Mellow Programmes

Mellow Programmes consist of 3 major services offered to our to-be mums and dads to become the best parents they can be for their child.

Mellow Bumps

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What Is Mellow Bumps?

  • A 6-week group programme for pregnant mums that supports emotional wellbeing and bonding with baby before birth
  • The pregnancy version of the Mellow Parenting programme
  • Helps build confidence, strengthen connection with baby, and reduce stress and anxiety

WHAT MELLOW PARENTING OFFERS?

  • Learn positive parenting skills and strategies before baby arrives.
  • Supportive and welcoming group environment
  • Transport to and from sessions (if needed)
  • 6 weeks | 2-hour weekly sessions
  • For pregnant mums (around 20–30 weeks pregnant during the programme)
  • Voluntary and supportive environment
  • Focus on strengths, bonding, and wellbeing
  • Facilitated by trained ATWC staff
  • Safe space to connect, share, and prepare for baby

Learning outcomes:

  • Understand your own needs and your baby’s needs during pregnancy
  • Recognise your strengths and build confidence as a parent-to-be
  • Support positive wellbeing for you and your baby
  • Reflect on how your own early life experiences can shape your parenting journey
  • Build strong, healthy connections with your baby before birth

Who can be referred?

  • Live in the Counties Manukau area
  • Be 20 - 30 weeks pregnant during the group
  • Be pregnant and preparing for the arrival of your baby
  • Be 16 years or older at the time of consent

This is a FREE Service.

Mellow Parenting

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What Is Mellow parenting?

  • Mellow Parenting is a group-based parenting programme that helps parents learn new skills, build confidence, and develop positive relationships with their children.
  • Groups meet weekly for 14 weeks, using personal strengths and group support to explore and practise new parenting approaches.

What Mellow parenting offers:

  • Learn positive parenting skills and strategies
  • Supportive, welcoming group environment
  • Transport to and from sessions (if needed)
  • Lunch for parents and children
  • Shared playtime for parents and children

Learning outcomes:

  • Understand your own and your children’s needs
  • Recognise strengths in yourself and your relationships
  • Improve family wellbeing
  • Reflect on how early experiences shape parenting
  • Effectiveness
  • Mellow Parenting is an evidence-based programme proven to help families build stronger, more positive relationships.

Who can be referred:

The programme is free for families. Participants must:

  • Live in the Counties Manukau (Health NZ) area
  • Be the primary caregiver of a child under 5 years old
  • Be 16 years or older at the time of consent
  • Referrals can be made online via the ATWC website or by contacting our team directly.

This is a FREE Service.

Mellow Dads

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What Is Mellow Dads?

  • A free 14-week programme for dads in Counties Manukau.
  • It’s a safe place to connect, share, and learn ways to build stronger relationships with your kids and whānau.

This programme supports men to:

  • Strengthen their role as a dad, a partner and a friend.
  • Build the tools and confidence to navigate life’s challenges.
  • Put Whānau at the centre of their decisions and actions.

Through practical support and facilitated kōrero, we focus on real life, real growth and real change.

Who can join?

  • Dads living in Counties Manukau
  • Want to grow as a dad and partner
  • Self-referral or through services (health, social, etc.)

What we talk about?

  • Being confident as a dad
  • Managing stress and emotions
  • Communicating with your kids
  • Building stronger whānau connections
  • Supporting your child’s growth

What WILL YOU get?

  • More confidence as a father
  • Tools to manage life’s challenges
  • Stronger relationships at home
  • A supportive group of dads.

Referrals:

Self-referral, health, or social services welcome

Our Commitment:

As facilitators, we will do all we can to support participants to show up for themselves and their whānau.

This is a FREE Service.

More Information

To learn more about our Mellow Programmes please contact our main office