Media Release 14 April 2010
Photo courtesy of Paralympics New Zealand

Parent to Parent Awareness Week: 24th – 30th April 2010 Parents Supporting Parents
Parent to Parent celebrates its annual Awareness Week during 24th – 30th April this year, and will have a range of events happening around the country to promote the work it does for families and whanau in our communities.

Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympian Peter Williams will be guest speaker at a video conferencing presentation at 11am on Monday 26th April to mark Awareness Week. “Peter is an exceptional role-model who has accomplished an enormous amount for someone so young“,says Parent to Parent CEO Anne Wilkinson. “Peter’s family have been involved with our organisation for many years and we are extremely delighted to have their support for this event.”

Since 1983, Parent to Parent has supported parents, families and whanau who have children with a disability, health impairment or special need, ranging from the more common, such as allergies or eczema, to the very rare genetic syndromes and conditions.

“As any Mum or Dad will tell you, parenting is the most important responsibility they will ever face in their lives. The hours are long, there is very little training available to prepare them for the role, and the salary is not generally inflation adjusted.” says Mrs Wilkinson.

Parents of children with a disability, health impairment or special need face additional challenges. “Not only must they cope with the typical demands of family life, but, also, with a host of often frightening and complex issues which are part and parcel of their transition to the world of disability” says Mrs Wilkinson. “These Mums and Dads require extra resilience, courage and support to find the help they need to manage the additional challenges they face daily.”

A community organisation, with 11 regional offices spread from Whangarei to Invercargill, Parent to Parent has a unique range of services. Its primary function is to empower the parents, families and whanau of people with disabilities, through support from another parent who has “been there”, information on the condition, training and advocacy.

The organisation provides free communication training to parents so that they can better support other parents, generally over the telephone. “When parents share knowledge and experience, isolation and loneliness is reduced, and strength and confidence develops”, says Mrs Wilkinson.

Another important focus for Parent to Parent is the free training and information seminars it offers to parents to help them learn more about the complex disability and educational systems, and social services they will encounter when they have a child with a disability.

If you would like to register to attend Peter Williams’ presentation during Awareness Week in one of our eight video conferencing sites around the country, or know more about the celebrations which are planned in your region, please contact Parent to Parent
on 0508 236 236 or visit its website: www.parent2parent.org.nz

Ngongotaha AFC are proud to announce that Parent to Parent NZ will own the naming rights to the clubs Federation Two League team for the next two seasons.

Parent to Parent, a national support network for parents of children with special needs, will retain all media rights to the club's first team, have access to the clubrooms and facilities for fundraising and children's events, as well as access to the clubs membership to advertise volunteering opportunities. Ngongotaha AFC have donated the naming rights to Parent to Parent for no cost. “We are thrilled to get the opportunity to support such a fantastic organization,” says Club President Ian Guy. “Ngongotaha AFC has been part of Rotorua since 1966, and we are very proud to be a representative of our community”.

“To get the chance to recognize and support Parent to Parent, and the fantastic work that they do assisting families face the challenge of raising a child with a disability, special need or health impairment, is the least that our club could do”. “Even a little club like ours has a media profile that touches a lot of households throughout the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions, and we hope that by donating the naming rights to our flagship first team, we can help get Parent to Parents message out to more people, and really raise awareness of a superb cause”. Parent to Parent Ngongotaha open their 2010 season in Kawerau this Saturday April 10th.

For more information visit www.ngongotahaafc.com or contact

Matthew Laird
Media & Communications
Ngongotaha AFC
0274033631
matlairdo@hotmail.com

Angela Lloyd
Regional Co-ordinator
Central Lakes District Office
07 346 3231
centrallakes@parent2parent.org.nz

Childbirth Education - Research Release
Childbirth Education; antenatal education and transitions of maternity care in New Zealand
May 1 2009

Important research released today by Parents Centres NZ Inc and the Families Commission says many new mothers are falling between the gaps as a result of poor information and access to services provided around the time of childbirth.

‘Antenatal Education is an important component of maternity services and primary health care. It provides a unique opportunity to promote healthy behaviours, increase social support and prepares women and their partners for childbirth and parenting. It can also detect vulnerable women and their whanau’ says Viv Gurrey, Chief Executive Officer of Parents Centres NZ Inc and a member of the Parenting Council Board

There have only been two pieces of in depth research conducted in NZ around this topic – one in the early 70’s by Parents Centres NZ Inc and now this informative and insightful document commissioned by the Parenting Council, delivered by Parents Centres NZ Inc and funded by the Families Commission.

The study describes women’s access to and experience of childbirth education offered across 21 District Health Boards and how mothers are referred from Lead Maternity Carers to Childbirth Education and Well Child Services. It provides a snapshot of antenatal education and transitions of maternity care in New Zealand.

