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WILSS
Hands up philosophy underpins popular WILSS programmes
Launching a new course is second-nature to the Trust
which, since it was formed in 1989, has been constantly
revising its provision of educational services to suit changing
community needs.
WILSS General Manager Jo Bailey explains, “When the
recession first hit, we focused on delivering our Thriving on a
Shoestring course, which gives families strategies to live well
on a much reduced budget. We still offer that course, but as
people and communities have become more accustomed
to the changed economic climate, we have shifted our focus
to providing parents and caregivers with new skills to raise
happy, healthy, resilient families.”
Parenting Fuel Up is offered in partnership with community
houses and the Family Works social services agency. One of
its benefits is that it covers a broad range of skills and needs,
so that rather than having to contract in several providers,
community centres can deliver a one-stop course, through
WILSS, at a minimal cost.
There is always a lot going on at
WILSS, and 2014 was no exception
with the celebration of the Trust’s
25th birthday and the roll out of a
new programme – Parenting Fuel Up.
Happy,
HEALTHY, RESILIENT FAMILIES
Jo says, “The course consists of many different modules, with
an overarching focus on allowing parents to build on and
share the strengths and skills they already have.”
As for all WILSS courses and services, the aim is to give
individuals and families a hand up, rather than a hand out;
achieved by helping them to develop the skills needed
to take an active leadership role within their own lives,
communities and wider networks.
A good illustration of this philosophy is the numerous
leadership programmes the Trust offers through schools.
Around 2,500 children and youth take part in WILSS
programmes each year. The programmes encourage
and support them to be involved in volunteer situations,
whether that’s planning and hosting a community or school
event, training to be a peer mediator, or stepping up to
coach a sports team. Trust Waikato gave $35,000 towards
WILSS operating costs in 2014, as part of a three-year multi-
year donation.
$35,000
TRUST WAIKATO
DONATION 2014
2,500
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
PARTICIPATE ANNUALLY
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