Free (funded) help in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) & Aotearoa

• Abuse Prevention Services assists families in the wider Rodney/Hibiscus Coast areas who are affected by family violence or abuse to heal from trauma and make positive changes to their lives through education and support. 

• Established in 1994, Abuse Prevention Services Inc (APS) is a Rodney based incorporated society offering educational programmes and counselling support to perpetrators and victims of domestic violence and abuse. This work is carried out in collaboration with other social services in our area with the vision that all people in Rodney/Hibiscus Coast are living in an abuse free society.

•  Our clients come from Wellsford in the north, Helensville in the west, Warkworth and surrounds in the east, and Orewa and Hibiscus Coast in the south.

•  We are approved by, and have contracts with the Ministry of Justice (since 1996) and Ministry for Children – Oranga Tamariki  (previously Ministry of Social Development), (since 1998).  Referrals come from many community and statutory agencies as well as self-referrals.

• Programmes for women, men, children & youth.

• www.abuseprevention.org.nz

• Accredited Oranga Tamariki provider, offering specialised mobile parenting and family developing program. Delivered to families in their home to suit their schedule.

• Topics include: 

  • Behaviour management for children

  • stress management

  • self-care

  • co parenting

  • family organisation and routines. 

• High level of flexibility including evenings and weekends. Respects and considers the culture, values and uniqueness of families. 

• Working collaboratively with our clients and creating a family development plan - we start by listening.  The information provided by referrers and clients provides us with the foundation for building a plan.  After the initial assessment with our client we start to develop some goals.  With a starting point for the plan we are able to add to these goals throughout the program.  There are many topics that families want to talk about.  You will see a number of our standard family development topics listed below, this is just a small snapshot and we build a customised plan for each client focusing on the points that are relevant to their unique situation.  It is not just about parenting, it is about the myriad of challenges faced by families that collectively contribute to outcomes. 

• http://www.adapt.net.nz | info@adapt.net.nz 

• Affinity provides support to people with mental illness in the community. If you live in the Auckland, Counties Manukau or Waitemata District Health Board areas you can access a range of free services provided you meet the necessary criteria for referral. 

• Youth respite services are available for ages 13–24. 

• Adult services include: 

  • adult crisis respite

  • family/whanau support

  • flexible community living support

  • Kaupapa Maori support

  • maternal mental health (including respite)

  • occupational therapy

  • peer support

  • support for community involvement; and 

  • supported employment.

• ph 09 531 4040 | http://kahuitukaha.co.nz

• The Antara Free Natural Health Clinic is for those people in the community who cannot afford to pay for natural health care. The therapists are qualified practitioners who, along with the receptionists, work at the clinic from a half to a full day per week. They receive no payment for their time.

• The clinic is able to help people with the following problems:

  • Back and shoulder complaints

  • Pain

  • Allergies

  • Asthma

  • Stress & anxiety

  • Arthritis

  • Repetitive strain injury

  • Behavioural problems

  • Conflict resolution & decision making

  • And many more!

• ph 09 834 7987 | info@antara.org.nz | www.antara.org.nz

• Are you a Kiwi male who has experienced trauma or sexual abuse?

• If you or someone you love has been impacted by sexual abuse, we want you to know that you can reach out to us anytime you need us. We are here for you when you are ready. 

• We are here to support you, to assist you and your loved ones to heal from the harm of male sexual abuse or assault. 

• Our support services are free of charge.

• You might be feeling like a victim, but you can feel like a survivor too.

• https://betterblokes.org.nz | ph 09 378 8812

• CARE Waitakere Trust has a team of passionate professional Counsellors, Budget Advisors and a Family Support Worker working to provide services that effectively address disadvantage and promote community well-being. Free budgeting, advocacy and family support services are available, as well as affordable counselling and therapy groups for children, adolescents and adults. 

• Counselling available in Massey & Te Atatu.

• Budgeting help in Te Atatu or at home.

• Free family support in Te Atatu. 

• Free food assistance in Te Atatu and wider West Auckland.

• www.carewaitakere.org.nz 

• De Paul House provides emergency residential accommodation, social work and counselling support. To be eligible for services clients must have dependent children, NZ residency or permanent residence for 2 years or more. Entry to all services is based on a needs assessment. 

• De Paul House provides housing and support services for homeless families. Our service aims to keep families united in a safe and dignified environment, and help them address the issues that have led to them being homeless. Families set goals with the assistance of the support team. These goals commonly include housing, budgeting and a compulsory savings programme. 

• Participation in our life skills classes is also a key part of our programme, as is enrolment of children in our playgroup. 

• School aged children benefit from our after school homework centre. This range of services offers support for the entire family and enables them to become independent, confident and resilient. 

• https://depaulhouse.org.nz

• Family Action now offers the ChangeWorks programmes and also a range of services for those who have experienced abuse, trauma, family and sexual violence. Including counselling, outreach, women’s refuge and youth programmes. 