Gurrey says ‘The physical skills, emotional well being and confidence that are enhanced through education in childbirth can help ensure that the new life phase begins as a positive and healthy experience, with strong energies for the child and their family’s future’
‘We have a rare opportunity at this time for knowledge to act as a catalyst for change and what is more, one that has the potential to impact on society as a whole. This is at both a physiological level and emotional and has wide ranging implications for the lifetime of the child and whanau’

The report: Childbirth Education; antenatal education and transitions of maternity care in New Zealand was researched by Dr Sarah Dwyer on behalf of Parents Centres NZ, commissioned by the Parenting Council and funded by the Families Commission. The aim of the report is to improve the quality of childbirth education in New Zealand.

Ms Gurrey says ‘The research clearly shows that there are gaps in the quality and accessibility of antenatal education and support being received by women and there are significant differences in the availability and delivery of childbirth education across DHBs and NZ as a whole.’ She goes on to say ‘It is important to note that all suggestions for improvement should be seen within the context of the international acknowledgement of New Zealand as a leader in the field of maternity services’

As the Ministry of Health moves to review the consultation on the Maternity Action Plan, we would encourage further thinking around the provision of childbirth education and the opportunities this offers to significantly influence and act as a catalyst for support where that support has been demonstrated to deliver effective outcomes for families.

Where the focus on maternity care starts early through antenatal education, research shows real benefits. Parents Centres and the Parenting Council therefore would like to see three specific outcomes:

• A comprehensive referral process from Lead Maternity Care to Childbirth Education Provider
• Universal access to and availability of childbirth education for all pregnant women and their whanau with barriers to access removed
• Delivery by suitably qualified educators

Only 41 % of pregnant women attend childbirth education in New Zealand. Most are first time mothers, tertiary educated, Pakeha and higher income earners. Less likely to attend were younger, less educated, lower socioeconomic status and single. Maori and Pacific Island women were significantly under represented and the barriers to their participation need to be removed.

There are significant differences in the availability and delivery of Childbirth Education across the DHB regions and many do not meet the Ministry of Health expectation that Childbirth Education will be available at no cost to 30% of all pregnant women each year.

‘The research informs us there are clinical and performance gaps and some consumers’ needs are not being met. The quality of services in some areas is questionable. A required qualification in Childbirth Education, the use of effective auditing services, measuring and monitoring outcomes, the collecting of regular consumer feedback, further workforce development and a critical re-examination of the programme content are all essential if we are to deliver effective outcomes. The research shows that the best outcomes occur when a consistent and suitably accredited standard of delivery is used.
Parents Centres and Aoraki Polytechnic offer the only Diploma in Childbirth Education. Parents Centres employs only qualified childbirth educators and also applies stringent evaluation, auditing, monitoring and collection of consumer feedback. There was a tangible difference in outcomes defined by the women surveyed attending Parents Centres classes.
Parents Centres NZ Inc is the primary provider of childbirth education in New Zealand employing over 100 childbirth educators and has the largest parenting based support network and infrastructure available to all parents in the community across 52 Centres nationwide.

For further information contact:
Viv Gurrey v.gurrey@parentscentre.org.nz
04 233 2022 extension 800 021 277 9029

An understanding ear for victims of state care abuse
By EMILY WATT - The Dominion Post | 23/03/2009

ANDREW GORRIE/The Dominion Post
READY TO LISTEN: Judge Carolyn Henwood is to head the new Confidential Listening and Assistance Service. It is an attempt by the Government to right the wrongs of the past and help people move on, she says.
Judge Carolyn Henwood is about to stop judging and simply listen.

From next month, anyone believing they were abused or neglected in state care in psychiatric wards, health camps, child welfare or special education homes before 1992 can tell their stories to a panel of eminent New Zealanders.

Hundreds of claims have been lodged in the courts from people saying they suffered assaults, sexual abuse, neglect and bullying while in care. But the court process is lengthy and the cases are rarely successful.

Judge Henwood, who will head the panel, has been a district and youth court judge for 22 years.

The new Confidential Listening and Assistance Service is an attempt by the Government to right the wrongs of the past and help people to move on, she says.

"The very fact that the Government has set up such a service is an acknowledgement that things have happened in the past that were not right. All these people ... have been hurt. It feeds on to the next generation."

The panel follows on from the confidential forum that heard hundreds of former psychiatric patients tell of assaults, sexual abuse and the use of electric shock therapy as punishment. The idea comes from the truth and reconciliation forum in South Africa.

Judge Henwood says those who attended the forum were positive about the experience and the Government realised there was a need to continue to listen to people's stories and advise on help.

The service will not decide the truth of what it is told, acknowledge liability or recommend any compensation. It will not report the allegations to the Government.

But the panel will be able to refer people to services such as ACC and counselling, help them access their files, and help the person go to police if criminality is alleged.

"They may need a house, a job, their tattoos removed. We will talk to them to see how they can be helped to move on."

