Hōkai Tahi – women’s health support – has opened a South Wairarapa clinic based out of St John’s premises at 8 Lyon Street, Featherston.
A Wairarapa-based charity, Hōkai Tahi empowers women and whānau throughout their pregnancy journey or supports them to process grief related to baby loss or termination, and provides a place of peace and hope.
“We hope that this will make our service much more accessible to South Wairarapa residents,” service manager Rebecca Vergunst said in a statement.
“We are a safe space where shared information is confidential and discussed without judgement. All our services are free and open to anyone, thanks to generous grants and donations,” she said.
The new clinic will be open Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. with a drop-in period from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Clients unable to attend on Wednesdays in Featherston are welcome to utilise the service at the Masterton office at a time that suits them – the charity can help with transport or connect via video call, Vergunst noted.
Pregnancy tests, resources, baby loss care packages, or maternity and baby items can be collected during the drop-in period, and a support coordinator will be available for a quick check-in and to book appointments.
Depending on client’s needs, Hōkai Tahi can provide a range of assistance – including emotional support, community referrals, firewood, frozen meals, baby/maternity gear, and more.
Some clients’ needs relate to past trauma or mental health struggles, with Hōkai Tahi providing support through a registered counsellor.
If you or someone you know could benefit from Hōkai Tahi’s services, “please reach out through our website,” www.hokaitahi.nz, or by calling 0800 006 277, Vergunst said. “Feel free to get in touch to see how we can help.”
“Hōkai Tahi is an independent charity and does not receive government funding.
Visit: hokaitahi.nz/donations to see how you can contribute.