Counselling

Family Action provides counselling for those affected by family and sexual violence, abuse, or trauma. You and your family’s needs are our primary concern. We have an open referrals system. You are welcome to call our client liaison staff, who can discuss your needs with you. We offer :

• Counselling

• Expressive therapies

• Family work

• Ministry of Justice funded Family Violence programmes

• Crisis Support

• Psychology

• Psychotherapy

• Child Therapy

• Art Therapy

• Groups

• ACC sensitive claims counselling (in the West Auckland, North Shore, Central Auckland and Waiheke areas)

We offer groups for women who wish to move away from the cycle of violence, “Women in Action – Wahine Toa” , for youth and children who have experience or witnessed abuse, “Youth in Action – Rangitahi Toa” and “Children in Action – Tamariki Toa”.

We offer a safe, confidential and empowering service. Our professional team are all qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, art therapists and psychologists. We are approved by ACC, Ministry of Justice and CYF. We are partly funded by the government and any additional costs are negotiable.

Outreach

Family Action Outreach and Refuge supports all people in crisis who are experiencing family violence. Family Action provides a caring and confidential place where you can talk about issues in your relationship and the violence or abuse that you are experience or have experienced. No appointment needed.

Your needs and wishes will always be respected by us. The care and safety of you and your children is our priority.

We can provide:

• A safe place where you can explore your options

• Refuge (also for those outside of West Auckland)

• Safety plans and options

• Crisis counselling and intervention services

• Information about protection and custody issues

• Support with your Victim Impact Statement

• Court Advocacy

• Referral to relevant services

• Ongoing support

• Telephone support and advice

Who are we?

Our clinical team of staff are made up of qualified and experienced social workers, psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists and art therapists. They are skilled in working to help adults, youth, children and families who have experienced domestic or sexual violence. They are assisted by our administration team who will help clients to access the right services.

CEO-Michelle has 25 years’ experience in the health and social service sector as a practitioner and in management.

She is passionate about making sure that clients get the very best service and are able to make the most of opportunities that become available to gain healthy rewarding and safe lives.  Family Action encourages people, children, families and young people to achieve their potential and Michelle is proud to be a part of that work.

The agency is supported by a skilled and passionate governance committee. Their role is to ensure that the charity complies with all of its legal and regulatory requirements and that the charities governance is of the highest possible standard.  The committee includes, Councillor Linda Cooper, Verle Cahill, John Ballard, Hinemoa Key, Jo Silcock, Rachel Morriss- Jarvis.  

• www.familyaction.org.nz 

• Are you in need of support? If you or anyone you know are suffering from any form of loss, we can help you.

• We have free counselling sessions for Auckland youth/rangatahi. Initially 3-4 sessions are available.

• Call 0800 331 333 to make an appointment or email admin@griefcentre.org.nz. 

• Hearts & Minds is a primary mental health provider/community development organisation with a focus on mental wellbeing, community wellbeing and diversity. Underpinning our core focus is the desire to support better outcomes for all. Our services have been designed to meet diverse needs. Whilst our services are targeted to Auckland North, Waitakere and Rodney we deliver our training and mentoring across greater Auckland.

• Our Support Services Directory is updated regularly and contains over 400 support services you might need to create strong, healthy communities through your family or whanau, organisations and groups. It also includes a second directory dedicated to Migrant & Refugees support services.

• Hard copies of the directory can be purchased by clicking here or by calling 09 441 8989.

• www.heartsandminds.org.nz

• Waves is an eight-week program that aims to support adults 18+ years old who have been bereaved by suicide.

• Next group to be confirmed. To register interest in attending or for more information, contact Verona Ramadu | ph 021 247 2024 

• Subsidised counselling, family harm support, family support, men & women's support groups, strengthening families programme, pathfinders & seasons programmes, women's refuge, food parcels.

• Open 9am–3pm, Mon–Fri | 09 420 7992 | info@kindredservices.org.nz | 104 Commercial Road, Helensville 

• www.kindredservices.org.nz 

• Mahi Marumaru is a mobile peer service supporting people to recover from alcohol and other drug-related issues. The English translation for Mahi Marumaru is ‘many people working together’. All Peer Support Workers have their own lived experience of addiction and personal journey of recovery.

• Anyone aged 18-65 living in the Counties Manukau District Health Board area is eligible for this service. We prefer self-referrals but will accept introductions from clinicians, other services and family.

• Contact Mahi Marumaru’s Team Manager for more information | nichol’e.jones@ember.org.nz |ph 09 263 5923 | https://ember.org.nz/find-support/peer-support/#mahi-marumaru | Facebook page

• Celebrating and Strengthening Women since 1987 .

• The North Shore Women’s Centre is the Shore’s only Centre run by women for women.

• North Shore Women's Centre provides essential support services for women. These services include a free legal clinic, counselling, social work, information and referral.  

• A range of courses are held here at the Centre.

• www.nswomenscentre.co.nz | 09 444 4618 | Glenfield, Auckland

• Peer Talk is a service that connects people in need of mental health support with Peer Support Workers over the phone. It is one of a number of helpline services that constitute the National Telehealth Service. It is run in collaboration with Homecare Medical. They provide all the facilities of the call centre whilst we provide Peer Support Workers to man the phones. These staff are also part of the Reach Out Peer Support Service. Peer Talk is an effective way to overcome some of the barriers that make it difficult for people to access mental health care, namely distance and cost. This free phone-based counselling service makes it easier for those in need to get help.

