Originally from the UK but now a Kiwi at heart, Riley Cook supports whānau and tamariki to ensure they have the best start in life through Barnardos’ Te Korowai Mokopuna (TKM) Service.

In 2019, Riley decided to move to Aotearoa and join his whānau who had already made the journey years before. While reflecting on his goals and values, he realised that his true calling lay in working with tamariki and whānau. With a degree in sociology and a deep interest in helping children, Riley was instantly drawn to the role at Barnardos that focused on supporting families.

"When I saw this role pop up at Barnardos for Te Korowai Mokopuna, I was like, 'Yes, this is a no-brainer, sign me up, and let’s do it,’” says Riley.

Wraparound support from Barnardos’ Te Korowai Mokopuna (TKM) Service

Riley's role within TKM involves providing wraparound support to whānau and tamariki, with a proactive approach to prevent problems or issues from arising. As one of three Child and Family Services staff members overseeing TKM in five Barnardos Early Learning Centres in South Auckland and Christchurch, Riley visits two centres twice a week to interact with whānau, offering assistance and guidance whenever needed.

Explaining the essence of TKM, Riley describes it as a preventative measure that focuses on low-vulnerability cases, considering it the starting point of a journey. While immediate assistance such as food parcels may be required, deeper vulnerabilities may also be uncovered and, from there, whānau can be referred to other child and family services and programmes within Barnardos.

Working collaboratively with centre staff and the community, Riley has been able to support whānau in unique ways. Themed whānau nights serve as a platform for connecting and brainstorming solutions. Riley shares, "During our last whānau night, we had a nurse come in to talk about current viruses and how families can protect themselves and their children. It's a two-way conversation where we listen to the needs and worries of the whānau and develop programmes accordingly. For example, in response to parents' interest in swimming lessons, we didn't just provide funds for lessons but built a comprehensive programme around water safety."

“I wouldn't be where I am today without him”

One heartfelt piece of feedback that deeply touched Riley came from a mother of six whom he closely worked with to achieve her and her family's goals through TKM. She said, "Since my daughter started at your centre, we have sought and received support from your whānau worker, Riley. I can't begin to explain how many ways Riley has helped me and my family. He has been instrumental in my journey to get back into the workforce and pursue my studies after 15 years. But he ended up helping me with so much more. He has caught up with me weekly, providing support through family issues, my own health concerns, and career crises. His guidance, encouragement, and support have been invaluable. I truly believe I wouldn't be where I am today without him. The service he provides at Barnardos is essential, and as a low-income family, I could not have afforded the support he has given me. Please continue to support this service [TKM], as there are so many families in need in our community. With more funding and support, I can only imagine how much more good could be done by Riley and the team at Barnardos."

Riley's dedication and commitment to supporting children and families in need through Barnardos’ TKM Service has collected remarkable feedback. This serves as a powerful testament to the positive impact services like TKM and practitioners like Riley have on the lives of whānau.

Reflecting on his work, Riley acknowledges the special moments he experiences, such as building meaningful connections with whānau in the centres and the wider community. "It’s really rewarding to see the whānau and their tamariki progress over time; that’s the bonus of TKM. I also get to work with local agencies, organisations and food banks to provide all-round support for whānau. It truly is a great feeling."

Riley Cook’s journey to being a Barnardos Child and Family Services Practitioner