|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
An event geared towards supporting parents across Franklin has been hailed a success.
Thriving Tamariki Pukekohe was recently held to provide parents with advice and guidance on how to help raise their whānau.
Hosted by the Te Whare Ruruhau O Meri/ATWC, in collaboration with other organisations, Thriving Tamariki Pukekohe focused on finding practical solutions around the issues of anxiety, controlling social media, screen time, and building resilience.
Shay Twomey, manutake (social worker practice lead) for the Te Whare Ruruhau O Meri/ATWC, said it was a free, community-driven parenting event that brought over 300 local whānau. The event included a keynote speech by clinical psychologist and author Nigel Latta.
“What made this event unique was the collaborative effort behind it. The working group included the Franklin Kāhui Ako (Principals’ Association), Mai Lighthouse, RTLB, and Kidz Social Services, with generous support from local businesses such as Franklin County Meats, Baker’s Delight, YouKnow Clothing, and Sanitarium. It’s this combination of schools, services, and community contributions that makes Franklin a special place to bring initiatives like this to life,” Twomey said.
“Thriving Tamariki Pukekohe helps raise awareness, strengthen early access to support, and build stronger connections between families, schools, and community organisations.
“While a wide range of local services and support exist, research and local feedback show that whanau often only becomes aware of these options once difficulties have escalated. This helps raise awareness, strengthen early access to support, and build stronger connections between whanau, schools, and community organisations,” she said.
Thriving Tamariki Pukekohe builds on Kia Ora Ake, a programme for tamariki aged between five to 12 years old. It is funded by Te Whatu Ora and offers emotional support for students in the Franklin/Pukekohe area.
As Twomey says, it’s about widening the circle.
“It’s about strengthening the whole ecosystem around our tamariki so what happens in schools is reinforced at home and in the community.”
Nigel Latta was chosen to deliver their keynote speech because organisers felt that he was well known, and that audiences would respond well to his humorous and down-to-earth style, while still discussing serious issues that affect them.
Twomey said the response from the whanau and their local partners has been ‘overwhelmingly positive’ and she would like to see it keep its momentum and return.
The event was held on August 28 at the PIA Events Centre.
