SibSupport NZ

Also called ‘Kid to Kid’ by our younger siblings!

> How We Help > SibSupport NZ

Living with a brother or sister who has a disability can be challenging.

Children and youth who have a disabled sibling grow up with a unique set of experiences.

They may feel alone, left out, sidelined or different. Many feel the pressure of being a caregiving adult before their time, and most often, they feel guilt about feeling any of those things.

SibSupport is about enabling siblings to thrive in their family and community. Run by trained SibLeaders and Facilitators, our by-siblings-for-siblings programme provides judgement-free spaces to offload stress, learn coping strategies, make friends who ‘get it’, and be a carefree kid!

Scroll down to learn more about our programme and check out our two-part video series, where siblings talk about how growing up with a disabled brother or sister has shaped who they are today.

SibShop

For ages 8-18
An interactive day with games and an activity interspersed with time for discussion and sharing. SibShops are a great way for siblings to learn new techniques, discuss issues and meet new friends.

SibShop

An interactive day with games and an activity interspersed with time for discussion and sharing. SibShops are a great way for siblings to learn new techniques, discuss issues and meet new friends.

A SibShop activity can be anything from indoor climbing, laser tag, tampolining, hydro slide and nerf wars, to ice skating and more!

SibCamp

For ages 8-18
SibCamps are a chance for siblings to have a fun weekend away that is just for them. They are also a great way for siblings to establish their own support networks by making friends with other children they can relate to.

SibCamp

SibCamps are a chance for siblings to have a fun weekend away that is just for them. They are also a great way for siblings to establish their own support networks by making friends with other children they can relate to.

The camps are run by trained facilitators and are a safe environment where siblings can express their feelings and share their experiences. The outdoor activities are the highlight of the camps and can include kayaking, abseiling, Burma trails, confidence courses, swimming and more!

SibVoyage

For ages 14-18
While we run regular SibShops and SibCamps throughout NZ, in Northland, the dispersed population sometimes makes it challenging to run full-capacity events. So, in partnership with R Tucker Thompson Sail Training Trust, we developed a community-specific SibSupport event: the 7-day SibVoyage.

SibVoyage

While we run regular SibShops and SibCamps throughout NZ, in Northland, the dispersed population sometimes makes it challenging to run full-capacity events. So, in partnership with R Tucker Thompson Sail Training Trust, we developed a community-specific SibSupport event: the 7-day SibVoyage.

The first Te Tai Tokerau SibVoyage was held in September 2020. At the time, we had no idea how successful the voyage would be and what long-term positive effects it would have. Now we do! And we are seeking funding for our 4th biennial voyage in 2026.

SibVoyage is a chance for siblings to have a fantastic week-long journey full of new experiences and confidence-building challenges. Siblings are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone, try new things, and push themselves in ways they’ve never done before. The voyage is also an excellent way for siblings to form deep and meaningful friendships with other teens who understand what it’s like to have a disabled sibling.

Second Generation

For Adult Siblings
A weekend for adult siblings and their parents or whānau who are interested in becoming an important part of the support and guidance of their disabled brother or sister - the person who will likely have the longest relationship with a person who has a disability is his or her sibling.

Second Generation

A weekend for adult siblings and their parents or whānau who are interested in becoming an important part of the support and guidance of their disabled brother or sister—the person that will likely have the longest relationship with a person who has a disability is his or her sibling.

This two day programme focuses on the unique perspective of adult siblings and parents of adults with disabilities. The programme offers practical advice and information about how to manage the role of advocate, and tools and techniques to help your sibling have a good life.

Celebrating 30 years of SibSupport NZ! 1995-2025

Parent to Parent’s unique purpose is whole-family support. SibSupport events help siblings discover they’re not alone, talk through issues and give everyone a much-needed break! That’s why SibSupport is such a vital Parent to Parent service whose impact on youth, whānau and communities has grown over the decades.

Our SibSupport events are generally oversubscribed, and we would love to provide more across New Zealand. The extent of the programme is dependent on funding, so please share our SibSupport NZ donation link far and wide.

Donate

Meet the siblings video series

Meet the Siblings Part 1: Growing Up

Exploring what it's like growing up with a brother of sister who has a disability.

Video

Meet the Siblings Part 2: What next?

What's next for siblings growing up with a brother or sister who has a disability?

Video

"My child talked about how cool it was that the leaders also have siblings with disabilities and that it was neat to hear their stories."

Parent

of SibShop attendee

"Nga mihi nui kia koutou—an awesome weekend with useful and relevant information. Great facilitators with expansive knowledge and experience."

Parent

of SibCamp attendee

"My son told me that hearing the other kids' stories made him realise how lucky we are to have his brother and he realises he has been too rough on him. The way he interacts with his brother has changed—he's become much more patient."

Parent

of SibVoyage attendee

"What a wonderful purpose the SibShops have, connecting with other siblings who may be feeling the same. My kids have loved them."

Parent

of SibShop attendees

"They came back very excited about all the things they got to do—things they'd never have been able to otherwise! Such an awesome experience as the boys mature and begin to learn more about what it means to be the sibling of a disabled child."

Parent

of SibCamp attendees

"Throughout the voyage, my daughter formed deep and meaningful friendships with other kids who understood what having a sibling with additional needs was like. Their bond is truly special, and it has been wonderful to see the connections formed."

Parent

of SibVoyage attendee

"Thank you for making these experiences possible for our kids, as they often feel like they're missing out and sometimes even feel forgotten when so much attention and focus is on the other child with additional needs."

Parent

of SibShop attendee

"I am so grateful for the positive impact that SibCamp has had on my daughter. This experience has not only given her wonderful memories but has also bolstered her confidence and sense of belonging. Such opportunities are truly invaluable."

Parent

of SibCamp attendee

"From start to finish, I had an incredible experience that will stay with me forever. I'd recommend this voyage to young people with similar stories to mine. It is such an amazing opportunity to try new things and gain confidence as I did."

James

SibVoyage attendee

"SibCamps are different from just going to a school or scout camp. It's the connection with people from similar backgrounds who can relate to one another. It's fantastic for building lifelong friends. I still talk daily to some of them, 17 years on."

Michael

Sib Facilitator and former attendee

"She became more aware of how growing up in our family has shaped her and that this part of her can be seen as a strength that others without those experiences won't necessarily have. I am grateful that she can see this. Thank you."

Parent

of SibVoyage attendee