• Peer Talk is available to everyone in the Counties Manukau District Health Board area

• https://ember.org.nz/find-support/peer-support/#peer-talk | Mon-Fri | 5pm to midnight | 0800 234 432 | 0800 234 432 | 0800 234 432 | michael.verner@ember.org.nz

• We know that getting a job is important for people with a learning disability but finding and keeping a job can be difficult to do on your own. We will support you to have the same chance to get jobs as any one else and will provide you with an employment advisor who will meet with you on a regular basis and provide tailored help to prepare you for work. 

• PolyEmp is a charitable trust whose purpose is to support young people with learning disabilities towards their goal of sustainable employment. We currently work in partnership with the Employment Skills Courses at Unitec and Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT).

• Our work is founded in the belief that all people have the right to contribute to society through equal employment opportunities. 

• PolyEmp came into being 25 years ago when a group of tutors, families and support services saw that this particular group of people were falling through the cracks. When they had completed the course, although they had the skills and motivation to be employed, there was no support available to support them with their career goals and aspirations.

• PolyEmp is fortunate to have a Board of Trustees from professional backgrounds and those with a lived experience of learning disability as family members. They guide and support our Mission and Vision.

• PolyEmp has one office based in MIT in South Auckland and one office at Unitec in Central Auckland. Our staff group comprises of a group of passionate experienced people who are committed to ensuring the very best outcomes for both employers and the young people we serve.

• www.poly-emp.org.nz | 

• Puna Whakataa is a 10-bed, Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) respite and treatment residential service in partnership with The Salvation Army. We provide management and peer support work and The Salvation Army provide the clinicians. The English translation is ‘the spring of rest and respite’ meaning an environment created for treatment and respite.

• The service is open to those who are currently engaged with a publicly funded specialist AOD service and offers up to 14 days respite to assist guests get themselves back on track while keeping connected to their community.

• https://ember.org.nz/find-support/peer-support/#residential-support | 09 266 2702 | David Cutten | david.cutten@ember.org.nz

• Piri Pono is a 5-bed residential, acute alternative to hospitalisation. Peer-led, it is staffed with both nurses and support workers, making it a rare and special combination. Piri Pono in English means to be loyal, faithful and devoted — an allegiance. The name reflects our practice — a respite home that encourages people to pull together with a focus on independent living and building relationships.

• Piri Pono is available to those experiencing extreme mental distress who have been assessed by the Rodney Adult Mental Health Services. Guests are able to stay for up to 10 days in a homelike, personalised environment with a holistic approach to wellness.

• https://ember.org.nz/find-support/peer-support/#residential-support | 09 426 7404 | joy.machonaghie@ember.org.nz | donna.galvin@ember.org.nz 

• RainbowYOUTH is a charitable organisation that was established in 1989. RainbowYOUTH is here to work with queer, gender diverse and intersex youth as well as their wider communities to ensure that Aotearoa is a place where all young people can thrive.

• At RainbowYOUTH, we’re about fostering safe, inclusive, accepting and diverse environments that are family friendly. We are drug, smoke and alcohol free.

• Our motto is “know who you are, be who you are”. Tīwhanawhana Trust have gifted us a version of our motto in te reo Māori: “Whāia tō ake ngākaunui, i te pono, i te mārama”. Simply translated, it means: “follow your desires with truth and clarity”.

• ​We provide information, referral, peer-support, education, professional development & a drop-in centre.

• Get in touch | info@ry.org.nz | 09 376 4155​ | www.ry.org.nz

• Drop-in centre locations: Auckland, Tauranga, Taranaki

• Our online chat support is available for any person in Aotearoa (aged 13-27) who is looking for guidance, support, or advice around sexuality, gender identity, and intersex status. You can chat to one of our support workers between 2-4pm Monday-Friday, anonymously & confidentially. More information is at this link.

• We're stoked to be able to provide free counselling at the Auckland drop-in centre. We have two Counselling students available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. To book in, email support@ry.org.nz or drop in when they're here to meet them!

• Reach Out Peer Support is a mobile service supporting people in their recovery from mental health issues. All the team have their own personal experiences of mental health trauma and recovery.

• We work in partnership with those accessing the service to explore ways that will facilitate individual recovery.

• We build a connection and some trust, and get the chance to collaboratively build a plan. We don’t want to spend time doing assessments, we want to focus on getting to know each other.

• Recovery starts with hope…even the slightest glimmer! Recovery in Peer Support comes through seeing ourselves as people, rather than as ‘mental health patients’. It’s about building relationships where new information and knowledge can emerge and where each person can start moving towards the life they choose.

• Anyone currently using Waitemata Adult Mental Health Services in the North Shore or Rodney districts can request Peer Support. Reach Out does not take referrals from clinicians but rather from a Peer self-referring to us.

