Family Carer Education

The Kōwhai Programme was created in 2010 to provide education for whānau who are caring for loved ones who are on the Otago Community Hospice Programme. As well as advice, the programme also provides an opportunity for people to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. 

The Kōwhai Programme traditionally has been delivered via face-to-face sessions in Dunedin, Wanaka, Alexandra, Cromwell, Oamaru and South Otago.

We continue to offer the Kōwhai programme throughout the year But Covid19 has had an impact on our delivery of the Kōwhai Programme as a face-to-face programme. We are striving to maintain access yet keep our vulnerable population safe so some series of Kōwhai are being offered as an online series.

We also recognise that the need for the Kōwhai Programme is ongoing and may not be accessible to all due to time or distance. We have created this website to ensure those who can't attend our sessions, or those who need reminders, can access all the resources on offer at all times.

We also have developed a podcast for carers in the community (see the link below)

Kōwhai Programme Queries: Contact Coordinator Denise van Aalst ph: (03) 473 6005 or 0800 473 6005 or email: denise.vanaalst@otagohospice.co.nz