However, Hamilton woman Margaret Parry, who told the forum of her experiences of electric shocks, assaults and sexual abuse as a teenager in psychiatric care, says the process merely opened old wounds. "It did absolutely nothing for me. Maybe it helped some people, but it didn't help me.

"There weren't consequences. You just talked about it and it brought it all up. The actual talking about it I found very stressful."

She says the only thing that would have helped would have been compensation. She has been through the courts, , which took 10 years and was unsuccessful "because I didn't have a good lawyer".

Lawyer Sonja Cooper, who has helped file more than 500 High Court claims from people claiming they suffered abuse in state care, says the forum is toothless and merely an attempt by the Government to sidestep a proper inquiry.

"I regard it quite cynically. It's a funnel into which a whole lot of valuable information gets channelled and then buried in a vault."

New Zealand has international obligations to provide remedies for wrongdoing, which it is failing to meet, she says. "It's window dressing, that's all it is. It's actually a way out of doing anything at all."

She is concerned the forum could damage people's rights to sue and says such claims should be settled out of court.

Judge Henwood insists reducing litigation is not the forum's goal and those who attend may also choose to seek compensation through the courts. But litigation could take up to 10 years and is rarely successful because historic claims of this nature are so difficult to prove.

"A lot of people don't want to sue. A lot of people [who spoke to the forum] were hugely relieved, just to get it off their chest. To have someone sit down, allocate time and just listen."

The Social Development Ministry is also investigating claims of historical abuse. It says if good evidence exists to support the claims, it will pay compensation.

"We have promised that the ministry will own its mistakes and do whatever we can to put things right," Historic Claims manager Garth Young says. As of this month, 355 claims have been filed against the ministry 26 have been resolved with settlement offers totalling $387,500, 13 have been struck out or discontinued and 11 are under consideration.

www.listening.govt.nz or phone 0800 356 567

3 March 2009
INTERNATIONAL DYSLEXIA EXPERT TO HOLD WORKSHOPS FOR NZ TEACHERS

Kiwi teachers and educators will have the opportunity to benefit from latest international thinking on dyslexia this June, when renowned dyslexia expert Neil Mackay holds a series of workshops throughout the country.

Mackay, architect of Britain’s successful Dyslexia Friendly Schools initiative and consultant to governments in the UK, Hong Kong and Malta, will run the half-day workshops in association with Dyslexia Foundation of New Zealand (DFNZ).

The workshops are focused on professional development and will provide practical advice on dyslexia best practice in education, taking into account New Zealand’s new curriculum and resources available for teachers.

DFNZ Chair of Trustees Guy Pope-Mayell says dyslexia-focused professional development is critical to improving educational outcomes for dyslexic students – and reducing behavioural issues and social problems later in life.

“Low self-esteem engendered by dyslexia often manifests in acting out, both in and outside the classroom. Simple changes in the classroom can have an immediate and positive impact on this.

“Mr Mackay’s suggestions are simple, manageable and virtually cost-free. UK schools which have adopted his ideas have noticed instant improvements, not just in areas like reading and writing, but in attendance, punctuality and reduced levels of behavioural problems and expulsions among dyslexic students,” Pope-Mayell says.

“There is a clear correlation between failure at school and failure later in life. With ten per cent of New Zealand students affected by dyslexia, professional development for educators is a clear and effective way of removing one of the key early stumbling blocks for Kiwi kids.”

Mr MacKay, author of seminal dyslexia publication, Removing Dyslexia as a Barrier to Achievement, is also a consultant for DFNZ’s own 4D | For Dyslexia schools programme. This free programme, launched late last year and now adopted by more than 160 New Zealand schools, offers teachers guidance on simple classroom changes to help dyslexic students.

Mr Mackay says he is looking forward to the workshops, and to meeting New Zealand teachers throughout the week.

“The enthusiastic response to the 4D programme shows that New Zealand educators are already passionate about improving educational outcomes for students with dyslexia. With schools preparing for the new curriculum and its challenge to find relevant solutions to local challenges, these workshops will draw on the latest international thinking to provide guidance appropriate for New Zealand environment.”

The workshops will be a cornerstone activity for this year’s Dyslexia Action Week, a week-long programme of events from 15-21 June. They are open to all teachers, special educators (including RTLBs, RT:Lits and SENCOs) and interested parents. Cost is $195 per person, with a reduced rate of $95 for existing 4D members, or anyone who signs up to the programme or support database at www.4D.org.nz before booking. As a complement to the programme for schools, the support database is open to special educators, solutions and assessment providers, and parents.

With limited spaces available for the workshops and tickets selling fast, individuals are advised to book as soon as possible. Further details on the workshops and booking information can be found at www.dyslexiafoundation.org.nz/neil_mackays.html.