• https://ember.org.nz/find-support/peer-support/#reach-out | sam.farr@ember.org.nz

• Respect (formerly known as North Harbour Living Without Violence) is a community organisation based in Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand. Our main purpose is to facilitate respectful relationships. We do this by:

  1. 1. Offering perpetrators of violence education programmes (both in groups and individually). These programmes help them stop their use of violence and abuse and to have respectful, equal relationships.

     2. Offering victims of abuse and/or violence support and education programmes (both in groups and individually). These programmes help people to recognise the signs (and effects) of abuse and violence and to live lives free of abuse and violence.

     3. Helping children and teenagers who have experienced abuse and/or violence to deal with the effects of this violence in healthy ways.

• Respect is committed to the ongoing provision of high-quality domestic violence services. We emphasise the right of all people to live lives free from violence and abuse in all its forms.

• Programme for men, women, children & teenagers and family work are at this link.

• https://respect.org.nz/ | ph 09 489 3770

• Are relationships a problem?

• Is your sexual behaviour a problem?

• Are you withdrawn and isolated?

• We provide a supportive environment for men and women struggling with compulsive sexual and emotional behaviour. Sex and love addiction is an obsessive/compulsive pattern, either sexual or emotional (or both), in which relationships or sexual activities have become increasingly destructive to career, family and self respect.

• SLAA (Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous) uses a 12-step, 12-tradition programme based on the model pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

• ph 09 377 1800 | slaainauckland@hotmail.com | www.aucklandslaa.org.nz

• To support and empower people who experience trauma. We do this by providing a professional and culturally appropriate crisis response service, social work support, ACC accredited and other counselling services within a safe, supportive and respectful environment.

• CSC is committed to The Treaty of Waitangi and its Principles of Partnership, Protection and Participation. Our support of clients is informed by Te Whare Tapa Wha, a holistic health & wellness model of practice.

• 24/7 free & confidential crisis response service for anyone affected by sexual assault or abuse.

• ph 09 277 9324 | admin@cscnz.org.nz | http://cscnz.org.nz

• Solace meets regularly, on the second Saturday of every month from 9.30am to 12 midday. Solace also holds an annual candle lighting ceremony in November.

• All welcome.

• Ph/text Mark Wilson | 021 998 949 

• STRIVE Community Trust aims to build strong whanau and strong community by providing support to encourage self-determination, independence and for our people to seek their own solutions to the challenges they face. STRIVE Community Trust provides a range of services to meet the needs of the community we serve.

• We work collaboratively to allow our people to reap the benefits of an integrated service. At the heart of our service is a strength-based approach centered on the whole whanau; children, young person and adult.

• Services offered include:

  1. budgeting/building financial capability

  2. family & crisis counselling

  3. family wellbeing

  4. sustaining tenancy

  5. youth services

  6. transitional housing

  7. school attendance service

  8. social workers in secondary schools

• More info at www.strive.org.nz.

• The TalkLink Trust has been operating since 1991. Our team are passionate about breaking down the barriers to communication and participation. We do this by providing Assistive Technology tools and strategies. The TalkLink team are specialists in the area of Communication Assistive Technology/Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). AAC tools and strategies are used to supplement or replace speech or writing for those with impairments in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language.

• In the context of the services provided by the TalkLink Trust, Assistive Technology also includes options for supporting learning and for controlling the environment.

• The TalkLink team consists of speech-language therapists, occupational therapists, teachers and technicians. We partner with disabled people, their families and whānau, as well as their support teams to provide services throughout New Zealand, and usually travel to meet our clients in a location chosen by them.

• The TalkLink Trust has contracts with the Ministry of Health and ACC, which allows TalkLink to offer free services to eligible clients. 

• https://talklink.org.nz

• Free in the Auckland District Health Board area.

• Togetherall is an online peer support forum focused on supporting and enhancing both mental and physical health. 

• You can access Togetherall today if you’re aged 16+ and living in Central Auckland, between Avondale and Panmure.

• In 2008, stigma around mental health was widespread and there was a complete lack of safe, judgement-free spaces to talk about depression and anxiety. We started with the idea of combining emerging online forums where people supported one another and clinical support, and shortly expanded our service to include creative tools, courses and web-based therapy. Over a decade later, we have a vibrant community and an extensive clinical team to provide much needed 24 hour support to expanding populations. We are backed by Impact Ventures UK, the pioneering investment fund that enables purpose-driven businesses to scale and achieve their potential. 

• The site offers an anonymous safe environment for members aged 16 years and above to share their thoughts and concerns to gain support, and in turn, support others through the offering of personal insights and experience.

• Togetherall is available to members 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Its membership base spans the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Canada, with a separate website available exclusively for the United States of America. UK-based members of Togetherall have access to LiveTherapy, which is a component of the website that connects therapists and members to online live counselling sessions, using both camera and audio.

• What is Togetherall?

  1. An anonymous community where members can support each other

  2. Access 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

  3. Trained professionals available 24/7 to keep the community safe

  4. Self-assessments & recommended resources

  5. Creative tools to help express how you’re feeling

  6. Wide range of self-guided courses to do at your own pace

• On "the Wall" members communicate to one another via public or private Talkabouts, which essentially reflects an email styled messaging or forum system. 

