• Counselling
• Family violence intervention
• Information and support
• Referral to specialist services
• Victim support
• Support groups
• Education programmes
• Care and protection

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 provide:

• 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
• group support programmes, like Free to be Me, for both children and adults
• support and education programmes to help you recognise and develop healthy relationships
• parenting support, advice and education to help you develop positive parenting skills.
• support and education to help prevent abuse and neglect. 

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 social workers and counsellors will tailor services to individually meet the child’s needs. Experiencing violence as a child can have massive effects. Our team 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 social workers and counsellors will tailor services to individually meet the child’s needs. Experiencing violence as a child can have massive effects. We will ensure your child feels safe and respected.

At Family Works, we provide counselling for individuals, including adults, teenagers and children, 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.

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 and non-violence programmes.