Filmmaker to Showcase Positive Parenting in Waitakere

Internationally Acclaimed Local Filmmaker And Photographer to Showcase Positive Parenting in Waitakere

On Tuesday, 24 May 2016, 6pm - 7:30pm at the Ranui Library, internationally acclaimed local filmmaker Briar March, and renowned local photographer Edith Amituanai will showcase their work celebrating parents involved in the SKIP Waitakere positive parenting programme. March will show a short film and Amituanai will present a parent-led photographic exhibition.

“So much of the magic that happens in our communities remains invisible to the eye - we’ve worked with local artists to make the invisible visible. Through film and photographs we are able to see into the lives of our extraordinary parent leaders, their resilience and enthusiasm and the positive changes in the lives of parents and children resulting from their actions. It’s been a real privilege to work with such amazing artists on this project ” Kelly Ann McKercher, SKIP Waitakere Programme Leader

SKIP Waitakere is a peer-to-peer parenting programme powered by innovate change, that
is creating stronger social connections between parents of under-fives in Waitakere.

Each week, as part of the SKIP Waitakere programme, 28 parent leaders run more than 30 different activities across Waitakere aimed at connecting parents of under fives. Parent leaders are everyday parents of under fives living in Waitakere who receive training and support to run one or several weekly parent-led activities.

SKIP Waitakere spokesperson Kelly Ann McKercher says “We know social connectedness can act as a protective factor against risks associated with parents who struggle to do what they can to enable their child to thrive. SKIP Waitakere was co-designed by parents, for parents, to forge stronger social connections and prevent some of the social isolation, judgement, and feelings of being overwhelmed we know some parents experience.”

“I don’t have, or ask for, support. There is nothing for people like me. I do it all by myself.”
Mum, new to Waitakere

SKIP Waitakere is developing an evidence base that demonstrates that solutions built on what parents want and need can create positive outcomes for children and whānau.

“Many of the discussions which have taken place at the meetings have been important and heartfelt. Mothers have discussed issues such as postnatal depression and anxiety as well as the difficulties experienced with a new baby in the family. Other mothers have always been supportive and offered helpful advice.” SKIP Waitakere Parent Leader

Find out more about the programme, including insights and the plan from the co-design process used to develop SKIP Waitakere here: http://www.innovatechange.co.nz/what-weve- done/msd.

Media are invited to attend the event, with the opportunity to talk with the artists and a parent leader representative. Following the event, links to the documentary film and selected photographs captured by parents for the exhibition will be shared with media.

innovate change is a social change agency that uses creative and participatory approaches to build social connectedness that enables youth development, whānau well-being and positive ageing. innovate change have been partners with the Ministry of Social Development in supporting SKIP Waitakere for the past three years.

ENDS

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