Presbyterian Support Otago Family Works’ programmes
Imagine this!
The phone rings. It’s a social worker from CYPFS asking you to take your grandchildren into your home long-term because they’re no longer able to live with their mother – your daughter.
What would you do?
Although circumstances vary from drug, alcohol and health issues to death and abandonment, this scene is one many grandparents face, and it’s not easy.
Eight years ago Presbyterian Support Otago (PSO) was approached to establish a support group and Grandy’s group was founded.
Now guided by Family Works’ counsellor Flo Clarke, assisted by group-work facilitator Rayleen Hubac, they meet monthly to discuss issues concerning them.
“Keeping up with children and young people in this modern world takes considerable stamina and energy –especially if you’re in your senior years,” says Flo Clarke.
“Alongside issues around housing, feeding, lawyers and legal fees, Grandy’s group members deal with government departments, schools, cell phones and other modern technology, on a daily basis.
“Grandy’s Group members share sorrows, joy, successes and failures, as well as resources. They see the group as a place where some of their emotional needs are met.”
Other popular group programmes run by PSO include the assertiveness courses for adults and Growing Taller for children.
Growing Taller is an activity-based group programme focused on showing children how to recognise and manage different emotions.
“We see some amazing growth in the children and feedback from parents often indicates other family members benefit as well,” says Family Works child psychotherapist Rupi Riley, who leads the programme.
The children develop strategies in managing emotions and learn social skills, ways of dealing with conflict, making and keeping friends, and how to enjoy being themselves.
There are six – eight junior primary school children in each group, with four groups held annually during school terms.
For information about Presbyterian Support Otago Family Works’ programmes, please ph 03-477-7116.
Barnardos KidStart Early Childhood Service
This family orientated service provides a warm, loving, family, home-based atmosphere and education for families. This is especially beneficial to under two-year-olds.
There are benefits in choosing home-based care, the most significant being low child ratios. The small group sizes enable caregivers to easily recognise and respond to each child’s interest and abilities. It also allows children to develop warm and genuine relationships with one another and with their KidStart caregiver. We encourage caregivers to give the children experiences outside the home and to attend music and movement, and other community-run activities with them.
Changing family dynamics
Parenting is one of the most difficult and important jobs an adult ever undertakes.
During the early parenting years, parents may face many challenges including attachment, behavioural and social issues. Some ways to encourage children are by rewarding good behaviour, listening to them and having fun with them.
When relationships between parents end, children can feel angry, hurt and uncertain. Although a personal relationship has ended, the parenting relationship hasn’t, and it is important to understand the children’s needs during this time. They need to be carefully listened to, talked to and reassured that they are not to blame.
If at a later stage a step-family is formed, it is equally important for the parents to understand the unique issues, expectations and roles within the new family. To make the transition as easy as possible, parents need to talk openly and regularly with children, not force relationships and respect each others’ space.
If you need some extra support to get through the parenting years, or you are separated/considering separation, or are forming/already in a step-family, help is close at hand. Organisations like Family Works provide programmes to give parents the knowledge and skills they need to create a flourishing family.
Pregnancy Counselling Services
This service offers a free, confidential, 24-hour seven-day telephone counselling service for anyone with problems concerning a pregnancy or past abortion.
Face-to-face counselling for individuals, couples, or families is also available. For those in early pregnancy, undecided about their future, all options are explored, including parenting, adoption and abortion, so that clients can make their own informed decisions.
For those facing problems of health, relationships, accommodation, finance etc., there is initial counselling followed by on-going support, practical help, or referral. Much of it is free to the client through the Pregnancy Counselling Services (PCS) network.
For those experiencing difficulty after an abortion there is individual counselling by specially trained facilitators. Through our counselling service we can offer comfort and restore self esteem; offer ongoing support and encouragement to deal with negative feelings; and assist clients to deal with the past and plan for the future.
PCS is an independent charitable trust established in 1980, with branches nationwide. Our aim is to give women the information, insight and support to be able to continue their pregnancies happily and safely.
