What is unique about us?
What is unique is our open door policy that builds connection and community – our ‘drop-in’ approach lets all people who are pregnant and/or parenting including mothers, fathers, grandparents and others, access free services that are independent of church or government, and support people to make the decisions that are right for them and their families.
We are proud of our long history of serving families in Christchurch, our fabulous staff, our amazing volunteers, and the important role we play in the community.
Who do we help?
Pregnancy and parenting in the early years can be a time of significant stress and anxiety. Our clients have a range of needs – some have very few options for support, some lack resources and knowledge, some have left their families overseas, and some just need time with other parents to talk, build their confidence, and share their fears and challenges.
Our history
PIPS began as Pregnancy Help Canterbury in 1976, providing free, confidential, non-judgemental support and practical assistance to families – one of a number of branches of the national organisation, Pregnancy Help Incorporated.
As the environment for charitable organisations changed in the 2010s, so did Pregnancy Help Canterbury, first becoming a registered trust independent of the national organisation, and then in 2019 ceasing this affiliation entirely. This necessitated a name change, and as we were now working with mothers, whānau, infants up to two years old, fathers and grandparents, we chose PIPS – Pregnancy, Infancy, Parenting, Support – to better reflect the services we provide.
PIPS Staff
Megan Talman
Manager
Ko Taranaki tōna maunga, ko Urenui tōna awa, ko Ngāti Mutunga tōna iwi, Ko Megan tōna ingoa.
Megan is a wife and mother to three young tamariki and is hugely passionate about community, te ao Māori and the journey of parenthood. She brings close to 20 years’ of public policy, community development and not-for-profit experience to PIPS.
Lisa Hesp
Client Services and Program Coordinator
Lisa is an experienced professional with a background in physiotherapy, community health, and health promotion, having worked with organisations like Sport Auckland, Pegasus Health, and the Cook Islands Child Welfare Association to support community health initiatives. Passionate about empowering families during pregnancy and early parenting, Lisa is excited to contribute to PIPS’ mission of providing valuable support to local whānau.
Ange Rickard
Client Services and Volunteer Coordinator
Anna Waddingham
Finance and Administration Support
PIPS Board of Trustees
April Hussey, Chair
April is a very proud aunt and godmother, who is constantly in awe of the environment and support that PIPS provides. She is passionate about the importance of belonging, safe spaces, and fair access to services. April has worked in management roles across a number of regulatory agencies, most recently Te Kāhui Turi o Aotearoa, and loves the opportunity to help people feel valued and appreciated.
Emma Talbot, Secretary
Emma is a social worker and former lawyer, working predominately in the mental health space. Emma is passionate about people being included and able to participate in their community and has joined the PIPs team because its grassroots ethos enables just that.
Mellora Ford, Treasurer
Mellora is a Chartered Accountant who has worked with charities, small businesses and multinational companies, both in NZ and Europe. She has a double degree from University of Otago in Accounting and Microbiology. She is proud to be a PIPS Board Member and the positive impact PIPS has on the community.
Neil Brosnahan
Neil is a Manager at Community & Public Health, Canterbury DHB. His background is in health promotion, community development and NGO management. He has qualifications in Social Work, Business and Public Health. Neil has previously held the role of Chair of PIPS.
Suzayre Burke
Suzayre’s most important role is being a mum to her 4-year-old son. After years of working in the early childhood sector here and abroad, Suzayre retrained to pursue a career in public policy with a goal to improve the educational outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi in care.