Support groups and friend groups

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Altogether Autism

Altogether Autism is an organisation created in partnership between Your Way Kia Roha and Parent to Parent NZ, funded by The New Zealand Government.

Services provided

  • Evidence-based autism information and advice on any topic related to autism across the lifespan. Information is provided via website live chat or personalised information packs. Complex information requests are compiled by researchers and/or people with lived experience.
  • Articles and annual Journal covering a range of topics, including life stage transitions, school, gender identity, anxiety, and being authentically autistic.
  • Face to face and online workshops for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of autistic and neurodivergent children and ways to support them.
  • Weekly and fortnightly Zoom meetings ‘By Autistics for Autistics’ providing autistic adults with a safe place for connection and understanding.
  • The target audience is autistic people, their families, whānau and carers, and professionals.

Auckland Women’s Centre

Auckland Women’s Centre provides a range of community education courses and support groups designed to boost women’s confidence and strengthen connections. Together, participants learn new skills—mental, physical, cultural, and emotional—that inspire growth and empowerment.

Autism NZ

An organisation providing support, education, and information on autism.

Services provided:

  • Autism information and support, including diagnostic support.
  • Supported employment programme for adults.
  • Education programmes for families and schools.

Nurturing Families

Nurturing Families offer a variety of services and programmes designed to support parents and children in our community. From Crisis Packs filled with essential items to weekly parenting group sessions, they offer a safe haven for those navigating parenthood.

Parent to Parent

An organisation supporting the families of disabled New Zealanders.

Services provided:

  • Connecting parents with similarly experienced mentor parents, and through regular coffee support groups across Auckland.
  • Sibling support for non-disabled siblings.
  • Parents can register their interest in connecting with other parents of children with specific rare conditions.
  • The target audience is parents and siblings of children with disabilities.

Pasifika Autism Support Group (PASG)

A support group started by parents of Niuean and Samoan descent whose child has autism. Aimed at providing support to Pasifika families whose loved ones are autistic people.

Services provided

  • Information from the NZ Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline in Samoan, Tongan, Cook Island Māori, Māori languages.
  • Meetings every term at Sommerville Special School.
  • Other support via link to the group’s Facebook page.
  • The target audience is Pasifika parents, whānau, aiga and carers of people with autism.

Phab

Phab provides weekly social experiences for people with disabilities aged 16 and over. They run weekly social groups, holiday programmes, exercise programmes and life skills day programmes and more. They are based in Takapuna.

Solo Mums on Sundays

Solo Mums is a monthly peer-support and social group for solo mums and their children five years and under. Get together with other solo mums to connect and share stories in a supportive and non-judgemental space.

Vaka Tautua

Vaka Tautua delivers community programmes and services for Pacific peoples, especially to older people, those living with disability, and people seeking support for their mental health.