Key sources of help for Auckland families and whanau

Finding suitable sources of assistance can be a frustrating process for family and whanau carers.  If you live in Auckland, here is a list of important organisations which provide services in various areas. There are many support organisations in the Auckland region.

To recommend good sources of help to other carers, send an email referral to admin@whateverittakes.co.nz.

Access Ability Needs Assessment and Service Coordination for 16-64 year olds with intellectual disability. 601 Great South Road, Manukau. Call free 0800-008-076. Or 09-262-5370.

Citizens Advice Bureau Call free 0800-367-222, or website www.cab.org.nz

Disability Information North Shore c/o Richardson’s Centre, 431 Lake Road, Takapuna. Phone 09-488-0210.

Disability Information Waitakere Network 8 Ratanui Street, Henderson. Phone 09-836-1609.

Disability Resource Centre 14 Erson Avenue, Royal Oak. Phone 09-625-8069. Fax 09-624-1633. Email drc@disabilityresource.org.nz Website www.disabilityresource.org.nz

Parent and Family Resource Centre An umbrella organisation providing support groups with essential services, and a place to meet. Cnr of Spring St and Princes St, Onehunga. Phone 09-636-0351.

Parent Port Offers immediate practical help in the home for North Shore families with a baby or preschool child, who need an extra pair of hands because of family crisis, illness, stress, or tiredness. This is a free service but donations are welcome. Phone the coordinator 09-486-4666. Address P O Box 33-192, Takapuna.

Parent to Parent A national database for parents looking to make contact with other parents who have children with similar or related conditions. Many family/whanau support services, including Parent to Parent’s unique Sibling Programmes. National tollfree number 0508-236-236. Auckland branch 09-263-6844. Far North 09-631-5644.

Skylight Helping children and young people deal with change, loss and grief. Skylight can help when someone becomes ill or injured … someone faces a disability … there is an accident … and much more. Call free 0800-299-100.

Starship Family Information Service Located in the outpatient clinic of Starship Hospital. Phone 09-307-4955. Fax 09-307-4979. Email: ssfis@adhb.govt.nz  Website: www.starship.org.nz/healthinfo  Open Monday and Tuesday 10-2pm and Wednesday and Thursday 10-4pm. The Starship Family Information Service provides families and whanau with information about childrens’ medical conditions and disabilities.

Taikura Trust Needs Assessment and Service Coordination for 0-64 year olds with a physical disability, and 0-16 year olds with an intellectual disability. Level 1/19 Charles Street, Papatoetoe. Call free 0800-835-4672. Or 09-278-6314.

Wilson Centre for Children Respite, rehabilitation, parent accommodation, parent support group. 1 St Leonard’s Road, Takapuna. Phone 09-488-4688..