Our wellness weekends are workshops for adults with bleeding disorders that provide plenty of opportunities to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere while sharing information to support those living with haemophilia or von Willebrand disorder. Partners are often welcome to attend in recognition of the big part they play in the lives of adults with bleeding disorders.

Despite advances in treatment, many parents feel devastated when their child is diagnosed with a bleeding disorder. Part of the mission at HNZ is to provide support for families as they discover what haemophilia means for their family.

The family camps bring together families with young children affected by haemophilia from all over NZ. For some campers it is the first time they have met other families with bleeding disorders.

Through the camps parents gain strength, knowledge and understanding and look to one another for friendship and support. The fun-filled activity programme, helps the children to start learning about their condition while enjoying being just like everyone else.

“More than anything, I loved the chance to meet up and connect with other haemophilia families.”

This special one-day children’s education workshop focuses on helping children aged 6 to 10 years old to understand more about their condition. Together with their HNZ Outreach worker, local haemophilia nurse and a physiotherapist, the children spend the day learning about haemophilia and how to treat a bleed, in a fun, interactive environment. Sometimes the workshops offer the opportunity for siblings and the children of adults with haemophilia to participate.

Youth camps provide an educational and fun weekend for boys with bleeding disorders aged 10-18 years. Held every other year, these camps give the boys opportunities to interact and forge friendships with others who share the same concerns and challenges of living with a bleeding disorder. Team leaders are older youth or men with haemophilia who provide important mentorship. Boys who attend youth camps often return home with an increased sense of self-confidence, a new sense of community, and for many, the ability to self-infuse their own treatment. They also have the chance to make new friends and participate in fun activities within a safe, supportive environment.

“It was the best thing that as parents we could have done...the benefits were huge; he went from leaving here a boy to coming back a young man. He went from hating his haemophilia to embracing it.”

The women’s workshop weekend is tailored for older girls and women who have a bleeding disorder or who carry the gene for haemophilia. It provides a chance to get together, learn, talk and have a lot of fun.

The result is greater understanding and ability to deal with the physical and emotional implications of their disorder.

“Ka Maute wehi (awesome) Learning - caring and sharing.”