• Conflict resolution mediation
• Counselling
• Family violence intervention
• Information and support
• Referral to specialist services
• Victim support

At Family Works we provide family safety and violence prevention services, supporting individuals, families and whānau to live a life free from violence, abuse, bullying and neglect. We’ll teach you how to create positive changes and keep yourself and your children safe.

Family violence is never OK. No-one should be frightened of, scared by, or hurt by someone in their family. Family Works Safety Support provides a range of specialist services to support children, teenagers, adults and families who have experienced family violence.

Our range of services include counselling and therapy, safety support, social work and group programmes.

We cover topics such as:

• specialist trauma counselling for children, teenagers and adults who have experienced family violence
• couples and relationship counselling
• supporting safety programmes that help the victims of family violence to be safe
• family therapy
• group support programmes, like Free to be Me, for both children and adults
• support and education programmes, like Boundaries and the Good Fathers Programme, to help you recognise and develop healthy relationships
• parenting support, advice and education to help you develop positive parenting skills.

Specialist support for children

Children are affected by family violence whether they see it, hear it or just know about it. Family Works’ child and family therapists will tailor services to individually meet the child’s needs. Experiencing violence as a child can have massive effects. Our therapists will ensure your child feels safe and respected.

Service types: Abuse and violence support.

Children are affected by family violence whether they see it, hear it or just know about it. Family Works’ child and family therapists will tailor services to individually meet the child’s needs. Experiencing violence as a child can have massive effects. Our therapists will ensure your child feels safe and respected.

Service types: Advocacy.

At Family Works, we provide counselling for individuals, including adults, teenagers and specialist children’s therapy, as well as relationship or couples counselling and family therapy/counselling. 

Our professional and supportive counsellors provide an unbiased ear to listen to your concerns and help you make positive changes in your life. If you would like to talk to someone, or want to refer another person, call our friendly team or email an enquiry.

In many cases, the sessions are able to be subsidised or provided free of charge thanks to funding from government and the community.

We can support you to: 

• Acknowledge and explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
• Become more self-aware, including thinking about your values and motivations.
• See patterns and make connections in your relationships and behaviour.
• Set goals and learn practical tools and strategies that will help you make positive changes in your life, using the strengths and resources you already have.

• Parenting education
• Parent wellbeing
• Family / whānau support
• Support for Dads

Building strong families.

Having strong relationships with our children is one of the most important things that we can do. It’s not always easy, but the good news is you’re not alone. We’ll support you to build on the strengths, skills and resources you and your whānau have by taking a whole-of-family approach and by tailoring our services to meet your needs.

Family Works’ parenting programmes give you the chance to share in a relaxed and friendly group environment. You’ll learn helpful techniques for listening to, understanding and working with your child to build a strong relationship and be more confident in your role as a parent or carer.

Relationship breakdowns, family separation or divorce is one of the most difficult things a family can face. 

Often family situations change and some hard decisions need to be made. For example, parents or guardians may disagree on things such as day-to-day care, the children’s cultural upbringing and contact arrangements.

Our Family Works’ mediation services help families reach agreement on parenting arrangements after (or during) a separation or divorce, without the need to go to court.

The Family Works’ Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) service provides a qualified family mediator who will listen to all points of view and help you reach an agreement about looking after your children.

Our mediation service has been designed to support parents, carers and/or guardians to resolve conflict without the need to go to court. This makes things much less stressful for everyone involved, especially the children, by avoiding the delays, conflict and expense that the court process can entail.

Family Works Central’s social work support is all about helping children and families to thrive, even in difficult times.

Our social workers are trained in providing advice, support and advocacy for children, parents and families. We partner with you and your family to help you work through challenging situations, making sure you have access to the right support and resources.

Our main focus is making sure that you and your family are getting the support and assistance you need. We can help you and your children work through complex problems and emotions, develop coping strategies, and adapt to the world around you.

Our team of experienced social workers are friendly, approachable and non-judgemental. We’ll walk alongside you to help you and your family make positive changes, using the strengths and resources you already have.

We can support you with a range of things, such as:

• assisting you to find the services you need, including advocating on your behalf
• making sure you have access to the right support and resources, including accommodation, employment assistance and benefits
• connecting, or reconnecting, you with community and family support networks
• providing advice about your rights and opportunities
• supporting you to develop skills and strategies to keep yourself and your children safe
• supporting you to navigate through legal processes and coordinate services.

Are you struggling to control your anger?

If you can’t control your anger or have violent tendencies, we are here to help you choose a better way of dealing with your feelings. We can provide specialist counselling, group support programmes such as the Good Fathers programme, or make a referral to a Stopping Violence Programme in your area.