• Join at this link. More info at https://togetherall.com/en-gb/. 

Tu Wahine Trust is made up of both Maori and mainstream qualified professionals whose approach is informed by the Maori world view and applied in a contemporary context.  We provide services for victims of all forms of violence and abuse within the whanau including specialist mahi tukino/sexual harm services where the victim/survivor has experienced mahi tukino within the whanau, in other relationships, and stranger sexual harm. 

Tu Wahine Trust provide:

• Korero Awhina (counselling, therapy and support) in a safe-space by qualified kai mahi, centres around the strengths of individual victims/survivors and their whanau who have been affected by mahi tukino/sexual harm, both separately or as agreed by the survivor.

• Education and Awareness in relation to the impact of mahi tukino on the individual and whanau and ways of restoring and building Mana Wahine, Tu Wahine, Tutangata, which has been diminshed due to mahi tukino.

• Advocate on behalf of individuals and whanau to ensure opportunities for tamariki, wahine and whanau affected by mahi tukino are accessible.

• Primary prevention for Maori through Maori media - Radio Waatea's weekly programme encourages individuals and whanau to start conversations about mahi tukino.  Development and dissemination of resources such as whakatauki, purakau and waiata with messages of well-being that lead to the elimination of mahi tukino and acts as signposts to what and how this is achieved.

• Support victims and whanau to achieve living life free from mahi tukino. 

Other services:

• Korero Awhina for victims of all forms of violence and abuse within the whanau.

• Programmes for tamariki/rangitahi and whanau that encourage safety planning, behaviour change, personal growth and relaionship building.

• Programmes for wahine and whanau which asist them to co-construct a cultural healing pathway that best suits their needs.

All services are FREE.

How to access: 

• Call (09) 838 8700 or drop in and see us.

• If you are an agency wishing to refer someone, please request a referral form.

• We are always happy to talk by phone if you have any questions.

• https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/social-services/social/tu-wahine-trust/ | admin@tuwahine.org.nz

• Nau mai, haere mai. Meet new friends and journey to healing together. This group is for those who have lost someone close to them to suicide. We meet monthly on the second Thursday night of each month, 6-7pm. Contact Karyn for more details.

• Karyn Woodhouse | ph 021 437 803 | karynwoodhouse@gmail.com | Fairfield Baptist Church, 1101 Heaphy Terrace, Fairfield, Hamilton

• Providing hope and inspiration to those coping with the suicide of a loved one, bringing people together in a warm, caring environment.

• Meetings are held in Bowentown on the first Saturday of each month at 9.30am–11:30am.

• 27 Pio Road, Bowentown, Waihi | ph/text: 021 103 7404 | Karin, riverlight62@gmail.com

• Are you a Kiwi male who has experienced sexual abuse? You are not alone.

• 1 in 6 New Zealand males experience sexual abuse as young people.

• You have chosen the right place to begin your recovery journey. We can help you reclaim the life that was stolen from you.

• We are here to help you. Male Survivors Bay of Plenty is a registered charitable trust established to support male survivors of trauma and sexual abuse. We provide peer support, counselling and social services throughout the Bay of Plenty. We are a member organisation of Male Survivors Aotearoa. 

• Confidential listening and care. One-on-one and peer group support. Referrals for specialist support. Workshops and much more. https://malesurvivorbop.nz/services 

• We have various support resources available for you to download, with governance and operational policies. 

• https://tautokotane-bop.nz.

• Nau mai, haere mai. Welcome to Tautoko Mai Sexual Harm Support. We are glad you found us.

• We support everyone affected by sexual harm.

• We offer free, 24-hour sexual harm support services.

• https://tautokomai.co.nz | ph 0800 227 233 (0800 2B SAFE) | support@tautokomai.co.nz | Facebook

• Facilitated group enabling those affected by suicide to talk and share freely with others similarly affected by suicide and ways to manage the impact it has on their lives. 

• For more information email Warren Brown or Sandra Pell.

• Warren Brown | ph 027 286 4071 | warren@staros.org.nz

• Sandra Pell | ph 027 684 3033 | sandra@staros.org.nz 

• www.staros.org.nz | Facebook group

• Waves is an eight-week program that aims to support adults 18+ years old who have been bereaved by suicide. To register interest in attending or for more information, contact Karyn Williams.

• Karyn Williams | Karynjones48@live.com

• Family Works Northern is a professional, not-for-profit organisation that’s here to support families in every way we can. We’re part of Presbyterian Support Northern, a charitable social services provider that’s been around for more than 130 years. We’re passionate about strengthening New Zealand families as they face life’s challenges.

• Through counselling and social work in communities and schools throughout the upper North Island (from Northland to Turangi), we champion the causes of children/tamariki in our communities and support them and their families/whānau to flourish. We wholeheartedly believe that: 

• children should feel safe, loved and cared for

• families can be restored and empowered

• communities can be places of compassion and support

• New Zealand can become the best place to raise children.

• www.familyworksnorthern.org.nz | Auckland – Central |Auckland – North Shore | Auckland – South | Auckland – West | Rotorua | Taupo | Tauranga | Waikato |Whakatane | Whangarei 

• WellStop is a community-based organisation that aims to prevent sexual abuse.

