With Christmas approaching, Barnardos Aotearoa is seeing growing demand from families in Porirua and is calling on the community to help keep tamariki safe during what can be a vulnerable time.
As part of its Safe at Christmas campaign, the organisation is focused on prevention, offering wraparound support so families can access help early, before stress escalates and harm occurs.
“Children are at the centre of what we do at Barnardos Early Learning Porirua. We work to remove barriers so every child can access quality early learning,” said Barnardos Aotearoa Centre Manager Porirua Rosie Churms. “To help make this possible, we’re offering 30 hours free for the first three months for all new enrolments.”
Based at 24 Mungavin Avenue, Barnardos Early Learning Porirua is supporting families experiencing rising unemployment, housing stress, and a growing number of grandparents or wider aiga stepping in as caregivers. Despite these challenges, Churms said the community’s spirit remains strong.
“We’re grateful to our corporate partners and local supporters who donate gifts, bringing moments of joy to children who might otherwise go without, Churms said”
The Porirua centre is already seeing increased need compared to last year, with staff responding by offering tailored practical help such as food parcels, activity packs, and financial assistance through Barnardos’ Hardship Fund.
One in seven children in Aotearoa grow up in a violent home. Barnardos’ Christmas and New Year period response includes the Footsteps to Feeling Safe programme, part of its wider Children’s Safety Programme, supporting tamariki recovering from the effects of violence and trauma.
The organisation’s continuum of care includes early learning, social work, foster care, and the 0800 What’s Up helpline, which remains open every day of the year, including Christmas Day, offering tamariki and rangatahi a safe, judgment-free space to talk.
“This is why Barnardos walks alongside families in Porirua. We remove barriers, interrupt cycles of adversity, and ensure tamariki are at the centre of every decision,” said Barnardos Aotearoa Service Manager Mary McDavitt.
Barnardos supports more than 30,000 children and families each year across Aotearoa.
Donations to the Safe at Christmas campaign go directly toward frontline support. A $25 gift provides a safety toolkit for a child; $75 funds one-on-one support with a social worker; and $125 covers a group session for children who have experienced family violence.
To donate or learn more: https://safe-at-christmas.barnardos.org.nz
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