Archdiocesan News
Nina Ness
Challenge 2000 has set up a young mums group to support people who want to do the best for their children but are struggling with the major challenge of day-to-day parenting.
Challenge 2000 has found that many of the young people with whom it works have not had the advantages of consistent, healthy parenting themselves and are isolated from their families and support networks of origin. They love their children, want to be the best parents they can be and to provide a better childhood than they experienced.
Regarding this as a serious community issue, Challenge 2000 and three young mothers have initiated and developed a group for young mums. Nine young mothers – with 15 children between them – now meet twice weekly and have the support of a social worker who is also a mum, and volunteers.
The women discuss parenting issues, set well-being goals, make personal changes, listen to guest speakers, share their joys and concerns and learn practical parenting skills. At the second meeting of each week, they run a playgroup for younger parents – under 25 years – and their children teaching them the importance of helping their children learn through play.
Challenge social worker Nina Ness works alongside these mums individually to help them to develop whanau plans that build on their strengths and enable them to set and achieve goals.
‘This is a wonderful programme that is largely unfunded and for which we urgently need serious financial support. Maybe you, your family, business, church or community group could do something to support this project? Or perhaps you are a young mum or know a younger mum who would benefit from being part of our group? Contact Nina Ness or call (04) 477-0045.’