The Early Years (0-5)

Chapter 7 – Whānau resources

Many whānau with lived experience of CP find it helpful to connect with other families with lived experience.

Below is a list of resources that may help or work for your whānau.

Organisation

Information and website

Kidshealth

CP specific advice.
www.kidshealth.org.nz/listing-information-support-resources-cerebral-palsy

Māori and Pacific Disability Support Services

 

A NZ Government site with a list of resources.
www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/disabled-people/support-and-services/maori-and-pacific

Vaka Tautua

 

National social services provider by Pacific, for Pacific mental health and disability with a strong presence in the Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago regions.
www.vakatautua.co.nz

Disability Services:
www.vakatautua.co.nz/tagata-sailimalo

Disability Connect

Disability Information Advisory Service to help people with disabilities and their families lead the life they want. Auckland wide – from Warkworth to Bombay.
www.disabilityconnect.org.nz

CCS Disability Action

Largest disability and support service in NZ. Includes mobility parking.
www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz

Parent 2 Parent

National organisation for the parents and whānau of disabled Kiwis.
www.parent2parent.org.nz

Family Works

Family Works New Zealand provides seven regional Family Works organisations that respond to local needs.
www.ps.org.nz/family-works-nz

Incredible Years

Provides a 14-session programme for parents of children aged 3-8 years, providing them with skills to better support their child in a positive home environment. The programme helps promote children’s social and emotional competence and communication skills.
www.pb4l.tki.org.nz/Incredible-Years-Parent

Triple P – Stepping Stones

Stepping Stones is based on Triple P’s positive parenting strategies. It helps whānau manage problem behaviour and developmental issues common in children with disability.
www.triplep-parenting.net.nz/nz/parenting-courses

Family Success Matters
(Manukau and Franklin in Auckland)

 

Family Start is a free home-visiting programme that focuses on improving children’s growth, health, relationships, family circumstances, environment and safety.
www.fsm.org.nz/family-start

Care Matters

National Carer Learning and Wellbeing Resource Service
www.carematters.org.nz   

Complex Care Group 

 

A support and information network for a special group of carers, run by carers, who look after young people with complex needs.
www.complexcaregroup.org.nz

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 

 

Services are focused on strengthening and empowering grandparent and whānau care families so that they can raise resilient and healthy tamariki and rangatahi.
www.grg.org.nz

Complimentary vs Alternative treatments

Information and advice about complementary and alternative medicine.
www.kidshealth.org.nz/advice-parents-about-complementary-alternative-medicine

Hidden Disabilities

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a lanyard to wear to let people know that you have a disability or condition that means you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces. Available in, and recognised in, New Zealand and internationally.
www.hdsunflower.com/au

Turnto App

The Turnto app gathers the latest research, lived experiences, tips, and insights into CP.
www.turnto.ai

The Cerebral Palsy Podcast (NZ)

The Cerebral Palsy Podcast is a voice for the cerebral palsy community. Hear the inspiring stories, challenges and triumphs of NZ’s people living with CP. Hosted by broadcaster Kris Edwards who has CP.
www.rova.nz/podcasts/the-cerebral-palsy-podcast

Wilson Home Trust
(for families living in the upper half of the North Island)

Offers a variety of grants dedicated to supporting and enhancing the lives of children and young adults with physical disabilities, as well as their families.
wilsonhometrust.org.nz

 

“Being connected to others with similar experiences was really valuable to us.”
– Family quote