For more information please contact:
Guy Pope-Mayell
Chair of Trustees, Dyslexia Foundation of New Zealand
media@dfnz.org.nz
0275 449 496

Note to editors:
Locations, dates and timings of workshops as below:

Christchurch (Holiday Inn City Centre)
June 13: 8.30am – 12.30pm, 2.00pm – 6pm
June 14: 8.30am – 12.30pm, 1.30pm – 5.30pm

Dunedin (Scenic Circle Southern Cross)
June 15: 12.30pm – 4.30pm

Wellington (Convention Centre)
June 16: 8am – 12pm, 1.30pm - 5.30pm

Palmerston North (Travel Lodge)
June 18: 8am – 12pm, 1.15pm – 5.15pm

Hamilton (Le Grand Boutique Hotel)
June 19: 1pm – 5pm

Auckland (Novotel Ellerslie)
June 20: 8.30am – 12.30pm, 2.00pm – 6pm
June 21: 8.30am – 12.30pm, 2.00pm – 6pm

Partnerships and Presentations

By working in partnership with organisations around New Zealand, Parent to Parent, a support and information network for the parents and families of people with disabilities, is sharing the many benefits of its Video Conferencing (VC) technology. The technology allows people to meet face to face without the need for expensive and time-consuming travel. It enables limited training resources to go a long way by allowing people in different regions to access, workshops, courses and presentations throughout the country at the same time. Video Conferencing is a highly effective medium for delivering quality training to large groups in a very economical way.

A collaborative relationship between Parent to Parent, Standards Plus and the Parent and Family Resource Centre will see the VC technology utilised later this month to provide an opportunity for parents of children or young people with a disability throughout the country to access Janet Klees’ Auckland workshop, “What Do We Do In the Meantime?”. The seminar will discuss practical strategies to help develop personal strength, how to hold the dream, imagining better and finding and celebrating the gifts of people with disabilities, no matter what age or stage in life they are at. Details of how to access Janet’s workshop are listed below:

“What Do We Do In the Meantime?”

Time: 9am - 2.30pm
When: Friday 20th March 2009
Where: Yarnton House, Erson Ave, Royal Oak
Cost: $30 (Lunch included)

Video Conference Venues:
Whangarei, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Lower Hutt, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill

Parent to Parent would like to support other organisations and companies by providing access to their network of VC’s, helping them to connect in an affordable, effective and personal way.

OPPORTUNITITES FOR VEIWING THE TECHNOLOGY AND TALKING TO PARTICIPANTS

When: Friday 20th March 2009
Time: 2.30pm

CONTACT: Ruth Taylor – Training Co-ordinator
07 853 8491
rutht@parent2parent.org.nz

Embargoed until 9.45am Wednesday 30 July 2008

VIDEO CONFERENCING NETWORK CONNECTING FAMILIES WITH DISABILITIES AND HEALTH IMPAIRMENTS, MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS, AND COMMUNITIES TOGETHER – PHASE 2 LAUNCHED
Parent to Parent New Zealand, a national disability support network, is pleased to announce the completion of its Video Conferencing (VC) network. Parent to Parent is a 25 year old not-for-profit organisation which provides families with support, information and tools to enable them to manage the many challenges associated with parenting a child with a disability, special need or health impairment.

The first stage of the VC network was launched in August 2007. The installation of the final seven units over recent months means that the technology is now available nation-wide at Parent to Parent offices in:

• Whangarei
• Auckland
• National Office (Hamilton)
• Hamilton (Waikato Regional Group)
• Tauranga
• Rotorua
• Manawatu
• Wellington
• Nelson
• Christchurch
• Dunedin
• Invercargill

Partnering with the Starship Foundation and the NZ TelePaediatric Service, the new VC technology has enabled Parent to Parent to help mitigate the isolation many families feel when a child has been diagnosed with a disability or health impairment. It has also provided improved access to a variety of key services for families.

The VC network has already provided a number of new benefits for families requiring support. This includes having access to Parent to Parent workshops and specialist speakers, conferences, and being able to communicate face to face with Support Parents.

Video Conferencing is an important tool in the empowerment process facilitated by Parent to Parent for families. Video Conferencing technology enables families to access specialist advice from professionals located in larger centres. It also gives parents a chance to connect with overseas experts on their child’s condition.

The project has received operational funding through the Government’s Community Partnership Plan, as well as a generous financial contribution from private donor, Helen Henderson. During the second stage of the project, the Central Otago Pinot Noir Charitable Trust has also come on board to provide funds for a VC unit in Dunedin.

Guest speakers at the latest launch will include Dr Jan Scown, Director for the Office for Disability Issues, Starship Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Young, Simon Hayden, CEO of New Zealand TelePaediatrics Service, and Helen Henderson.

Julie Van Dam a Parent to Parent, volunteer Support Parent will talk about her own personal experience using the VC and Olympian and Atlantic Rowing race champion Rob Hamill will MC the event from the new VC site in Dinsdale, Hamilton.

