rural community with friends over drinks and nibbles. workers. Getting to know people who are working 12

PARENT TO PARENT MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2015

“There are some amazing families in Southland that just get out there and do what they have to do.

I am very proud to be a part of the community here in Southland, it just blows me away” said MaryAnn. “I really truly love my job; the satisfaction of being there for families makes me happy. If I can help, even just a little bit, I am really happy to do that.”

Parent to Parent is based in Community House at 46 Kelvin Street Invercargill. MaryAnn encourages anyone who would like to know more about Parent to Parent or utilise our services to drop in during her office hours Monday to Thursday from 9am - 2:30pm.

You can also contact MaryAnn on 0508 236 236, southland@parent2parent.org.nz or find Parent to Parent Southland on Facebook.

MaryAnn has an ‘open door’ policy at Parent to Parent Southland, and loves it when families drop in for a chat.

MaryAnn and her committee love to organise events just for families. One of the favourites is family bowling days PARENT TO PARENT MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2015 at the SuperBowl Invercargill.

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events diary see what is happening in your region all parent to parent events are free

THE GOOD STUFF An information session for Waikato families which shares success stories of families using Enabling Good Lives approaches to support their family member.

14 Feb Dalton’s Plantation, Matamata 18 March Central Park Inn, Taumarunui 14 April Ohinemuri Estate, Paeroa RENEW A short workshop set in a tranquil venue that explores natural support networks, grief, family resilience and managing stress. Meet other parents in your area.

19 Feb Hollard Gardens, Kaponga, Taranaki 11 March Bushmere Estate, Gisborne 18 April A Place to Be, Napier SIBCAMP A weekend camp for kids aged 8-18 who have a brother or sister with a disability. Adventure activities and workshop sessions.

19-21 Feb Totara Springs, Waikato 12-15 March Camp Raukawa, Whanganui 20-22 March Peter Snell Youth Village, Auckland WILLS, TRUSTS & GUARDIANSHIP Community Law presents this free information session and answers your legal questions about wills, trusts and guardianship.

3 March (AM) Venue, Ashburton 3 March (PM) CCS, Timaru

NEGOTIATING WHAT I WANT SAMS presents a one-day workshop that will help to refine your communication and negotiation skills.

17 Feb Houston House, Hamilton 7 Mar Houston House, Hamilton 12 May Venue TBC, Hamilton

TO FIND OUT MORE OR TO REGISTER FOR THESE EVENTS AND OTHERS: WWW.PARENTTOPARENT.ORG.NZ • NATIONAL@PARENT2PARENT.ORG.NZ • 0508 236 236 14

PARENT TO PARENT MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2015

library

parent to parent’s library features titles that are useful for families and those supporting families. the service is free.

Parent to Parent has been building its library for a number of years. We seek out publications that will be useful or interesting to families raising a child with a disability, and professionals who support those families.

Over the past few months, Parent to Parent has been undertaking a project to make our library available to families via our website. Families and professionals are now able to search for titles, read a blurb about the publication, and request a title from the comfort of their home computer or tablet.

If you’re not comfortable with this online system, we still offer a hardcopy catalogue of titles, and we can arrange delivery of your book over the phone or email.

Parent to Parent has recently purchased 15 new titles that will appeal to a number of families around the country. These will be available to borrow in the coming weeks.

We invite you to visit www.parenttoparent.org.nz to view all of our titles, or phone 0508 236 236 if you would like a full list posted to you.

The Parent to Parent Library is a free service, and books may be borrowed for up to two weeks.

renew workshop

the parent to parent renew workshop is a one day event that aims to leave parents feeling positive about the future The Renew workshop has been designed especially for parents and caregivers who are at the very beginning of their life-long journey into the world of disability.

Parent to Parent know that when a family first discovers their child has a disability or health impairment, it’s hard for some to keep a positive frame of mind. Having positive expectations for your child’s future is important when building a vision for the good life of your child.

The Renew course provides an environment for parents where they can take a day out from the busy life of a parent, and leave with new ideas and a refreshed outlook.

The skilled facilitators will present topics like understanding grief, building natural support networks, family resilience, and coping with stress.

Combined with these topics, stories of people and families who have successfully created great lives are shared.

The workshops are attended by parents and caregivers like yourself, and is a great way to build new connections in your local area.

The workshops are usually held in a beautiful venue, where participants can relax and enjoy the day; a delicious lunch is also provided.

The workshops are provided at no cost to participants and are held right across New Zealand.

If you, or someone you know is interested in attending, check out the events page at www. parenttoparent.org.nz, phone 0508 236 236, or pop in and speak to your local coordinator.

Courses are confirmed for 2015 in: • South Taranaki • Gisborne • Napier

Andrew Baillie has been working on the web cataloguing of the library for a few months now.

More workshops are planned for Manawatu, Blenheim, West Coast and Christchurch. The dates and venues will confirmed in the coming months.

Renew is a day just for parents, where you can learn some new ideas, meet new people, and leave feeling refreshed and positive.

Renew is a short workshop set in tranquil venue that explores growing natural support networks, understanding grief, family resilience and managing stress.

Meet other parents in your area and enjoy a day out from the pressures of life. Renew is provided at no cost, and a delicious lunch is provided.

UPCOMING COURSES 19 Feb Hollard Gardens, Kaponga, Taranaki 11 March Bushmere Estate, Gisborne 18 April A Place to Be, Napier Visit www.parenttoparent.org.nz or phone 0508 236 236 to register for any of these events.

New Zealand Permit No. 164497

if undeliverable return to po box 234 hamilton 3240