Support and Resources
Mana Ake – Stronger for Tomorrow provides mental health and wellbeing support for children in primary school years 1-8 across Canterbury.
Mana Ake kaimahi (workers) are employed by one of 13 NGO providers and support schools, families and whānau when children are experiencing issues that impact their wellbeing such as managing emotions, friendships and bullying, parental separation and grief and loss.
Kaimahi have a diverse range of skills and include psychologists, social workers, counsellors, teachers and youth workers.
You can talk to your local school if you think your child would benefit from support from the Mana Ake team.
If you live in Canterbury and your child does not currently attend a school, you can request support directly from Mana Ake.
Download our information flyer for parents. Also available in the these languages: Arabic, Farsi, Māori, Samoan, Tagalog, Tongan and Traditional Chinese
Sparklers provides information and resources to help your child manage big emotions and feel good and wellbeing
Supporting Tamariki and Whanau
Ngā mihi, the easiest way to use Sparklers is through Sparklers at Home which is full of fun, wellbeing boosting activities, and learning activities to support learning at home.
You may want also to sign up for our e-newsletter to get more tips and/or our Facebook and Instagram pages. Sending aroha, from the Sparklers team.
The Public Health Nursing Service (PHNS) offers support to children, young people and their families across all schools in Canterbury with nurses based at some rural facilities.
Contact Telephone Numbers
Ashburton (03) 307 8378
Public Health Nurses:
Regularly visit schools, supporting and advising on children's health needs, attending school or home
Work with families, providing support, advocacy, links with other services
Liaise with family doctors, specialists and other health providers
Anaphylaxis education and support to schools, Early Education Centres and families
Refer to other services such as Holiday Camps, STAND (Glenelg Health Camp)
Support the delivery of B4 School checks by offering appointments in the community
Provide BCG vaccinations for eligible children under 5 years
Provide the 0-5 years Well Child Tamariki Ora services in Kaikoura and Banks Peninsula
Provide the School Based Vaccination Programme for year 8 students
Phone: 0800 477 874
Physical address:
Trevor Wilson Centre
215 Tancred Street
Ashburton 7740
Email: midcant@psusi.org.nz
Postal:
PO Box 581
Ashburton 7740
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 8.45 am – 5.15 pm.
We are child-centred and family-focused. We deliver social services to support children and families to learn, grow and thrive. We offer counselling and social work support for children and families, along with a range of group programmes. We also partner with others to prevent family violence and strengthen communities.
There is no guide book when it comes to parenting. Fortunately, Family Works offers a number of parenting programmes designed to help you – and your children, thrive. Read more
When parents separate, it can be a stressful time for the whole family. It’s better for everyone if you can sort out your children’s day-to-day care outside of the Family Court. Read more
We’ll work alongside your family to build healthy relationships, help you work through issues and support you all as you become a source of safety and strength for each other. Read more
Family Works provides support for your child or children to help them feel safe, grow strong and feel connected to those around them as they develop and grow. Read more
Things don’t always turn out at you planned. If you’re a young person and things aren’t working out, Family Works is here to support you.
Call Healthline free on 0800 611 116 for health advice and information. For coronavirus advice, call 0800 358 5453.
Call or text 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor. Free and available day or night.
All Right? helps navigate life's challenges by encouraging people to think about where they're at, and sharing ideas.
HealthInfo provides health information for Cantabrians, including patient factsheets.