Parents and community organisations are invited to use the equipment to enhance their own communications and enquiries regarding use can be made to email: national@parent2parent.org.nz or by phoning 0508 236 236.

More information:
Lynda Peploe
Marketing & Fundraising Officer
Parent to Parent New Zealand
Ph 07 853 8491

“As Turners Syndrome is a relatively rare condition, it can be hard to make contact with others in a similar situation. Video conferencing has opened up communication opportunities for us with other people with this condition” says Julie, who has video conferenced with families in Auckland and Christchurch. “It’s great to be able to talk with, support, and help others in similar circumstances, face to face, and Denise has benefited from meeting other girls as well!”

For further information including contacting the above family please contact

Contact: Lynda Peploe ph 07 853 8491 or email: lynda@parent2parent.org.nz

Every year the organisation helps thousands of families whose children have special needs by:

• Providing information, advice, and support to families
• Linking families locally, nationally and internationally with other families of children affected by the same condition, enabling a mutual support network to be established
• Training Support Parents in the skills necessary to support other parents
• Linking families with trained Support Parents who provide experienced and practical support and information
• Connecting families, professionals and community through video conferencing
• Providing parents with information regarding local, national and international support groups for their child’s disability or condition
• Recognising the unique and specific needs of families so that regular support is provided to avoid crises developing
• Responding to requests for information and advice about issues affecting families of children with special needs
• Providing specific support to young people who have brothers and sisters with special needs
• Providing information to the health, social care, and education professions which support children with special needs
• Offering an advice and information service for Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Providing a national lending library and journal service accessible to families

We operate through a network of regional groups and trained volunteer Support Parents to provide information and emotional support to parents. There are 10 regional groups throughout the country. Each group is affiliated to the National body and provides its own matching, support and information service.

In areas where a Parent to Parent group is not active, the National office which is based in Hamilton, will provide all necessary services, including running a toll-free line, arranging Support Parent matches and providing information on any of the 3,600 different conditions covered by the organisation. National office also administers the Parent to Parent New Zealand web page www.parent2parent.org.nz

Parents Centres Chief Executive Officer Viv Gurrey said today that parents were fed up with waiting for the Government to take action to support dyslexic children.

“2007 saw an amazing milestone reached as Steve Maharey, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, officially recognised Dyslexia. Understanding has been raised, empathy is extended and most importantly we celebrate the amazing gift that those who think with a Dyslexic mind offer communities, families, friends and overall of course society,” she said.

However, as parents celebrate they have also waited. And Education Minister Chris Carter’s failure to come through with a funding announcement at the official launch of Dyslexia Awareness Week in Wellington last night was a huge disappointment. Parents are left still waiting.

“Tens of thousands of parents have waited for a promised investment by this Government in the professional development of our teachers and resources for our schools to enable those in the classroom to work with dyslexic children in a way that enables them to learn effectively and to utilise their amazing gift.

“Dyslexia Awareness week offered an amazing opportunity for Minister Carter to continue the work of Steve Maharey in this area of education. It is not to be overlooked that the skills and resources needed to effectively deliver education services to dyslexic children intrinsically benefit all others. The resources and competencies are not exclusive,” she says.

Now the waiting game continues. “While the Minister of Education waits, 70,000 families wait with him, continuing to struggle often with pain and heartache caused by dyslexia. While the Ministry of Education waits, between 10 and 35% of kids in our class room slip through the net of opportunity for learning. And schools all around the country continue to strive in vain to educate gifted children in a system that simply doesn’t work,” Viv Gurrey says.

“On top of this, in excess of 50% of prisoners in our jails languish with unaddressed learning difficulties.
In the interests of parents and families across New Zealand we can’t let this continue.”

“The time for lethargy and lip service to this country’s children and their ambition for the future has passed. We need to invest funding now to stop this travesty from continuing. Parents Centres calls on this government, as with successive governments before them to stop waiting and to act now.

For further information contact:
Viv Gurrey
v.gurrey@parentscentre.org.nz
04 233 2022 extension 800
021 277 9029
04 237 9829 a/h

About Parents Centres – www.parentscentre.org.nz

Parents Centres has 52 Centres across the country and provides one of the largest parenting networks and associated infrastructure to support parents and their children aged 0-6. The primary objective of the organisation has two streams: Community Support and Community Education. Parents Centres is the primary provider of Antenatal Education and childbirth support in New Zealand.

ALTOGETHER AUTISM and AUTISM NZ Sign Memorandum of Understanding Friday 22nd March 2008, was a milestone for two organisations working in the disability sector facing similar challenges. Altogether Autism, (a partnership between Parent to Parent New Zealand and LIFE Unlimited), and Autism NZ, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement a protocol for providing a complementary working relationship throughout New Zealand. The organisations agree that with a scarce resource, working in a collaborative manner will be mutually beneficial and add value to the services each organisation provides for people with autism their families and whanau and interested others.

