Stratford Parents Centre supports 'early years' initatives. It is a volunteer organisation run by parents for parents. We have been educating and supporting parents in our local community for many years. We are part of a national organisation of 50 Parents Centres throughout New Zealand. Parents Centres around New Zealand offer education and support services which aim to meet the needs of as many parents in the community as possible, but more particularly parents-to-be and those during early parenting years. Our mission statement is"positive birth experiences and informed parenting in a community where parents are supported and highly valued in their role". Stratford Parents Centre offer the following core services: •childbirth education •parenting education •parent support •advocacy and lobbying for parenting, birthing and families Stratford Parents Centre covers the central Taranaki area which includes families both in Stratford and the surrounding rural areas.