Support for young parents

Our young parents service offers individual and group support to help mums and dads make thoughtful choices. We provide support for individual parents in a number of areas like parenting, relationships, budgeting, health and pregnancy issues, job search support, problem solving and goal setting.

Pregnancy and parenting education - seven week program

The Young Parents to Be program, in partnership with Plunket, is a youth friendly pregnancy and parenting program for people up to age 23, held at St John of God Waipuna. Through the program, young people have access to education and support to help develop their parenting skills. They also have access to other social work and support services at St John of God Waipuna and Plunket. We provide transport to and from the course as well as a healthy meal, helping to provide a welcoming and supportive environment that connects young people. For booking or enquiries go to www.plunketppe.org.nz or call 0800 291 658 or text 027 275 8477.

Baby massage - five week program

Baby massage is a place for you to come and connect with others while bonding with your baby and learning about the benefits of nurturing touch/massage. This welcoming environment is for parents with babies ages six weeks to six months. To sign up, call or text Sieni on 021 310 449.

Circle of security parenting

Circle of security parenting is a nine-week relationship-based, reflective parenting programme that supports caregivers to build a secure attachment and relationship with their child. The program provides a safe and supportive environment to explore belief about parenting, strengthen understanding about the child’s emotional world and is designed to support and empower caregivers in their parenting journey. To sign up or for more information call or text Sieni 021 310 449.

Little Owls Preschool

Onsite preschool care is available at Little Owls, our early education centre at St John of God Waipuna in Avonside, Christchurch.

Getting to groups

We prefer you make your own way or carpool here if possible. Buses 80 (Lincoln to Parklands) and 145 (Westmorland/Eastgate) and Yellow Line stop close to Waipuna and the Orbiter stops around the corner on Kerrs road. See the Metro websites route planning page. There is plenty of parking here. We have limited spaces to pick you up by van, however if you are not able to bus or drive, please let us know when you enrol if you need support with transport.

Refer to us

Young Parents Development Service - Referral 

More information about St John of God Waipuna

Tel: 03 386 2159 
Email: [email protected]