The Memorandum of Understanding states that the organisations agree to work collaboratively - share information, issues or information which affect people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Altogether Autism, will work with Autism NZ branches to ensure that double up of service does not occur and the two organisations will refer people to each other as appropriate.

Both Altogether Autism and Autism NZ see the benefit of future collaboration in professional development and services. This MoU is about the people we serve.

Photo from left to right. Wendy Duff Chairperson Autism NZ, Richard Belton CEO Autism NZ, Anne Wilkinson
CEO Parent to Parent and Adri Isbister CEO LIFE Unlimited.

PINOT NOIR CHARITY AUCTION
Benefits Otago children through Video Conferencing

Central Otago Winegrowers held their Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration on the 26th of January, and a highly successful auction, with futures sold for the 2008 Celebration Cuvee, raised $25,000. The proceeds were given to Starship Foundation.

The Starship Foundation has partnered with NZ TelePaediatric Service and Parent to Parent, in bringing a video conferencing network to families with children with disabilities, health impairments or special needs. The donation will be used for the acquisition of Parent to Parent's video conferencing unit in Dunedin, Otago. This will enable Otago families, professionals and community groups, to link with exisiting Parent to Parent national video conferencing network that was launched in Auckland of last year.

The auction was conducted on behalf of the Central Otago Pinot Noir Charitable Trust. The celebration included a series of tastings and workshops by well known winemakers and pinot noir experts with delegates attending from all around the world. The event concluded with the auction which drew a fantastic repsonse from both New Zealand and overseas bidders.

Parent to Parent wishes to express its extreme gratitude to the Starship Foundation and the Central Otago Pinot Noir Charitable Trust for their generosity.

PARENT TO PARENT NEW ZEALAND INC
Parents supporting Parents – volunteers supporting communities

Awareness Week 1-7 December 2007

Comments like “Your organisation saved my family and my sanity”, “The assistance you provided to me has given me hope for the first time in ages”, and “What a great service for parents…just what we were looking for”, are commonly heard at Parent to Parent offices throughout New Zealand. They act as a very welcome endorsement of the value of the services provided by this 24 year-old national, not-for-profit organisation.

December 1st – 7th marks the inaugural awareness week for Parent to Parent, which provides information and support to the parents and families of people with disabilities, special needs and health impairments.

The organisation was established in 1983 by a group of families and medical professionals who recognised the enormous value gained from parents supporting other parents when raising a child with a disability or special needs.

When parents learn that their child has a disability or impairment they often experience shock, disbelief and grief. Their lives can change dramatically in a very short space of time and the future may seem extremely bleak.

Parents who have a child with a disability must not only cope with the typical demands of family life but also with a host of disability related issues that accompany their transition from a world without disabilities to a world with disabilities.

Obtaining information about the child’s condition becomes essential and very time-consuming. Often, however, the most important expert advice is found by talking to people who have been through a similar situation…other parents. The aim of Parent to Parent’s matching service is to put parents in touch with other families who have experienced something similar.

Children with disabilities often need many different services to support their growth to their fullest potential, and their parents are their most important advocates. However, many parents lack information about available resources as well as the assertiveness skills needed to advocate for their child.

Through contact with other parents who have children with special needs, parents gain relevant information and skills and the motivation to handle their role of parent and advocate for their child.

Since its establishment, Parent to Parent New Zealand has grown from one small office based in Auckland to a national organisation, with 11 regional offices throughout the North and South Islands, and a national office based in Hamilton.

The organisation has developed a number of other services in response to the needs of families. These include family camps, sibling workshops and camps for the brothers and sisters of children who have a disability, a family/whanau carer support programme, a web site, Individual education Plan seminars and advocacy training.

During its awareness week, Parent to Parent will also celebrate International Day for Volunteers, on Wednesday 5th December. The organisation is assisted by more than 550 trained, voluntary Support Parents, who make themselves available to families in need, and who are the back bone of the organisation’s matching service.

Support Parents undertake a free 18-hour Parent to Parent training programme which helps enhance the skills required to support a parent who has just learned that his or her child has a disability. They then make themselves available by telephone to listen to newly-diagnosed families and to offer encouragement, moral support and, if asked, advice borne from personal experience.

Parent to Parent’s Chief Executive Officer Anne Wilkinson is the first to acknowledge the importance of the contribution volunteers make to the organisation. “Quite simply, we would not be able to provide a matching service to families if we didn’t have other parents who were prepared to give so freely of their time to support others,” she says.

“Parents who have children with special needs are often very busy people. They have extra demands placed on their time because of the challenges their children face, and must still do all the ordinary things like work, manage a household and care for other children.

