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 - 6 week program

The Young Parents to Be program a partnership with Plunket, is a youth friendly pregnancy and parenting programme 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 - 5 week program

This is run by a certified infant massage instructor. Learn how to massage and help your baby to sleep peacefully, cry less often and improve overall health. Connect with other parents who have young babies. This is a group for parents of babies that are newborn to 6 months. To sign up, call or text Danielle on 027 244 0940.

Mellow parenting - 14 week program

This is a relationship based parenting group that supports creating a positive relationship between you and your child. Each session will include an activity and lunch with your child as well as time for parents to discuss parenting topics together. Dads are welcome to the parenting aspect of the group. Topics include: trust, child development, bonding with baby, playing, feeding, childhood illnesses, safety in the home, family, self esteem, the future. To sign up, call Waipuna on (03) 386 2159 or text Danielle on 027 244 0940.

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]