Mothers support each other

Press, 12 June 1989, Page 18

Mothers support each other

New mothers’ support groups are especially for mothers whose children are under two, regardless of other children they may have. These groups, each running for eight weeks, are part of a national movement to help women develop confidence in their mothering and to trust their own feelings. Each group is co-led by two mothers, who foster a caring, accepting atmosphere where mothers can feel free to share their experiences and their feelings. The emphasis is on self-help. Five new mothers’ support groups have started in Christchurch, and more will be set up soon. Any mother who would like to join can contact fieldworkers Julie at 883-274 or Audrey at 558-666. The groups need more women interested in being trained as co-leaders. A co-leaders’ group meets fortnightly at the Linwood Community House in Buckleys Road. A meeting will be held tomorrow, from 10 a.m. until noon. Setting up in business If you’ve been talking to your friends and family

for ages about setting up in business, perhaps it’s time to do something about it. Tomorrow, from 9.30 a.m. until 3 p.m. the Otautahi Women’s Labour Pool is holding a workshop for women who would like to sound out their ideas for a small business. The day will be informal, with lots of talking to other women in small groups and advice from the tutors Clair Bryant and Chris Fagg. Claire works in the

alternative employment programme of the Internal Affairs Department, and Chris works for an enterprise agency in Britain. She is currently writing a report on women setting up in business in the United States and Europe. The workshop will be in room 111 in the Cranmer Centre. The cost is' $2. Bring pen and paper and your lunch. Childcare can be made available. There is wheelchair access. Those wanting to go

tomorrow can phone Kim at 667-620. The Otautahi Women’s Labour Pool helps women wanting to find paid work or to set up small business ventures, either alone or collectively.

Endometriosis

support

Three women from the endometriosis support group who attended an endometriosis seminar in Palmerston North will speak at a meeting on Tuesday, June 27.

This will be at the Cotswold Kindergarden, 62 Cotswold Avenue in Bishopdale, starting at 7.30 p.m.

All women with endometriosis are warmly invited. For more information phone The Health Alternatives for Women at 796-970.

Mid-term holiday programme Five holiday programmes are being offered for children from 5 to 12 by the Young Men’s Christian Association over the week of mid-term, July 3 to July 7. These include ice and roller skating, a visit to Orana Park or Willowbank, seeing ice-cream made at Tip Top and burgers made at McDonalds, and planes at Wigram or a farm at Woolly Meadows. For more details contact the Y.M.C.A., 12 Hereford Street, phone 660-689 or 286 Greers Road, phone 598-320. Chilren and sexuality Many parents find it hard to talk to their children about sexuality. If you’re one, a lecture evening held by the Cashmere Kindergarten this Thursday, June 15, should help. The speaker is from the Family Planning Association.

A second talk will be on

parents and pre-school education, by a pre-school adviser from the Education Department. The talks begin at 7.30 p.m. at the Old Stone House in Cashmere. Educational toys and books will be on sale. Tickets are $3 at the door.

Homeopathy

and children

More and more parents are finding their children respond well to homeopathic treatment. Homeopathy and children is the focus of an evening being held by Parents’ Centre this Thursday, June 15. The speaker is Dr Wendy Isbell, a G.P. and homeopath.

This will be at Hagley House from 8 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. The charge of $1 includes supper. All welcome.

For more details phone Lynda at 660-896 or Gwynneth at 585-618.

Woolston creche

The new Woolston community creche, the result of two years hard work and planning, is open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursday, and Fridays. The creche, a former dairy at 615 Ferry Road, is staffed by two qualified childcare workers. All children under five and their parents are invited to enjoy this muchneeded facility. For more details phone 812-277 during creche hours. Parentline

Parentline, a 24-hour telephone counselling service for parents under stress, is 10 years old this year.

To celebrate, a function will be held later in the year. Former members and counsellors who would like to be there are asked to contact Pauline at 893-937.

Young volunteers needed The Young Men’s Christian Association needs volunteers to lead its midterm holiday programmes from July 3 to 7.

Those over 15 interested can contact the Y.M.C.A., 12 Hereford Street, phone 660-689 or 286 Greers Road, phone 598-320. Training will be given.