IT'S GOOD TO REACH OUT
Here are just a few of the organisations in our region and across the country that are willing and able to assist you in your journey.
Multiples NZ
Multiples Canterbury is affiliated to Multiples New Zealand, as are other clubs around the country. The website contains heaps of useful information about your parenting journey, support services and assistance, as well as fantastic discounts for major retailers. You can also visit the Multiples NZ Facebook page.
Bellyful
Bellyful provides meals for families with newborn babies and families with young children who are struggling with illness. Families can request help directly, or be referred by a friend or service provider. In the Multiples Canterbury area, Bellyful currently has branches in Nelson, Christchurch, Selwyn, Waimakiriri, and Geraldine.
Birthright
Birthright specialises in working with families led by one person. Their goal is nurtured, resilient, inspired children and families. Free call 0800 457 146 or visit the Birthright Canterbury Facebook page. They are also trialing a Hui Matua - Support for Families project in the Selwyn district for anyone in need of assistance.
Canterbury Breastfeeding Advocacy Service
Canterbury Breastfeeding Advocacy is about helping to remove the barriers to breastfeeding that women may experience. Heaps of information to assist you with feeding choices, peer counselling groups, and a supportive group for when breastfeeding doesn't work out.
Clothed in Love
Clothed in Love acts as a clothing and shoe bank for families in the Christchurch area. They accept donations of good quality items for all ages, and can be contacted via Facebook or email by anyone in need of assistance.
Family Violence - It's Not Ok
Family Violence and domestic abuse are NOT ok. Useful infomration can be found here, and below are links to a few national and regional support organisations.
- Women's Refuge - across NZ
- SVS Living Safe delivers services to Nelson, Marlborough, and the West Coast.
- Aviva supports the Christchurch area.
- South Canterbury Refuge in Timaru
- Shakti offers support to women of ethnic minorities across the South Island.
Neonatal Trust
The Neonatal Trust provides support to families of premature or sick full term babies as they make their journey through neonatal care, the transition home, and onwards. They also have a Facebook page.
Perinatal Wellbeing Canterbury
Perinatal Wellbeing Canterbury supports the wellness of mothers and their families who are suffering from postnatal depression (PND) and other related mental illnesses. They run support and wellbeing groups for both mums and dads. You can also keep track of what's happening or contact them via the Perinatal Wellbeing Canterbury Facebook page.
A related group is Perinatal Support Nelson, who also have a Facebook page.
PIPS (Pregnancy Infancy Parenting Support)
PIPS Christchurch aims to provide free and client focused practical assistance, information and advice during pregnancy and early childhood. Their services include providing essential equipment and clothing for babies, and a cloth nappy bank. Visit their Facebook page.
Plunket Timaru Hub
Everyone knows Plunket, however Timaru are lucky in that their service includes a Hub full of extra services including the Giving People Support and Postnatal Adjustment programs. Contact details here.
Te Puawitanga ki Otautahi Trust
Te Puawitanga ki Otautahi Trust is a kaupapa Māori provider of a range of health, education and social services that promote the health education, culture, history and wellbeing of Māori / women and their whānau. They also have a Facebook page.
SANDS
SANDS supports parents and families who have experienced the death of a baby at any stage during pregnancy, as a baby or infant. They also have a number of support groups around NZ and on Facebook (NZ - Canterbury - Marlborough).