FASD-CAN is excited to collaborate with Auckland University in utilising a new research grant from the Health Research Council of NZ (HRC). 

The funding will be used for a three-year ‘Effectiveness – Implementation Trial’ for our ‘Life With FASD: Understand and Connect with Aroha’ caregiver training.

The Health Delivery Project grant will cover six rounds of this two-day course for parents, caregivers and whānau around the motu, along with research into its effect and how it can best be rolled out to a wider audience.

HRC Director of Investments and co-Chief Executive (acting) Stacey Pene says the grant is an important part of the HRC's investment portfolio.

"Our grants support research that has a line of sight to improved health or economic impacts, and a clear connection to healthcare need that directly informs changes to healthcare policy, practice or systems in New Zealand," says Mr Pene. 

Dr Joanna Ting Wai Chu at the University of Auckland will be working with our Navigators, with RuruHana Brownie from Te Tai Tokerau as the project lead. RuruHana said, “I’m excited to lead this on behalf of FASD-CAN. I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the positive effects that our 'Life with FASD' training has had on whānau – it's inspiring .”

CEO of FASD-CAN, Stephanie James-Sadler said, “We look forward in doing the mahi with the wider research team over the next three years on this project, with what we already know is a highly effective training that can and does change lives.”