• Our ambition is of communities free from harmful sexual behaviour. We work proactively with clients and partners in the community to achieve this ambition.

• Whiria te tangata means "weave, or bring together, the people".

• Will you weave your knowledge and skills with ours to create abuse-free, protective, respectful and connected communities?

• ​Together we'll stop sexual abuse.

• www.wellstop.org.nz

• Workforce Development is a private training company that helps New Zealanders get the skills they need to work. It’s our aim to guide you on a personalised, supportive journey into the Kiwi workforce and beyond.

• We offer a range of courses to suit young people, school leavers, people returning to the workforce and those who need to upskill or retrain. 

• No fees for Level 1 & 2. Our courses will help you learn new skills and work towards a career in hospitality. 

• Our short courses provide expert learning for the hospitality industry, giving you the knowledge and support you need to move forward in your career. Includes:

  • hospitality

  • early childhood education

  • youthwork

  • community numeracy & literacy

  • workplace literacy

• 0800 833 5581 | communication@workforce.ac.nz | https://workforce.ac.nz

• YOSS is all about helping you out. The friendly YOSS team provides free information, advice and services for young people aged between 10 and their 24th birthday right here in Palmy and Horowhenua. 

• We believe that all young people are deserving of respect, care, and participation. All young people have strengths and potential, and all young people are capable of making change. 

• Services available:

  • counselling

  • alcohol & drug support

  • health services

  • youth work

  • clinical psychology

  • social work

• Check out www.yoss.org.nz for more info.

• Helping you navigate your way through grief after suicide. Open to all those bereaved.

• Casual cuppa and chat 7.30pm, first Monday of the month Greenmeadows Community Centre, Stoke.

• Facebook group link | Pete 021 790 775 | Helen 022 379 3620

• 298 Youth Health Centre is a not for profit organisation, created to provide free medical and social support services for young people aged 10-24 years.  

• Our team is dedicated to providing an accessible, friendly, non-judgemental service that prioritises the needs of the people we see. 

• 298YHC is one of the 11 Youth One Stop Shops (YOSS) across New Zealand. 

• Our staff includes doctors, nurses, youth workers, a counsellor and administration staff. We are also a training practice for medical and nursing students.

• To access our services you need to be enrolled with us, check out https://www.298.org.nz/referrals or https://www.298.org.nz.

• All Right? supports people to become more aware of their mental heath and wellbeing, and to take small and regular steps to improve it.

• All Right? is a Healthy Christchurch initiative led by the Canterbury District Health Board and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand. The campaign was launched in February 2013 to support Cantabrians as the region recovers from the earthquakes.

• All Right? is funded by the Ministry of Health and has also had support from the Ministry of Social Development and many other organisations including the Red Cross, SKIP, the Christchurch City Council and the Waimakariri District Council.

• All Right? completes regular, indepth research into how Cantabrians are doing. This gives us a wealth of up-to-date knowledge about how people are feeling and the hurdles they are facing.

• This research informs everything All Right? does – from raising awareness among community groups, organisations and businesses, to creating tools that promote the things we can do to improve our wellbeing.

• If you're in Canterbury you might have spotted All Right? on billboards, in newspapers, on noticeboards, on buses and bus stops, and on people's chests (badges… not tattoos!). You may have even heard us on the radio and seen us on Facebook.

• We're always open to new ideas, so if you have any thoughts or suggestions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

• www.allright.org.nz | email/contact form

• Family Works provides a range of services that help people work through challenging issues and become stronger. We work with children, families, schools and in the community to find a new way forward and a positive outcome for all involved. 

• Services include:

  • Family Works Social Work

  • Family Start

  • Programmes for Children

  • Counselling

  • Parenting Programmes

  • Family Violence Services

  • Parenting Through Separation & Family Disputes Resolution

  • Strengthening Families Coordination Service

  • Family Works Food Bank

  • Refugee Settlement Services

• More information at http://pssc.org.nz/family-works/.

• Manu Ka Rere is a free service for young people aged 13-24 who are seeking support for their wellbeing. We offer face to face counselling sessions, group work therapy, education and other activities.​

• Previously known as Community Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS), Manu Ka Rere is a collaborative of eight organisations across Canterbury. These include Odyssey House, Stepping Stone Trust, Purapura Whetu, Ashburton Community Alcohol and Drug Service (ACADS), Community Wellbeing North Canterbury Trust, Waipuna, 298 Youth Health and City Mission.​

• We work closely with Specialist Mental health Services (CHDB) and are also connected with other services.

• 8:30am-5:00pm Monday-Friday (evenings on appointment)

• Groups | Monday-Sunday (evenings on appointment)

• Locations | our offices, home visits, community visits​

• office@manukarere.org.nz | https://www.manukarere.org.nz | ph 03 281 7616

• ReachOut is a service offered to anyone who wants support to move away from a life of relationship conflict, anger and/or violence.

• With effective support, people who use violence can build safer and more respectful, fulfilling relationships which are not overshadowed by harmful behaviours. 

