Parent health service starts
A new service aimed at helping vulnerable mothers provide safe and nurturing environments for their children has been launched in Whangarei.
Northland is one of three regions to qualify for Ministry of Health funding to provide more support for pregnant women and mothers of children under three years old with drug addictions, mental illnesses or vulnerability for other reasons such as physical abuse.
Kaitaia mother ‘‘Shelly’’ knows first hand what a difference support can have. Unable to attend the opening event a speech prepared by Shelly was read at the launch at Whangarei Hospital.
Diagnosed with depression, post-natal depression anxiety, post traumatic disorder and with a history of family violence, she experienced high risk behaviours during pregnancy that included making impulsive decisions, attempted suicides and substance use.
She spoke of her gratitude for caring health services which helped her through her most vulnerable times.
‘‘During pregnancy I become very mentally unwell – irrationally suicidal, and as a result there was a point when my children were removed from my care.’’ She says dedicated support from her health worker was one of the main factors in her recovery and the return of her children.
The He Tupua Waiora Pregnancy and Parenting Service will receive $1 million dollars a year for four years.
It aims to prevent and reduce harm to children by targeting mothers and mothers-to-be who have multiple complex and interacting issues including dependence disorders, histories involving neglect, abuse and domestic violence, multi-generational dysfunctional family patterns and involvement with child protection agencies and the justice system.
The main work will be carried out in the Whangarei hub, with a ‘spoke’ of the hub located in Kaitaia.
Service manager for Te Roopu Kimiora - Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Addiction Agnes Daniels spoke about her years working alongside at-risk mums saying ’’change has to come from within [clients ]... this new service aims to touch people in their hearts.’’
‘‘Tumanako [hope] is the best value in this service. Because it’s hard for children to act for themselves, it’s our responsibility to work alongside the parents.’’
‘‘Tumanako [hope] is the best value in this service. ’’
Agnes Daniels