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THE NEWS A peer support service is making sure parents of children who live with Cerebral Palsy are not navigating the journey alone. Peke Waihanga Peer Support Service connects parents with trained volunteer peer supporters who have experience raising a child with Cerebral Palsy or Scoliosis. Support is one-on-one and tailored to each family’s needs, whether that is over the phone, via video call or in-person. “It’s about creating a safe space where parents can ask questions, share concerns, and learn from someone who has been on a similar journey,” Peke Waihanga Orthotic Peer Support Coordinator George Hewitt says. “I’m incredibly excited about the potential of this service. Looking back, I know peer support would have been valuable for my own parents when they were told I had Cerebral Palsy. “Now we have an opportunity to create those connections for families across Aotearoa and help ensure no parent has to navigate this journey alone,” says George. “Imagine the difference it can make for parents who are looking for guidance, reassurance, and someone who understands what they and their child are going through.” Peke Waihanga has been running a Volunteer Amputee Peer Support Service since 2019 and after its success staff recognised that parents of children with Cerebral Palsy and Scoliosis could also benefit from the same kind of lived-experience support. Families supporting families “A disability diagnosis can be overwhelming, and families are often faced with important decisions about treatment, equipment, and their child’s future.” George says while clinical teams provide expert care, there is real value in talking to another parent who has already walked that path. “Our Orthotic Peer Support Service helps fill that gap by connecting families with trained parent volunteers who can offer understanding, reassurance, and practical advice. It’s a chance to gain support from someone with lived experience.” George says referrals to the Peke Waihanga Orthotic Peer Support Service can be made at any stage of a child’s journey with Cerebral Palsy, but they expect many families will reach out soon after a diagnosis or if their child starts using orthotic devices. “It’s often a time of uncertainty, and parents are looking for guidance, and a better understanding of what life might look like for their child and family.” Right now, the Peke Waihanga Orthotic Peer Support Service is looking for parents to volunteer. Great volunteers are parents who are caring, good listeners, and willing to use their own experiences to help others. They will have lived experience supporting a child with Cerebral Palsy or Scoliosis. Volunteers will receive training. “If you would like to help another family feel supported, we’d love to hear from you,” says George. For more information about registering as a volunteer or receiving support go to www.peersupport.nz or email info@peersupport.nz Above, top: Peke Waihanga Amputee Peer Support Coordinator, Matthew Bryson, left, and Orthotic Peer Support Coordinator, George Hewitt, are looking for volunteers to support parents of children living with Cerebral Palsy. Above: The Peke Waihanga Peer Support Service provides reassurance, guidance and practical advice. 6 | THE REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2026