• ReachOut is for people who use, or are at risk of using violence and need support to develop healthy relationships. 

• ReachOut is a free service that operates in Christchurch, North Canterbury and Selwyn district areas.

• Ph 03 378 3847 or 0800 2848 266 | 24/7

• Ko Nga Whanau, Nga Puna Oranga (Whanau are the spring, of their own well-being)

• All ages - Tamariki, Rangatahi, Pakeke (wahine/tane), Kaumatua

• 24 hour phone manaaki, someone to korero with who will whakarongo in a safe and confidential manner, for both wahine and tane

• Practical tautoko for whanau to understand options and processes following sexual harm

• Further options of support including ACC counselling

• Manaaki if you need referring to specialist doctors of sexual abuse, Police and Court

• Prevention korero, tautoko and information stopping sexual harm before it starts

• Offer whanau mediation

•  Whanau crisis line 0800 222 042 | www.healthpoint.co.nz/social-services/social/te-puna-oranga/ | info@tepunaoranga.co.nz 

• Te Whare Awhero (Hope House) is the Hornby Presbyterian Community Trust and provides community services, engagement and support to bring hope. Our vision is to positively influence and strengthen our community by offering services that embrace families and individuals facing life's changes. We desire to bring a sense of empowerment and tino rangatiratanga (self-determination for both self and community), through building on and maximising the strengths of those we interact with. We endeavour to enrich our community with manaakitanga (mutual and reciprocal hospitality), where people support and encourage one another. 30+ years of service to the Hornby & greater communities.

• Sliding scale for counselling fees.

• www.hpct.org.nz

• Waves is an eight-week program that aims to support adults 18+ years old who have been bereaved by suicide.

• To register interest in attending or for more information, contact Yellow Brick Road.

• ph 03 366 9284 | 0800 876 682 | waves.canterbury@yellowbrickroad.org.nz

• We have been operating since 1986 providing a wealth of information and services to women in a safe, supportive and affirming environment. We work for the well-being of women by assisting, supporting and encouraging them to make informed decisions. The Centre is committed to the Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

• What is

  • The Centre was initially established as a community link for Women’s Refuge, where women leaving Refuge could obtain ongoing support and resources. Since the mid-nineties, with Refuges starting their own community support, the Centre’s client base has opened up, with a wide range of women now accessing our services.  For many women the Centre is a place to gather information, work through difficult issues, be supported, learn, and or rest before going out into the wider world again.

  • We have extensive networking contacts, and if we cannot assist you with any of our specialised services we can provide information/links to appropriate agencies and organisations that can give further assistance.

• Our Team

  • The Centre is run by women for women. It is staffed by the Manager, Centre Co-ordinator and Counsellor Coordinator. Volunteering for the Centre are:

  • Up to 5 trained Support Workers

  • Up to 17 counsellors - both fully qualified and students on placement ( Gestalt Institute, UC, Vision College, Laidlaw College and Canterbury University)

  • 6 lawyers give their time and skills to the free legal advice service the Centre offers (one of them offers services in Japanese)

  • 2 people catering to our IT needs and a graphic designer who assists with our print and branding needs

  • Up to 10 Board members who govern the Centre and meet at least once a month

• Our Mission Statement

  • The Women's Centre works with and for the well-being of all women, by assisting, encouraging and supporting them to make informed choices in their lives. The Women's Centre is committed to a future based on Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

• Our Vision

  • A world in which all women have equal rights and opportunities.

• Our Objectives

  • To provide a safe, welcoming, women's-only environment. 

• To offer confidential, non-judgemental support, referral and access to resources.

  • To affirm women and support them in making choices in their lives.

  • To maintain and encourage feminist ideals for the Centre.

  • To work towards social change for the benefit of all women.

  • To educate and inform the community about issues affecting women.

• Free counselling information is at this link. 

• http://womenscentre.co.nz

• Meeting monthly and alternating between Greymouth and Hokitika for shared activities. The group meets at 6.30pm on the first Friday of every month for shared activities such as walks and pot luck meals. 

• ph 03 762 5812 

• Waves is an eight-week program that aims to support adults 18+ years old who have been bereaved by suicide.

• Next group to be confirmed. To register interest in attending or for more information, contact Debbie Cogger or Annabel Gosset. Debbie on 027 478 9892 or Annabel on 027 463 9059

• debbiecogger@xtra.co.nz | annabelgosset@yahoo.com 

• Chatbus is a safe place for children to go when they don’t want to talk to anyone else. Do you remember being a child… perhaps the last person on earth you wanted to tell your embarrassing secret to was your teacher, mum or dad!

• We hear everything from friendship issues, bullying, family bereavement and divorce, to serious cases of neglect or abuse that no-one else even suspected.

• ph 03 476 3132 | 027 3525 032 | chatbustrust@gmail.com | contact form | https://chatbus.org.nz

• Student counsellors from the Bachelor of Social Services programme offer supportive counselling to members of the public in a training environment under NZAC supervision.

