Mothers Network Supporters
We could not provide support to our Mums without the valuable support of our sponsors; The New Zealand Lottery Grants Board, Community Organisation Grants Scheme, and The Mother Aubert Home of Compassion
We could not provide support to our Mums without the valuable support of our sponsors; The New Zealand Lottery Grants Board, Community Organisation Grants Scheme, and The Mother Aubert Home of Compassion
Resources and Links
There is so much information out there and yet it can still be so hard to find just what you need. Here are some information we have found helpful in the past, click on the orange writing to be taken to the website. If you don't find what you need please get in touch and we'll do our best to help. You can also search the CAB database or contact them on 0800 367 222, they have listings for most support organisations.
Fun for kids, connecting with mums
City wrigglers
Website that lists 'stuff for pre-school kids' in Wellington. Includes playgrounds, playgroups, child-friendly cafes, classes, activities and events.
Expat Mums in Wellington
A forum helping out new mums to Wellington
Toddler in Tow
Helps Porirua (and Wellington) parents stay in "the know" about all there is on offer for their under 5's in our city.
Island Bay Early Years
Facebook page including information about what's happening for kids in Island Bay
Mums in the City facebook wgtn facebook page
Bringing together Wellington mummies.
Babies, family and Parenting
Plunket New Zealand
PlunketLine is a toll-free telephone advice service available to all families, whānau and caregivers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 0800 933 922. Calls are free from cell phones.
Catholic Social Services
Provides individual, family and couples counseling on a sliding scale (from $15 upwards) and home based social work support. Please phone 385 8642
SKIP
Strategies with Kids – Information for Parents (SKIP) provides support, information and parenting strategies for parents and caregivers of 0–5 year old's. SKIP's vision is for all children in New Zealand to be raised in a positive way by parents and caregivers who feel confident about managing children's behaviour as part of a loving, nurturing relationship. 04-916 3922
Birth Wise
Helping Wellington Whanau make informed choices about Birth and Parenting. 04 973 9473
Birthright
Birthright works with single parent families throughout New Zealand to facilitate the growth of confidence, skills and resilience within the family unit and its individual members.
The Te Rito Wellington Family Violence Network represents an integrated, multi-faceted, community approach to preventing the occurrence and re-occurrence of family violence in Wellington families/whānau.
Wellington City Mission
Offers a social work support service for families. Can help with practical needs and/or advocacy support. Phone 389 2033
If you are concerned about losing control with your baby/child – phone:
· Department of child, youth and family services 0508 326 458
· Parenthelp (24 hour support line) on 499 9994
Parent to Parent
Parent to Parent seeks to empower families and whanau of people living with disabilities and health impairments through support and information. 04 569 9398
Single Mothers by Choice SMBC
A single mother by choice is a woman who decides for whatever reason to pursue motherhood on her own. There are hard as well as super-exciting things about making this decision. This site is devoted to all the New Zealand women who are on, or about to embark on, this adventure.
Mothers Network administers a "secret" Facebook group for SMBC (mums parenting alone by choice), just email us to request to join.
Sleep Consultants
Baby & Beyond. Focuses on empowering, educating and guiding families experiencing sleep issues and parenting challenges, Baby & Beyond provide solutions from sleep, settling, starting solids, toddler behavior and everything in between
Parenting Courses
Baby and You course - Wellington South Parents Centre
Covers settling into parenthood after your baby's birth, including sleeping and feeding issues, play and development, and whatever else the group needs assistance with.
Incredible families
The Incredible Years Parenting Programme. Parents of Children aged 3-7 years old. Parents / caregivers attend and learn in a supportive group, and it’s effective and fun. The facilitators are health/education professionals experienced in helping children and their families. Research has shown that the Incredible Years programme changes problem behaviour, and those changes are maintained for at least three years. 027 4745075
Plunket – PEPE Courses
PEPE (Parenting Education ProgrammE) is a Plunket-developed national programme which consists of a series of five courses, aimed at supporting parents in their parenting role through the different stages of their child’s early development. The transition to parenthood is a time of many changes. PEPE groups can play a significant role in helping parents through this process. 04 460 4660
The Parenting Place
Wherever you are on your parenting journey, the Parenting Place has ideas and solutions to help and encourage. Find out about their Toolbox courses 04 563 7478
Medical and Emotional Assistance
Your GP or Practice Nurse (if you are feeling depressed, your GP is a great place to go and get a referral for other services (such as Maternal Mental Health services, respite care, Green Prescription, 6 x free counseling sessions from PHO)
Lifeline Aotearoa
Support available 24/7, you can call 0800 54 33 54 or text HELP to 4357. Whether you want to talk to someone or feel more comfortable texting, they have the right service for you. There is also a Parent Line available 7 days a week 9am-9pm for this kind of support you can call 0800 568 856 or click here for more information. If it is an emergency please call 111.
Maternal Mental Health Wellington
Set up to help women and their families; has a range of different support options depending on what is going on. 21 Hania St, Mt Victoria, Wellington Phone: (04) 8060002. Women should speak to their GP or health professional about a referral.
