Valuing Ourselves Youth Activities & Group Education
                                                                                  he taonga nga tamariki

VOYAGE is a court-approved programme for children who have experienced the effects of family violence, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse or physical abuse, or where a child has witnessed the abuse of those they love and care about.

VOYAGE aims to break the cycle and secrecy of abuse by providing children with positive experiences on which to build their self-esteem.

The groups are for both boys and girls between the ages of 5—11 years. The nine-week programme is run after-school during term. Groups are limited to 8 children of similar age and development.

There is no cost to attend and transport is provided free within Palmerston North.

The Programme

VOYAGE covers...
- what is abuse
- domestic violence
- good & bad touching
- anger & safe ways to express it
- keeping ourselves safe
- personal strengths

VOYAGE explores different feelings that arise for the children by sharing their experiences within the group.

It offers children an insight and understanding of abuse and builds on children’s self-esteem and confidence, fostering trust within healthy relationships.

Children are encouraged to express themselves through the use of puppets, stories, clay, paint, and other fun and interesting ways.

For Caregivers

A whanau/caregivers group runs alongside the children’s group, providing support and information. This gives caregivers the opportunity to  support each other by sharing child-related concerns, needs & resources. It also keeps caregivers informed about the content of the children’s group.

Group Facilitators

Each VOYAGE group is run by two trained and accredited facilitators. All VOYAGE facilitators have a current police clearance.

Referrals

Families can self-refer or go through a referring agency.

For more information contact the VOYAGE Co-ordinator, Ruth Steven, on 06 356 5868 or 027-462-1987 (voice mail).