We need your help?

Helping others feels great.

We need to be over our minimum number of volunteers to be able to run the course. If we don’t have the numbers we will have to postpone the course. We have the funding, the trainers, a specially designed course…………………….now all we need is you. Can you help?

Have you ever wished you had the knowledge you have now when your cleft child was born?
Do you wish you had support at the beginning to be able to ask all your questions, and just be understood?
Would you like to share your knowledge and experience to support new cleft families?

We need at least 10 parents to volunteer for this excellent course. If we don’t have the numbers we will have to postpone the course. We have the funding, the trainers, a specially designed course…………………….now all we need is you. Can you help?
The next course will be held in Auckland.

Dates: Saturday & Sunday 17th & 18th March 2007 & Saturday 24th March
Times: 9am – 3pm – lunch and refreshments supplied
Venue: Parent & Family Resource Centre
Cnr Spring St & Princes Street
Onehunga

Now is your chance to contribute in a unique and meaningful way to support other families of cleft children to cope with the emotions of the first year. No one else can do this job but another cleft parent. The Support Group knows that this is an important and valued service. We want to ensure that our volunteers can provide the service in a safe and professional manner.

The Cleft Support Group will provide free training to parents of cleft children who would like to volunteer for this important role. The course is 18 hours in duration and covers communication skills, grief issues, and resources within the disability sector. It provides the opportunity for personal awareness where parents can consider their ability to support others in similar circumstances. At the conclusion of the training parents are able to apply for accreditation as Support Parents.

Once accredited, Support Parents will be asked to visit new families in maternity units, or offer support over the phone where we cannot find a match locally. “I find offering support to others extremely rewarding. I have learnt a lot about myself, how to communicate with others and how to truly listen to another’s needs. I know I am helping them and feel that the course gave me the skills I needed to be able to do a good job.” Susan Frear, volunteer support parent.

The next course will be held in AUCKLAND
Dates: Saturday & Sunday 17th & 18th March & Saturday 24th March 2007
Times: 9am – 3pm – lunch and refreshments supplied
Venue: Parent & Family Resource Centre
Cnr Spring St & Princes Street
Onehunga

If you are interested let us know your name and contact details by:
Phone 0800 425 338
Or E-mail susan@cleft.org.nz

Thank you without your help we cannot support other families. The support group and new families of cleft children appreciate it.