MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand Plunket Society – Press Release/Statement
Headline: Giving Communities the Services they Need
A new Plunket antenatal programme is exceeding all expectations – for the parents taking part and for the volunteers who are the secrets to its success.
Hosted by the Johnsonville Plunket Centre, the programme is the brainchild of Sandra Yeldon, a Plunket volunteer and President of the Johnsonville Plunket Committee.
Determined to find a sustainable way of funding the increasing costs of operating the centre, Sandra researched and confirmed community demand for a reasonably priced antenatal class.
“We employed a midwife facilitator and obtained grants to cover some of the set up costs. We held the first course for 10 couples in July last year,” she says. Today the courses are booked out well in advance.
Sandra believes the course’s success reflects its cost effectiveness and the depth of information it offers.
“It delivers much more than the ‘required’ information,” she says. “Volunteers take turns supporting the facilitator. They offer advice and share their own experiences. We have invited speakers and provide information on other Plunket services and topics such as car seat safety, breastfeeding, sleeping and bathing.
Sandra says the course’s value can be seen in the number of parents going on to attend Plunket’s parenting education courses, family centres and breastfeeding support sessions.
“We’ve also seen a number joining Plunket as volunteers – so the whole thing is going full circle.”
“I love being involved with these classes because it offers you a real opportunity to make a difference,” she says. “That’s all the reward you can ask for!”
“It was very touching and exciting in my second week to select an item and imagine that it would soon be worn by our little one. You can see how much love, care and time has gone into making these items and it really is so appreciated by all.”
Tracey recently attended the Johnsonville antenatal course and wrote a note of thanks:
“I’d like to thank the very dedicated and talented people who provide the knitted gifts for the antenatal classes.
“It was very touching and exciting in my second week to select an item and imagine that it would soon be worn by our little one. You can see how much love, care and time has gone into making these items and it really is so appreciated by all.”
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Posted by Maddison Treadwell on
2 July 2015
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