This episode was recorded in November 2023
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Shelley, a parent of neurodivergent children, talks with Dame Sue Bagshaw, GP and Canterbury youth health champion, about how trauma affects brain development, the difference between disorder and injury, safe environments, strengthening family communication, sibling inclusion, and everyday routines like eating together that support recovery and wellbeing.
This episode was recorded in September 2023
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Child and Family Psychologist Jessica Caldwell sits down with James, a parent, to talk about what families can do if a child expresses suicidal thoughts. They discuss how to keep a child safe in the moment, what to expect after emergency care, and strategies that help with communication, routines, and self-care while supporting recovery.
This episode was recorded in September 2023
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This Listening to Families episode features suicidologist Annette Beautrais in conversation with James, a parent. Together they explore suicide and self-harm, what puts young people at risk, and how families can respond. Annette also shares key habits that protect wellbeing and guidance on finding professional help.
This episode was recorded in June 2024
Visit our website here: https://www.listeningtofamilies.co.nz/Professor Andrew Day, Paediatric Gastroenterologist, answers families’ questions alongside Viv, mother of an 18-month-old daughter. They discuss the Kasai operation, recovery, nutrition, signs to watch for, parental advocacy, and considerations around liver transplant, offering supportive guidance for families navigating this condition.
This episode was recorded in February 2024
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Alisha Keith from Stand Children’s Services talks with Betty Gallagher and Lyn Jansen from Stop Services. They explore what “age-expected behaviours” look like, when to be concerned, and how to support children with additional needs. They also share ways to start conversations about safe touch and boundaries, along with practical information for families and where to access support. Stop provides free and confidential help for children and young people with concerning or harmful sexual behaviours.
This episode was recorded in April 2024
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Alisha Keith from Stand Children’s Services – Mana Ake is joined by Lara Beskeen and Joel Agnew from Stop Services. Together they talk about how families can support young people, strengthen communication, and have conversations about topics like pornography and online safety. They also share practical advice on where to find support. Stop provides free and confidential help for young people who are showing concerning or harmful sexual behaviours.
This episode was recorded in March 2024
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Clinical Psychologist and START Practice Manager Catherine Gallagher, together with Registered Child Psychologist Sam MacGibbon, continue their conversation with Liz Reilly, Kaiārahi Team Leader at Mana Ake. They explore the questions families often face after a disclosure—how to talk about it, how to navigate the reactions of others, and where and when to access services like START to help with recovery.
This episode was recorded in March 2024
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Catherine Gallagher, Clinical Psychologist and Practice Manager at START, and Registered Child Psychologist Sam MacGibbon join Liz Reilly, Kaiārahi Team Leader at Mana Ake, to discuss what sexual abuse is, how to recognise signs, and how parents and whānau can respond to disclosures and provide support for children.
This episode was recorded in April 2024
Visit our website here: https://www.listeningtofamilies.co.nz/Parent Sharlene chats with pharmacist Simon Murphy about the wide range of services available at local pharmacies. They cover safe medication use, clinical advice, quiet consultation rooms, and how pharmacies offer whānau-friendly support beyond prescriptions.
This episode was recorded in June 2024
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Sharlene, a parent of neurodivergent children, sits down with Becky Voisey and Jonathan Crosbie, Kaiārahi Team Leaders at Mana Ake, and Julie Forman, a Counsellor at Presbyterian Support. Together, they explore Tuning in to Kids, Tuning in to Teens, and Dads Tuning in to Kids — looking at how these programs give families practical strategies to use at home, help parents strengthen their skills, build confidence, and support their children’s emotional wellbeing.
This episode was recorded in March 2024
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Members of Digital Waitaha—including Megan Rutter, Youth Chair and Neysa Koizumi, Lead Facilitator answer families’ questions about online safety with Becky Voisey, Kaiārahi Team Leader at Mana Ake. They discuss device readiness, strategies for supporting children online, responding to inappropriate content, social media use, and ways to maximise the positives of technology.
This episode was recorded in August 2024
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Parent Demelza is joined by Public Health Nurse Holly Cummings, Deputy Principal Marcia Kashizuka, and GP Dr. David Pilbrow to talk about toileting challenges in children. They discuss toilet training, bedwetting, school support, and how some issues can be misunderstood or overlooked—offering practical strategies for whânau.
This episode was recorded in July 2023
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Jen Shields from Qtopia and GP Dr. Rebecca Nicholls answer parent questions about gender identity. They share practical advice for talking with schools and GPs and finding the right support for young people.
This episode was recorded in June 2024
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Parent Sharlene talks with Billy Brice, a Wellbeing Coordinator, and Jo Chapman, an Attendance and Engagement Mentor. They discuss common barriers that teenagers face with attendance, what helps keep them engaged—like routines, mental health support, and strong communication—and the collaborative approach between whânau, schools, and community services. They also explain some ways Attendance and Engagement Services support young people and their families.
This episode was recorded in June 2024
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Parents Megan and Meghan speak with school principal Graeme Norman, Adam Duchac, Practice Lead, and Makera Hansen-James, Co Lead at Tupuranga / Pou Whirinaki, Christchurch School Attendance and Engagement services. They explore primary school attendance challenges—such as anxiety, bullying, transport barriers, and family stress—and the support available for tamariki and whânau.
This episode was recorded in November 2023
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Parent Shelley talks with Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Matt Eggleston about some medications used for mental health conditions in children and young people. They cover questions about overmedication, which conditions might require long-term treatment, the Special Authority process, and the current evidence around cannabidiol (CBD).
This episode was recorded in November 2023
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Parent Sharlene speaks with Deb Bradshaw, Clinical Lead at Te Tumu Waiora, and Lurita Kurene, Health Coach and Support Worker Lead. They explain how these relatively new roles work alongside GP clinics to support people’s overall health and wellbeing. This includes helping with mental health, managing long-term physical conditions, making lifestyle changes, and connecting to the right services. GPs can connect people to these free services, which are often available without long waits.
This episode was recorded in December 2023
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Parent Sharlene talks with Dr. David Pilbrow from Travis Medical Centre about the range of services families can access at their local GP clinic. They discuss the GP care team, booking longer appointments, using the patient portal, preparing questions, and navigating follow-ups.
This episode was recorded in March 2023
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Members of the Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Youth Advisory Council role-play a GP visit, showing how young people can prepare, speak up, and make the most of their time with the doctor. It’s a practical resource for both rangatahi and whânau.
This episode was recorded in June 2023
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Kim, a parent of autistic children, and Helen Wagstaff, former Autism Coordinator at the Child Development Service, speak with Tracy Rohan, former Principal Adviser Learning Support Canterbury, and Rachel Vink, Chief Advisor - Learning Support National, both from the Ministry of Education. They answer common family questions about accessing learning support in schools—covering Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS), teacher aide support, and school transitions—and clarify that a formal diagnosis isn’t always required.