Community Connect

ISSUE 3 • OCTOBER 2008

E-news from Family and Community Services

Welcome to the third edition of Family and Community Services' e-newsletter. To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to tell us your stories, please email us on enews@facs.govt.nz.

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Issue Three - October 2008:

Heartlands moves to the heart of Takaka

Breakers bounce into the campaign

FACS programmes win diversity awards

Community celebrates Better Futures Hauraki

Being a dad – it's more than OK

Healthy eating is just a quick click away

Otara schools open doors to parents

Innovative West Coast parent educator recognised

SAGES help young mum improve her home and life skills

School liaison improves ties to community

Newspaper campaign strikes a chord in Wanganui

New telephone helpline for victims of crime launched

West Coast diversity highlighted in new report

In Tuakau working together just makes sense

Papakura Hub launched at family-friendly event

What's happening in the community

Papakura Hub launched at family-friendly event

There is a new addition to the Early Years Service Hubs – the latest one was recently launched in South Auckland's Papakura.

The goal of Early Years Service Hubs is to allow parents with children pre-birth to six years old better access to the support and help needed through improved co-ordination and integration of services. This includes services like antenatal care and parenting support and education.

The launch occurred on the Papakura Marae on 25 September and around 200 people attended.

"The focus of the event was families," said Toa Faneva, Acting Northern Regional Manager for Family and Community Services. "There were a number of activities for toddlers, including a train ride, jumping castle, pet zoo, horse rides and a merry go round."

While children got a chance to play, parents seized the opportunity to meet with service providers in the area. "A large number of Early Childhood Education providers attended," said Toa. "There were also a number of stalls by Barnardos, the Ministry of Education, Counties Manukau District Health Board, the Fires Service, NZ Water Safety and Push Play. The Police even provided a sausage sizzle."

The day was declared a great success. "I spent some time with the Mayor of Papakura, Callum Penrose, who was very impressed with the event," said Toa.

Five Hubs are currently established in Whangarei, Murupara, Tokoroa, Mangere and South Dunedin. Apart from the recently launched Papakura Hub, an additional seven Hubs are currently being established in Pahiatua, Dargaville, Levin, Mount Roskill, Shirley, Taita and Tauranga, making a total of 13 hubs.