Little Shadow
The experience of perinatal distress will be slightly different for everyone. Little Shadow connects those experiencing perinatal distress to counselling, support and information. They can connect you with experienced counsellors across Wellington and online. To contact Little shadow you can visit their website: Counselling — Little Shadow or email them: hello@littleshadow.org.nz
Samaritans (24 hour telephone support) on 473 9739
Mothers Matter: A web-site that provides local information for mothers, fathers & families on PND & related conditions, such as anxiety & bipolar disorder. Also for mums, a Facebook support group.
Practical Assistance
Bellyful
Bellyful was ‘born’ out the desire to see families being supported by their fellow community members. We don’t need to go through stressful times alone – and we know that having a new baby or a sick family member can make life tough! Having someone pop around with a couple of cooked meals can go a long way toward easing the stress.
St Vincent de Paul Society Pregnancy Assistance
They keep a well-stocked supply of second hand clothing and other baby needs. Specifically they offer the following for FREE:
Services Offered:
Online Free Driving Test Practices.
www.drivingtests.co.nz is a useful free resource. The benefits include free, unlimited practice with the official NZTA questions reduces the cost of obtaining a learner licence as there's more chance of passing first time, and no need to buy the Road Code book.
Counselling
There are a number of services that aim to provide affordable counselling. You can see a detailed list at the CAB website.
Lifeline Email Counselling - Free counselling provided via email. The counselling team have been trained in both telephone counselling and email counselling, and go by the group identity of 'Chris'. For crisis counselling call the freephone number. Free phone: 0800 543 354
Email: chris@lifeline.co.nz
Mentioned elsewhere on this page are PND Wellington and Catholic Social Services which offer free / affordable counselling.
Camilla Watson - Principal and Founder CORLIGHT™ Programmes and Mothers Network supporter and alumni. With a background as a Business Analyst and Corporate Trainer, Camilla now has 25 years experience in counselling and training. She is a Stress Management Specialist, Licensed 'Heal Your Life®' coach and workshop leader, and a Mind/Body therapist. Please phone Camilla on 04 2347522 or camilla@corlight.co.nz
Child Care Options
There are lots of options out there, here are just a few:
PORSE - http://www.porse.co.nz/ or 0800 023 456
Little Wonders - http://www.littlewonderschildcare.co.nz/ or (04) 3896966
Barnados - http://childcare.barnardos.org.nz/ or 0800 422 762
Kidicorp - http://www.kidicorp.co.nz or 04 472 6491
Home Grown Kids - http://www.homegrownkids.co.nz/ 0508 44 54 37
There is so much information out there and yet it can still be so hard to find just what you need. Here are some information we have found helpful in the past, click on the orange writing to be taken to the website. If you don't find what you need please get in touch and we'll do our best to help. You can also search the CAB database or contact them on 0800 367 222, they have listings for most support organisations.
Fun for kids, connecting with mums
City wrigglers
Website that lists 'stuff for pre-school kids' in Wellington. Includes playgrounds, playgroups, child-friendly cafes, classes, activities and events.
Expat Mums in Wellington
A forum helping out new mums to Wellington
Toddler in Tow
Helps Porirua (and Wellington) parents stay in "the know" about all there is on offer for their under 5's in our city.
Island Bay Early Years
Facebook page including information about what's happening for kids in Island Bay
Mums in the City facebook wgtn facebook page
Bringing together Wellington mummies.
Babies, family and Parenting
Plunket New Zealand
PlunketLine is a toll-free telephone advice service available to all families, whānau and caregivers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 0800 933 922. Calls are free from cell phones.
Catholic Social Services
Provides individual, family and couples counseling on a sliding scale (from $15 upwards) and home based social work support. Please phone 385 8642
SKIP
Strategies with Kids – Information for Parents (SKIP) provides support, information and parenting strategies for parents and caregivers of 0–5 year old's. SKIP's vision is for all children in New Zealand to be raised in a positive way by parents and caregivers who feel confident about managing children's behaviour as part of a loving, nurturing relationship. 04-916 3922
Birth Wise
Helping Wellington Whanau make informed choices about Birth and Parenting. 04 973 9473
Birthright
Birthright works with single parent families throughout New Zealand to facilitate the growth of confidence, skills and resilience within the family unit and its individual members.
The Te Rito Wellington Family Violence Network represents an integrated, multi-faceted, community approach to preventing the occurrence and re-occurrence of family violence in Wellington families/whānau.
Wellington City Mission
Offers a social work support service for families. Can help with practical needs and/or advocacy support. Phone 389 2033
If you are concerned about losing control with your baby/child – phone:
· Department of child, youth and family services 0508 326 458
· Parenthelp (24 hour support line) on 499 9994
Parent to Parent
Parent to Parent seeks to empower families and whanau of people living with disabilities and health impairments through support and information. 04 569 9398
Single Mothers by Choice SMBC
A single mother by choice is a woman who decides for whatever reason to pursue motherhood on her own. There are hard as well as super-exciting things about making this decision. This site is devoted to all the New Zealand women who are on, or about to embark on, this adventure.
