About

RISE is a specialist family violence organisation. As an organisation, we have deep expert knowledge of the family violence field that is embedded at all levels of our work. For more than 35 years, RISE has helped individuals and families seek and achieve real change to live healthier and safer lives. We are an accredited organisation, approved by the Ministry of Social Development, Oranga Tamariki, the Ministry of Justice, and the Department of Corrections.

We work with people who use violence as well as people who experience it. It is only when we work with the entire whānau – including the perpetrator of the harm who also needs help – that everyone can develop sustainable ways of preventing future violence. A family-centred approach gives everyone a better chance of creating lasting change.

Our clinicians and social workers have significant education in their specialised fields. They undergo further on-the-job training with RISE to enrich their formal qualifications to specialise in this work.

We are a charitable NGO serving communities in Nelson, Tasman, the West Coast, Marlborough and Kaikoura. Our primary office is in Nelson and we have an office in Motueka, both in the top of the South Island of New Zealand.

Dad’s Programme

Be a confident, connected Dad! In our Dads Programme, learn skills, tools, and insights to be a confident, connected, and compassionate parent. Dads and anyone who is in a father-role with children can sign up for this free 10-week course. 

Resilient dads are also resilient members of whānau. Having solid parenting skills will increase harmony in the family, improve connection at home, and offer a happier, safe, loving environment that can last a lifetime.

Ask questions from experts. Hear from fellow dads. Develop a network of connections to draw on when you need help. This is the only course of its kind in Nelson for dads that takes the long view on parenting and being a loving, committed family member.

Who should take part

Any man in a parenting role is welcome, whether you’re a dad to a newborn, toddler, or youth. It takes all whānau and relationship types, including blended and separated families, and biological or non-biological dads.

Dads can be:

• birth fathers

• stepfathers

• foster fathers

• non-biological fathers

• uncles or grandfathers

• carers

• men working to gain access to their children

About the sessions

Over 10 weeks, the group meets on Tuesday evenings for two hours. Sessions include a variety of presentations, discussion, videos, and Q&A.

Weekly topics can include:

• Fatherhood - the challenges and joys

• Parenting styles

• Lifestyle balance with kids

• Emotions and mental wellbeing for dads

• Relationship with mum and whānau

• The role of play and discipline

• Safety and security

• Stress

• Brain development

• And much more!

If you would like to view or print our Dads Programme brochure (PDF), click here for brochure.

Domestic violence, Dad’s programme, parenting education