More than 60 people answered and the results are in!

The recent Tauranga Salvation Army Community Ministries family support survey, and The Salvation Army has utilised this information to tailor some of its services specifically for families in this coming term.

Amanda Brown and positive lifestyle program facilitator Aisha Te Kani. Photo: Supplied.

The 10-question survey was available online and in a paper based form.

The survey aimed to find what services families were most in need of, the shape of families wanting support in our community, and when parents were available to access our services, says community ministries manager Davina Plummer.

51 per cent of survey respondents had never used the Salvation Army's services before.

57 per cent were interested in personal development (help with stress, anxiety, assertiveness, anger etc).

34 per cent were interested in learning practical life skills.

36 per cent were interested in parenting programmes.

80 per cent of respondents were interested in events the whole family could attend.

Of those who responded, most were parents of primary and intermediate aged children, and the survey showed parents were available either in the mornings or later in the evening, says Davina.A total of 67 responses came in, and all who completed the survey and gave name and contact details went in the draw to win a family prize pack.

Amanda Brown was drawn at random to win the prize pack, and says she was 'blown away” with the prize pack for her and her sons.

Amanda has recently utilised Tauranga Community Ministries Services, says Davina.

"It can be hard to trust, but they are really friendly. Each time I came in they all asked how I was doing,” says Amanda.

From May 10, the Tauranga Salvation Army will be running the 'Positive Lifestyle Program' for mums.

This is a 7-week programme run each Tuesday morning from 9:30am-11:30am.

'The program, in a non-invasive, non-judgmental way, encourages participants to consider aspects of their lives such as self-awareness, anger, depression, stress, loneliness, grief and loss, problem solving, assertiveness, self-esteem, and goal setting,” Davina says, and childcare will be available.

The Salvation Army will also be running the ‘Awesome Whanau' parenting program for parents of 0-12 year olds in May.The community ministries regularly provides a drop-in welfare service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am-12pm.

They can give assistance with food, clothing and furniture for those needing help.

They can also provide social work, counselling and budget advice.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/Taurangasalvos or call 578 4264