01. What is Parent to Parent (part 1)

Family, Whanau and Disability

Research: Rebecca Armstrong
Presenter: Val Ockenden
Produced by Louise Ratcliffe and FreeFM89.0
Guests

Anne Wilkinson ONZM
Enabling Good Lives (EGL)
Anne’s involvement in the sector began over 30 years ago as a parent. She has a background of working with families and for 25 years worked for and held a number of roles within Parent to Parent New Zealand. In early 2016 she resigned after 12 years as Chief Executive, but continues to be a volunteer Support Parent and member of the organisation. Anne has been involved with EGL since 2011, currently serving on the National Leadership Group and the Waikato Leadership Group. She believes disabled people have the same rights as others to have control over their lives, and that families are an integral part in achieving this.
Jacqui Stokes
Waikato Support Parent
“I found out about Parent to Parent when my son was diagnosed at two years old. It supported me by helping getting assessed for respite care and putting me in touch with another parent whose child had the same diagnosis. “When I moved to Hamilton I started going to coffee mornings. It was nice to chat with other mums who were going through the same things. From there I was asked to join the committee and become a Support Parent.
“Since becoming a Support Parent I have talked and listened, and even met with other
parents who have the same diagnosis as my son. I have been on and off the committee over
the years and have always been willing to support the group that help support me especially
through my son’s younger years.”
Programme Synopsis

• Introduction to Connect, Inform, Support podcast.
• A history of Parent to Parent from Anne Wilkinson who has been with the organisation for almost 30 years.
• Lived experience from Jacqui Stokes who has been actively involved as a volunteer Support Parent for 15 years.

Tune in to Parent to Parent's podcast Connect, Inform, Support
Connect, Inform, Support features interviews with professionals and specialists on disability-related topics, and is a source of information and resources for families and whānau caring for people with disabilities.
Discussion topics cover a range of subjects related to disability and special needs, such as inclusive education, supporting someone with special needs, and the challenges and triumphs of living with disability.
Links

• enablinggoodlives.co.nz
• Safesquares
• Parent to Parent New Zealand Inc
• Altogether Autism
• Care Matters or 0508 236 236 freephone service for carers
• Mana Whaikaha – MidCentral only