Raising children can be challenging! Many parents with babies and young children can relate to the exhaustion parents feel, especially in those early days at home with a newborn. Whānau Āwhina Plunket has been supporting the wellbeing of whānau with tamariki under five since 1907. As the needs of families change, Plunket has adapted and introduced different ways to be right there when needed.
Plunket’s Volunteer Home Visiting Programme is a great example of this. It provides free practical support to families with young children who are struggling with extra challenges such as mild to moderate mental health issues, medical conditions, a lack of family support, twins or premature babies. A Plunket coordinator manages a group of volunteers who are passionate about giving families a helping hand, at a time that can be especially tough and isolating.
Families are referred to the programme by their Plunket nurse and the volunteers provide them with short-term care right there in their homes. This might include light housework, emotional support, positive parenting advice and linking families with community activities and support. Volunteers understand that when you support whānau, tamariki can thrive.
This programme operates in other places around Aotearoa with great results and they are very excited to be establishing it in West Auckland with support from The Trusts via the Your West Innovation Fund.
“West Auckland is a very ethnically diverse area, and many of the whānau we see do not have family living close by to support them through their parenting journey. The cost of living crisis is impacting many of them as well, leading to increased stress in the home. Having a safe, calm person who is able to help lighten the load just a little would be incredibly valuable” says Kathy Greenstreet, Clinical Leader.
We are now seeking volunteers from all backgrounds in the West Auckland community. If you have experience in parenting or experience working with babies and young children, are kind, empathetic, non-judgemental and have time to give, you may be the person to make a difference to parents in your community.
For enquiries about becoming a volunteer please submit an application online: https://www.plunket.org.nz/support-plunket/volunteer/
