PIPS - Pregnancy Infancy Parenting Support

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Reviews

1. Renee ★☆☆☆☆

   My Experience with PIPS – A Difficult but Important Share I started visiting PIPS when my baby was around 5 weeks old, after friends and my midwife recommended them. We were really struggling financially, and I was doing my best to care for my newborn and my 5-year-old. In the beginning, the support from PIPS was amazing—they felt like a lifeline providing essentials like nappies and clothing, and their drop-in centres felt like a safe space, even just to chat. I donated back baby items to keep them rotating with other families in need. It helped me feel less alone at a time when I was very vulnerable. But things took a turn. One morning, when my baby was 11 weeks old, I went to the drop-in centre because we had completely run out of nappies. We’d already gone two days without, and I had to leave my baby in a soiled nappy longer than I ever wanted to, and over the two days there were moments I had to keep her without one at all. I was desperate. I was told that morning, they couldn’t give me any nappies. The staff member said it was at their discretion, and mentioned that people were “abusing their resources.” I was completely taken aback since they advocate for supporting under resourced whanau. I broke down in tears. She didn’t ask me how I was doing or why I needed them—just a flat-out no. I was already struggling, already exhausted, already feeling like I was failing. That moment took away what little dignity I had left. In that moment, I felt shame, embarrassment, and like I was being judged for even asking. We come to PIPS not just for goods, but for empathy, for community, for connection. That’s what I lost that day. It was heartbreaking. I thought this place was there to support families like mine, especially in the early years of a baby’s life. But suddenly, that support was gone after only 6 weeks of being part of their community. I no longer felt welcome or safe, and the trust was instantly broken. I understand that resources are limited, but I believe there needs to be more compassion and care in how decisions are made. Every whānau is different, and some of us are facing serious challenges behind the scenes. All it would’ve taken was a conversation—some humanity—and that moment could’ve gone very differently. I asked for a couple of re-usable nappies for my baby and they let me take those and then another staff member packed some nappies in the end, but I never want to re-live that moment standing there with my baby in her car seat begging for nappies it was awful. It’s already hard enough to walk in that door with a smile and ask for them, but you made me beg and feel shame doing it. My baby is still only 11 weeks old, and I’ve lost the one place that made me feel seen and supported. I hope sharing this helps others feel less alone if they’ve experienced something similar. And I hope that, in time, things change so no other parent has to feel the same way I did. PIPS please reconsider how your staff apply discretion and how quickly support can be pulled away from someone who may need it the most.

   almost 6 months ago
2. Jean Serjeant ★★★★★

   Amazing place for mama's and their pepi's. A place to get what you need and more. NO COST just a smile when you walk through the door. All items and clothing are in excellent condition. Definitely recommend to all A+

   almost 7 months ago
3. Ashleigh Kooyman ★★★★★

   PIPS is a treasure. I love how welcoming, non-judgmental and thoughtful they are. They've been our rock, helping us with clothing, a capsule, carseat, highchair and more. PIPS lightened the financial and emotional load for us. If you're reading this in need of some help as a mum or dad of a little one, they are the village you're looking for. You need only ask.

   1 year ago

1. Michelle cook ★★★★★

   Practical help for Pregnant Mums and Babies up to 2 years old (I think) clothing, formula etc..fantastic group. Located in Wainoni,Christchurch now

   almost 2 years ago
2. Ruru Hona ★★★★★

   Very appropriate social agency for the area of Wainoni/Aranui

   almost 3 years ago
3. marty leith ★★★★★

   I'm an old dude but was given baby clothes by a friend to distribute, I found PIPS a brilliant resource for young families during these hard Covid times The baby clothes, accessories and toys are always clean and functional can be a huge saving to Families.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Wenda Bendlova ★★★★★

   PIPS saved my sanity and helped tremendously during my pregnancy. I will forever be grateful for that place and Helen

   almost 3 years ago

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