Group Learning

Family Works Northern delivers a number of programmes where people facing similar challenges can learn and share experiences in a group setting. Our group programme include a number of parenting programmes and the following:

The Women Against Violence (WAVE) programme is a unique Family Works Northern for women who have been, or continue to be, in abusive relationships.

The information and support offered through the programme helps participants build awareness and the strength to improve their situation through making more positive choices for themselves and their children.

The programme - which operates from the premise that everyone has the right to live free of violence and that physical, psychological and/or sexual abuse is never justified - primarily involves facilitated group discussion, with some video clips incorporated.

WAVE has five main themes: education about violence in the wider sense; education to support the belief that people are responsible for their own violence (i.e. that victims are not responsible for it); encouragement for women to take responsibility for themselves and their children (based on an understanding of the effects of domestic violence);support to develop participants' sense of entitlement to basic rights and support building self acceptance and self respect.

The WAVE programme, which was developed in-house by women for women, is delivered through weekly sessions over 14 weeks.

WAVE is available in Waikato, Rotorua, Western Bay of Plenty, Eastern Bay of Plenty and Taupo.