Group Support for Young Parents
Relaxed, welcoming groups where young parents in Ōtautahi meet others, share experiences and build community together.
A place to connect, learn and grow together
The early years of parenting are a big time of change. There is so much to learn, and while being a parent can be incredibly rewarding, it can also be exhausting, challenging and sometimes lonely. It is easy to lose touch with friends, family and your wider community, just when having people around you can make such a difference.
At Waipuna, our groups offer a relaxed and welcoming place to meet other young parents, share experiences, try new things and enjoy time together. Our groups are about coming as you are, building connections and learning alongside each other in a supportive, non-judgemental environment.
Available group experiences
Our groups cover a wide range of interests, from practical skills to community connection.
Parenting, relationships and emotions
Exploring parenting, relationships and emotional wellbeing, including Circle of Security and practical strategies for big feelings.
Practical life skills
Budgeting and infant massage, sharing ideas and practical tools for everyday life and connection with your pēpi.
Connection groups
Meeting other young parents and building friendships and supportive relationships.
Community exploration
Getting out and about, discovering local places and activities, and trying new things together.
Making it easier to connect
We know that getting to a group or activity is not always easy. Transport, money, childcare, confidence or simply not knowing where to start can all create barriers to getting involved. Where we can, we provide transport and kai and work alongside young parents to find ways to make taking part easier.
If you’re interested in connecting with other young parents, learning something new or getting out and exploring your community, we’d love to hear from you. You can fill in our referral form yourself, or a member of your whānau or someone from the community can refer you with your permission.
Group support that delivers real value
Independent research shows every dollar invested in our Young Parents Development Service, including our group programmes, returns four dollars in social value for young parents and their whānau.
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