“The fact that these parents continue to put their hands up time and time again to help other families is a reflection of both their own personal integrity and the value they place on having had an opportunity themselves to talk to someone who has ‘walked in their shoes’. They know that sharing the knowledge experience of raising a child with a disability with another parent is beneficial, and they want to help others as they themselves have been helped,” Anne Wilkinson says. “We continue to be extremely grateful to our Support Parents for their commitment to Parent to Parent, and their willingness to help others by listening and sharing their knowledge with the families we support.”

If you would like to use our free services or know someone else who might, please contact Parent to Parent National Office, telephone toll free 0508 236 236, or view our web-site www.parent2parent.org.nz

VIDEO CONFERENCING NETWORK BRINGS FAMILIES WITH DISABILITIES AND HEALTH IMPAIRMENTS, MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS, AND COMMUNITIES TOGETHER.

Parent to Parent New Zealand, a national disability support network, launched its new Video Conferencing network last night.

Partnering with the Starship Foundation and the NZ TelePaediatric Service, the new technology means that Parent to Parent can help mitigate the isolation many families feel when a child has been diagnosed with a disability or health impairment, as well as providing improved access to services.

Parent to Parent’s CEO Anne Wilkinson says, “There are many benefits for families including having access to Parent to Parent workshops and conferences, and being able to communicate face to face with Support Parents.”

“Parent to Parent provides families with support, information and tools to enable them to manage the many challenges associated with parenting a child with a disability. Video Conferencing is an important tool in this empowerment process.”

The Video Conferencing equipment is now available in five of its regional offices - Auckland, Hamilton (National Office), Wellington, Christchurch and Invercargill.

The project has been funded by a private donor, together with operational funding for the first stage through the Government’s Digital Strategy initiative. It is hoped that, with the receipt of further funding from the Government, all 11 Parent to Parent offices will be linked by the end of 2008.

“In the future we see the Video Conferencing technology enabling families to access specialist advice from professionals located in larger centres, as well as the chance for parents to connect with overseas experts on their child’s condition.”

“The technology has already proved useful in trials. “We have been using the video conferencing network internally for some months now and benefits are already being seen through improved communications, enhanced working relationships, and supervision, through regular staff meetings, training and workshops. This is an exciting time for our organisation and the families it supports, as improving communications will go a long way to building more inclusive communities,” Anne Wilkinson says.

The Starship Foundation, a key funder of the network, is thrilled with the progress to date. “It’s important our funds support children with complex health needs, their families and the medical professionals who provide the critical care. A major platform to achieving this is ensuring children and families from around the country get access to support when they need it. As a major funder of the network, the Starship Foundation is encouraged by the enthusiasm demonstrated by the network users and their vision for continued and increasing usage,” says Andrew Young, Starship Foundation Chief Executive.

Simon Hayden Chief Executive Officer New Zealand TelePaediatrics service says, “The New Zealand TelePaediatric Service is proud to be part of a project that assists a committed group of people, through the use of enhanced visual connectivity to families with children who have special needs. We believe the fusion of technology and people in a supported environment enhances community involvement for better health outcomes. The New Zealand TelePaediatric Service staff thoroughly enjoys working with the great team at Parent to Parent and look forward to supporting their network of regional groups and trained volunteer Support Parents throughout New Zealand on the TelePaeds national network.”

The Minister for Disability Issues Ruth Dyson says “Parent to Parent works to empower parents, caregivers and family/whanau of disabled children through support, advice and information. Video conferencing is a great use of technology and a new service Parent to Parent is offering which is an important communication tool for families with disabilities.”

Parents and community organisations are invited to use the equipment to enhance their own communications and enquiries regarding use can be made to; email: national@parent2parent.org.nz or by phoning 0508 236 236.

OFFICIAL LAUNCH – 17 AUGUST

The Official launch of the Parent to Parent Video Conferencing network will take place on Friday 17 August at 14 Erson Ave, Royal Oak between 2.15 and 3.20pm, and simultaneously via video link at Parent to Parent offices in Hamilton - at 25 Claudelands Rd, Claudelands; Wellington - at 8 Gough St, Seaview; Christchurch - at 3rd Floor,141 Hereford St; and Invercargill - at 46 Kelvin St. These offices will also host their own regional launch with invited guests.

Two Families attending the launch to talk about their own experience are:

Gretchen, Lee and Joshua Dainty – Requesting family attending in Auckland. Joshua Dainty is 15 and has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He lives in Parakai, 50km North West of Auckland with his little sister Emily and Mum and Dad Gretchen and Lee.

His condition means he gets around in an electric wheelchair and has all sorts of equipment and assistance to get on with his life. Muscular Dystrophy is degenerative, so as time goes by he needs more and more support. Recently he had a spine operation and since that time it has been quite stressful for the family as they adjust to his more fragile condition.

