Tailen CF 2018 with Mickey

CF Community Support Leads

As people live longer and better lives with cystic fibrosis, there are many life transitions, milestones and challenges to manage along the way. We believe it’s important to address all aspects of your health and wellbeing and will support you and your family throughout your changing journey.

  • Gretchen

    Gretchen
    Kitching

    • Community Support Lead - Registered Social Worker
    • Email gretchen@cfnz.org.nz
    • Phone 029 773 1398

    • Hours: Mon-Wed 8am-4pm, Thurs 8am-2pm

    Hours: Mon-Wed 8am-4pm, Thurs 8am-2pm

  • Sue

    Sue
    Lovelock

    • Community Support Team Leader - Registered Social Worker
    • Email susan@cfnz.org.nz
    • Phone 021 0222 1203

  • Bev

    Bev
    Darlow

    • Community Support Lead - Registered Social Worker
    • Email bev@cfnz.org.nz
    • Phone 021 196 8050

  • Carolyn

    Carolyn
    Downer

    • Community Support Lead - Registered Social Worker
    • Email carolyn@cfnz.org.nz
    • Phone 021 192 6234

What do cystic fibrosis Community Support Leads do?

Our four Community Support Leads (Registered Social Workers) offer support to families following a new diagnosis and help during the transition from paediatric to adult services and throughout adult life. They provide practical help and/or emotional support to individuals, families and carers, offer advice on resources and help with access to essential services.

The Community Support team work throughout New Zealand and attend outpatient and inpatient clinics, and do home visits to people with CF and their families in the community. They have vast experience in the health arena and are aware of the challenges and the impact living with cystic fibrosis has on individuals, children and families.

Our Community Support Leads are registered social workers and any information shared with them is confidential and not shared without your permission.

008 CF Finals

What can your Community Support Lead help with?

Our Community Support team offers support and advice to help with practical issues including:

  • Identifying and addressing any needs and concerns

  • Providing information and support for individuals, parents, families and new diagnoses

  • Navigating health and disability support networks and social services

  • Referrals to other agencies and external assistance such as counselling

  • Applications to WINZ, Ministry of Health Carer Support and National Travel Assistance

  • Looking at future options regarding health care and fertility

  • Discussing plans for childcare and schooling, identifying both parents and children’s needs and providing assistance with schools

  • Exploring options for study and employment

  • Providing support to people prior to and post lung transplant

  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following treatment plans

  • Educating, supporting and advocating for patient rights and ensure individual cultural and spiritual needs are met

  • Identifying opportunities to access grants and assistance provided by CFNZ or other agencies.

Financial assistance

We provide grants to support people living with cystic fibrosis, or their parents, guardians, partners, children, family or carers to meet some of the costs of CF. 

Our Community Support Leads know what options are available to you in your area, and will help you receive any help you're entitled to and can act as your advocate when you're dealing with government and community services.

Explore financial assistance

We're here for you

Most families who receive a cystic fibrosis diagnosis will be offered the support of one of our Community Support Leads. If you haven't received this and would like support, please get in touch with us or make direct contact with your closest Community Support Lead.

 

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