Mothers Network administers a "secret" Facebook group for SMBC (mums parenting alone by choice), just email us to request to join.
Sleep Consultants
Baby & Beyond. Focuses on empowering, educating and guiding families experiencing sleep issues and parenting challenges, Baby & Beyond provide solutions from sleep, settling, starting solids, toddler behavior and everything in between
Parenting Courses
Baby and You course - Wellington South Parents Centre
Covers settling into parenthood after your baby's birth, including sleeping and feeding issues, play and development, and whatever else the group needs assistance with.
Incredible families
The Incredible Years Parenting Programme. Parents of Children aged 3-7 years old. Parents / caregivers attend and learn in a supportive group, and it’s effective and fun. The facilitators are health/education professionals experienced in helping children and their families. Research has shown that the Incredible Years programme changes problem behaviour, and those changes are maintained for at least three years. 027 4745075
Plunket – PEPE Courses
PEPE (Parenting Education ProgrammE) is a Plunket-developed national programme which consists of a series of five courses, aimed at supporting parents in their parenting role through the different stages of their child’s early development. The transition to parenthood is a time of many changes. PEPE groups can play a significant role in helping parents through this process. 04 460 4660
The Parenting Place
Wherever you are on your parenting journey, the Parenting Place has ideas and solutions to help and encourage. Find out about their Toolbox courses 04 563 7478
Medical and Emotional Assistance
Your GP or Practice Nurse (if you are feeling depressed, your GP is a great place to go and get a referral for other services (such as Maternal Mental Health services, respite care, Green Prescription, 6 x free counseling sessions from PHO)
Lifeline Aotearoa
Support available 24/7, you can call 0800 54 33 54 or text HELP to 4357. Whether you want to talk to someone or feel more comfortable texting, they have the right service for you. There is also a Parent Line available 7 days a week 9am-9pm for this kind of support you can call 0800 568 856 or click here for more information. If it is an emergency please call 111.
Maternal Mental Health Wellington
Set up to help women and their families; has a range of different support options depending on what is going on. 21 Hania St, Mt Victoria, Wellington Phone: (04) 8060002. Women should speak to their GP or health professional about a referral.
Little Shadow
The experience of perinatal distress will be slightly different for everyone. Little Shadow connects those experiencing perinatal distress to counselling, support and information. They can connect you with experienced counsellors across Wellington and online. To contact Little shadow you can visit their website: Counselling — Little Shadow or email them: hello@littleshadow.org.nz
Samaritans (24 hour telephone support) on 473 9739
Mothers Matter: A web-site that provides local information for mothers, fathers & families on PND & related conditions, such as anxiety & bipolar disorder. Also for mums, a Facebook support group.
Practical Assistance
Bellyful
Bellyful was ‘born’ out the desire to see families being supported by their fellow community members. We don’t need to go through stressful times alone – and we know that having a new baby or a sick family member can make life tough! Having someone pop around with a couple of cooked meals can go a long way toward easing the stress.
St Vincent de Paul Society Pregnancy Assistance
They keep a well-stocked supply of second hand clothing and other baby needs. Specifically they offer the following for FREE:
- Free Baby clothing (newborns 0-6 months)
- Free Bedding
- Free Cloth nappies
- Free second hand maternity clothes.
- Free Bassinet Loan
Services Offered:
- Walk in free Confidential Service
- Newborn Baby clothing up to size one
- Bedding & cloth nappies
- Maternity clothes
- Bassinets available to loan for 4 months
- Information/Referrals to other agencies
- Telephone support offering non-judgmental information, support and advice, or as a friendly listening ear
Online Free Driving Test Practices.
www.drivingtests.co.nz is a useful free resource. The benefits include free, unlimited practice with the official NZTA questions reduces the cost of obtaining a learner licence as there's more chance of passing first time, and no need to buy the Road Code book.
Counselling
There are a number of services that aim to provide affordable counselling. You can see a detailed list at the CAB website.
Lifeline Email Counselling - Free counselling provided via email. The counselling team have been trained in both telephone counselling and email counselling, and go by the group identity of 'Chris'. For crisis counselling call the freephone number. Free phone: 0800 543 354
Email: chris@lifeline.co.nz
Mentioned elsewhere on this page are PND Wellington and Catholic Social Services which offer free / affordable counselling.
Camilla Watson - Principal and Founder CORLIGHT™ Programmes and Mothers Network supporter and alumni. With a background as a Business Analyst and Corporate Trainer, Camilla now has 25 years experience in counselling and training. She is a Stress Management Specialist, Licensed 'Heal Your Life®' coach and workshop leader, and a Mind/Body therapist. Please phone Camilla on 04 2347522 or camilla@corlight.co.nz
Child Care Options
There are lots of options out there, here are just a few:
PORSE - http://www.porse.co.nz/ or 0800 023 456
Little Wonders - http://www.littlewonderschildcare.co.nz/ or (04) 3896966
Barnados - http://childcare.barnardos.org.nz/ or 0800 422 762
Kidicorp - http://www.kidicorp.co.nz or 04 472 6491
Home Grown Kids - http://www.homegrownkids.co.nz/ 0508 44 54 37