“We contacted Parent to Parent about two months ago because we felt it would be beneficial to talk to a family in the same situation as us. We had a Video Conferencing meeting with our contact family last week and it was fantastic. It is comforting to know we are not the only ones going through this and that Josh has got a buddy he can chat with who understands what it is like living with Muscular Dystrophy. It can feel very isolating living in a family affected by disability and any contact like this with the ‘outside world’ is wonderful” says Gretchen.

The Dainty family Video Conferenced with The Pulman Family from Te Kuiti.

Nanette, Lee and Mike Pulman – Trained volunteer Support Parents attending in Hamilton. Mike’s condition is Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and he lives life in a power chair. He is 15 years of age.

“We initially contacted Parent to Parent around 10 years ago, for information and support which has been invaluable. Over the years we have very much appreciated sibling camps and family camps, interacting with other parents and children, sharing problems and ideas, participating in fun activities and games for all.

Our family recently had the very enjoyable experience of video conferencing with a family from Auckland using the Parent to Parent facility in Hamilton. We spent 2 hours discussing a variety of issues and learnt valuable ways of dealing with these. Talking and having visual contact as well, was very beneficial to us, much more personal than on the phone or using email. Things in common included; Ongoing Renewable Resource Scheme funding and how hours are used in the schools, orthopaedic surgery, bullying, needs of teenagers, accessing and gaining help from the various support agencies (Ministry of health and voluntary organisations) and generally what works for us and the numerous frustrations we face in day to day life. It was enjoyable, very beneficial, and informative. Our teenage boys thought it was awesome!” Says Nanette.

For further information including contacting the above families please contact

Contact: Lynda Peploe ph 07 853 8491 or email: lynda@parent2parent.org.nz

PARENT TO PARENT NEW ZEALAND BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Parent to Parent New Zealand Inc. is a national, not-for-profit organisation set up in 1983 by a group of parents and professionals who believed in the value of parents supporting parents when faced with the challenge of parenting a child with a disability, health impairment, or special need.

Every year the organisation helps thousands of families whose children have special needs by:

• Providing information, advice, and support to families
• Linking families locally, nationally and internationally with other families of children affected by the same condition, enabling a mutual support network to be established
• Training Support Parents in the skills necessary to support other parents
• Linking families with trained Support Parents who provide experienced and practical support and information
• Connecting families, professionals and community through video conferencing
• Providing parents with information regarding local, national and international support groups for their child’s disability or condition
• Recognising the unique and specific needs of families so that regular support is provided to avoid crises developing
• Responding to requests for information and advice about issues affecting families of children with special needs
• Providing specific support to young people who have brothers and sisters with special needs
• Providing information to the health, social care, and education professions which support children with special needs
• Offering an advice and information service for Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Providing a national lending library and journal service accessible to families

We operate through a network of regional groups and trained volunteer Support Parents to provide information and emotional support to parents. There are 10 regional groups throughout the country. Each group is affiliated to the National body and provides its own matching, support and information service.

In areas where a Parent to Parent group is not active, the National office which is based in Hamilton, will provide all necessary services, including running a toll-free line, arranging Support Parent matches and providing information on any of the 3,600 different conditions covered by the organisation. National office also administers the Parent to Parent New Zealand web page www.parent2parent.org.nz

The Parenting Council congratulates Dr Cindy Kiro, the Children’s Commissioner, on her bold and well-reasoned proposals to enhance the well-being of every child in New Zealand.

The Council has made presentations recently to Minister of Social Development, Hon. David Benson-Pope and Minister of Health, Hon. Pete Hodgson, putting forward remarkably similar proposals.

In both cases the proposals are concrete and readily able to be implemented. They go beyond rhetoric to what is both concrete and achievable.

The fact that the Parenting Council, which reflects a broad cross-section of New Zealand parents, and the Children’s Commissioner have come to similar conclusions, suggests that the time is ripe for Government to proceed along these lines, in order to address effectively the shameful record of New Zealand in relation to child well-being.

Points of similarity include:

• Inclusion of every child in New Zealand, requiring a comprehensive, national information system
• A series of comprehensive health and well-being assessments, leading to provision of support, where necessary, tailored to need
• Linkage of health and education
• A life-course perspective, with focus on a good start, fostering attachment between parents and child
• Age-appropriate support and guidance for teenagers towards healthy life-choices

The Parenting Council will lend its support to the Commissioner as she advocates for the refinement and adoption of this plan. Parenting Council Chairman, Lesley Max, says, “There’s a sense that people are realizing that we cannot continue down the path we’re on. If we want to live in a society that is safe, just and prosperous, we need to be much more focused on how children grow and develop and how the critical role of parents can be strengthened. If these proposals are adopted, we should have far fewer horrors like the murder of the Kahui twins blighting New Zealand.”

For further information, phone Lesley Max, Chairman of Parenting Council,
Ph: (09) 377 5384; 027473 4631

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