The 1000 Days Trust

The 1000 Days Trust, which is nearing the end of a 12-month pilot, has developed an early intensive intervention model working directly with new parents and babies to strengthen relationships and attachment. In doing so, the model helps prevent secondary problems that arise from a broad range of early risk factors such as post natal depression, infant health issues and family instability.

We are seeking funds for a further 12 months of the pilot to enable more time to develop and evaluate the model.

The pilot consists of a residential service, a comprehensive follow-on strategy for whanau, and collaboration with community providers, all designed to ensure whanau are well supported, connected with their community and that the capability and resilience of both whanau and community is improved.

The multi-disciplinary 1000 Days team works closely with families over a number of weeks before their stay to identify their needs and to design their own plan which may include self-care, sleeping, feeding/breastfeeding support, learning to understand baby’s cues and establishing what works best for baby and parent.

Support and strategies are also available for fathers and extended whanau. The model is accessible to all in the Southland community and extends to more isolated rural areas.

The 1000 Days Trust has been supported by Te Putahitanga o Te Waipounamu, the South Island Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency and local community funders, the Community Trust of Southland and the Invercargill Licensing Trust.