Contact Family Start

Ph: (07) 307 1472
Fax: (07) 307 2151
Email: familystart@nash.org.nz

Or come in and visit us at

32 Thornton Road
Whakatane

Postal Address:
PO Box 2076
Kopeopeo
WHAKATANE 3159

What is Family Start?

Family Start is a home-based service that is child-centred and whanau focused. It is a programme that provides a Kaiawhina to suit your whanau, helping to set agreed achievable goals to overcome barriers that concern you. Family Start offers guidance, support and advice to:
  • enhance whanau health, welfare and education
  • encourage confidence, new skills and INDEPENDENCE

Kaiawhina will share..
  • A free and confidential service to your whanau
  • Practical and new ideas to help your child grow and develop
  • How to enhance whanau relationships
  • Networks that will strengthen support for your whanau.
  • Budget and financial advice
  • Information and regular home visits
  • A listening ear, support and understanding
  • Support to review housing situations

     

Are you interested in Family Start support?

You are eligible for this service if you..
  • Are 3 months pregnant OR
  • have a child up to the age of 1year OR
  • in special circumstances up to the age of 2years with prior approval by the provider
AND that you live in the following areas:
  • Whakatane (includes Paroa and Poroporo)
  • Te Teko
  • Edgecumbe to Awakaponga

You can be referred by...
  • General Practitioners
  • Midwives
  • Hospital Maternity Services
  • Well Child Service Providers (including Plunket, Tipu Ora and Tamariki Ora and other Maori Well Child providers)

Whanau who meet the criteria will be referred to Family Start.
Whanau who take part in Family Start can also continue to use other services, Public Health, Kohanga Reo etc.