Programmes Family Service Centres Takanini Family Service Centre In January 2014 we opened the doors to our warm and colourful brand new Centre, established in partnership with the Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association, whose superb early learning centre provides a beautiful environment for the local children. Like its sister centre at Papakura, Takanini Family Service Centre continues to meet the high needs of its community through the provision of integrated support services that improve the lives of people with social, health and educational challenges. These include social work, counselling, the Home Interaction Programme for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) programme, and Adult English Literacy and Numeracy Course, partnered with Manukau Institute of Technology Our Services Social Services Teams To support the person or people we are working with (‘clients’) with their day-to-day challenges we have community social workers, counsellors and Social Workers in Schools (SWiS). We also offer parenting support as needed, practical advice and help for parents with managing their children's behaviour, helping deal with problems and building stronger, healthier relationships. Community Social Workers We have a team of community social workers who provide social work intervention, targeted towards vulnerable children, young people and their families living in Counties-Manukau who are at risk of abuse, harm or offending. Referrals are received from a range of community agencies and an initial assessment is completed (includes consent form) to ascertain the assistance or support for the referral. At times external agencies may be included to assist the referral where further support may be required. Counselling We have two experienced counsellors available to listen in confidence to members of the community and assist them to find a pathway to better understand themselves and others. Our counsellors specialise in counselling for children, women and couples but men's counselling is also available. Licensed Playgroup We run a fun and interactive playgroup for any child under the age of six. This is a safe and supportive way to meet other parents while engaging with your child. Rain or shine — we always have fun at playgroup! What does the Takanini Playgroup believe in? Providing a place for parents and their children that is supportive and safe Providing quality care Fostering children’s learning and development to allow them to reach their fullestpotential Playgroup happens during Term time at our Takanini centre. All under- six and their parent/caregiver are welcome (A parent or caregiver must remain with their child during playgroup). Playgroup Hours: Tuesday, 9am-12pm Thursday, 11:30am-2:30pm HIPPY Programme We offer HIPPY (Home Interaction Programme for Parents and Youngsters) at our Takanini Centre. As part of the HIPPY programme parents work with their child at home for 15 minutes a day, 5 times a week. Children build knowledge in maths, reading and writing, while developing their cognitive, creative and social skills meaning they are better prepared to start primary school. Community Services and Facilities Several community groups make use of our facilities and offer their services to our clients, including Plunket, Manukau Institute of Technology and Parenting Through Separation. We also have: Room Hire Available Parent changing facilities We are grateful for the huge amount of support we receive from our community, assisting us to continue helping children, young people and families towards brighter futures. Contact Details Opening Hours Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm Address 8 Oakleigh Avenue, Takanini Phone (09) 974 4719 Email [email protected] Like us on Facebook EMERGENCY CONTACT Oranga Tamariki 0508 326459 Police 111