Help for children with vision problems (MoH)

Enable New Zealand is contracted by The Ministry of Health, to provide a Spectacle Subsidy for children with vision problems in low income families. The subsidy can be used for eye exams, frames, lenses, eye patchesand repairs. The annual subsidy amount is $287.50 (including GST); with a further $51.11 (including GST) is available for children that require an adult size frame. The subsidy covers examinations and prescriptions from an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist registered with Enable New Zealand, or to fill a prescription from a hospital-based eye examination.

For an information sheet about the MoH Spectacle Subsidy, click here.

Help for single parent families—Birthright

Birthright New Zealand is a national Non Government Agency (NGO) that works with single parent families to provide emotional and financial support in a variety of ways. It has 15 branches around the country with services such as counselling and social work, in-home visits by Birthright support workers, budgeting assistance, self-esteem programmes for children, parenting workshops, play groups and parenting groups available at most branches.

Financial assistance can also be accessed to help pay school uniforms, teenagers to attend Spirit of Adventure courses and help out with other recreational activities. Retraining Grants are also available.

For an information sheet about Birthright, click here.

Support for families with premmies—Earlybuds

Early Buds, is a non-profit organsiation and ministry of the Rotorua Elim church. It supports parents of premature babies by offering a free prem pack to parents around New Zealand, filled with goodies from their generous sponsors, as well as offering hope, information and links to additional support via their website. 

For an information sheet about Earlybuds, click here.

Help with meals—Bellyful

Bellyful is a national non-profit organisation helping New Zealand mums by delivering frozen, precooked meals to families with newborns and families struggling with illness. Simple tasty meals, like Spaghetti Bolognese, Macaroni Cheese and Lasagne are prepared by volunteer mums at Cookathons at one of 17 active, independent branches throughout NZ. Contact is via a local branch coordinator, and you can refer a friend or yourself, volunteer your time or donate to your branch.

For an information sheet about Bellyful, click here.