Winter often brings more than just a chill in the air – it can intensify the struggles that families face every day.
Rising living costs, poor housing, winter illness, and stretched budgets mean too many are left without warm clothes, food or hope.
Whānau may find themselves at breaking point, overwhelmed by what might feel like a storm of hardship.
That’s when a helping hand can make all the difference.
Often, what families need most is someone to walk beside them - that's where Family Works steps in.
For those like the Hicks* family, winter meant a cascade of stressors; grief, housing challenges, kids struggling at school, income changes and not enough beds to go around.
Our Family Works social worker in school, Aaron*, was able to provide wraparound support, recognising that they didn’t just need one thing, but a range of diverse solutions and help.
Providing access to food, housing advocacy, budgeting advice, counselling and even sourcing beds and winter necessities, Aaron ensured that the Hicks family could get back on their feet, without judgement.
*Name changed to protect identity.