• Students of the programme are in their second year of training, bringing with them theoretical knowledge, life experience, previous training and diversity. As a client of the Kōwhai Centre, you may be asked by your student counsellor for permission to record a client session. If this happens, you will not be visible on the recording – the camera will be focused on the counsellor.

• Students are supported by lecturing staff who are also counsellors, to provide free counselling that is professional, supportive and accessible. The Kōwhai Centre is not available to Otago Polytechnic students for counselling.

• The Kōwhai Centre is open to the public. We accept donations and do not charge for services. 

• Our hours of service are:

  • • Wednesday 3pm - 7pm

    • Thursday 11am - 7pm

    • Friday 9am - 3pm

• More info at this link.

• Ōtepoti Collective Against Sexual Abuse provides free and confidential services to survivors of any gender from the age of 18 and above.

• We provide services to survivors of both recent and historical sexual violence. We also provide services to friends and whānau of survivors who may also need support.

• The services we provide are:

• Counselling

• Social work

• Face-to-face support and crisis support sessions during office hours

• Advocacy

• Support at the hospital, police station and law courts

• Education - we provide sexual violence prevention education for young people in secondary schools, aged 14 years and over. This includes the option of scheduled education sessions as requested

• Consultancy - we also provide workshops to community groups and external organisations regarding preventing and responding to sexual violence

• Referrals to other agencies.

• 24/7 emergency response and support with police procedures*

• 24/7 support for forensic procedures, including support for survivors accessing acute medical care following sexual abuse/assault*

• *Please note that after hours (24/7) crisis support is initiated through local police and the Sexual Assault Assessment Treatment Service (SAATS) who will contact our service when survivors request support outside of our office hours.

• Corso Building, Level 1, 111 Moray Place, Dunedin | 03 474 1592

• Our office is open 9am - 5pm weekdays. Please contact us to arrange an appointment with a social worker, support worker or counsellor, or for more information | www.ocasa.org.nz

• Meet with others living with suicide grief. 

• This group runs at the Loss and Grief Centre, Invercargill: 5.00pm–6.00pm on the last Tuesday of every month (sometimes varies). Group facilitator: Caroline Loo.

• For details, contact the Invercargill Grief Centre.

• Invercargill Grief Centre | ph 027 443 8788 | lossandgriefcentre@gmail.com

Mahana is a southern service providing counselling and support to individuals and whānau experiencing mild to moderate addictions and coexisting mental health issues.

• In addition to counselling, Mahana facilitates a range of cultural wellbeing initiatives, delivered as experiential learning activities that

  • focus on building cultural resilience, connections and inclusion.

• In addition to mobile service options, we extend services Monday to Friday:

  • Level 4, 333 Princes Street, Dunedin

  • Level 2, 92 Spey Street, Invercargill

  • 8.30am-4.30pm

• Mahana is a caring, Māori service supported by a Kāhui Kaumatua, ensuring the safe delivery of services to tangata whaiora and whānau impacted by drug and alcohol use.

• Referrals: email admin@kaitahu.maori.nz or contact 0800 925 242, or self refer by presenting at one of our offices.

​We offer:

• One-on-one counselling support

• Peer support group 

• Cultural wellbeing activities - site/community based

• Creative arts

• Wananga-based interventions

• Pou Whirinaki cultural advisor support

• Mobile service options

• Call 0800 925 242 or visit in person | www.kaitahu.maori.nz

• Our vision is to contribute to the elimination of rape and sexual abuse against women, children and men in society by offering support advocacy, information and education in the southland region. 

• Services offered include:

  • counselling (funded)

  • crisis response (Mon-Fri 9-5)

  • programmes/groups

  • social work

• https://southlandhelp.nz | based in Invercargill

• www.12steps.nz outlines the 12 step programme for a number of addiction issues.

• The purpose of www.12steps.nz is to provide information on the range of 12-step programmes worldwide, especially those in New Zealand.

• Our commitment is to help you find the connection between a serious problem you are experiencing in your life and a free, simple, and proven solution.

• Our hope is that you will quickly find freedom from your problems, and happiness in your life.

• Our vision is a dream.

• The Access and Choice programme provides free mental wellbeing support services. If your thoughts, feelings or actions are impacting your health and wellbeing you can contact a provider. 

• You may want to:

  • improve your mood (you may be feeling down, angry, confused, exhausted)

  • change habits to reduce the harm of drinking or drug use

  • understand how what you’re doing can impact how you feel

  • improve your ability to cope with life’s challenges (building on your existing coping skills)

  • learn tools to help you sleep better and address other physical health issues that are impacting your mental wellbeing

  • talk about things that are bothering you – relationships, grief, loneliness, or family violence

  • talk through the impacts of living with long-term health conditions or a disability and make adjustments so you can live well with these challenges

  • increase connection to the positive supports in your life, helping you to feel less alone

  • get connected to services in the community.

Services include:

• • Kaupapa Māori wellbeing services

  • Pacific-led wellbeing services

  • Wellbeing services in general practice (GP)

  • Youth wellbeing services

  • Rural wellbeing support

  • Wellbeing resources

• www.wellbeingsupport.health.nz/available-wellbeing-support/

• Are you seeking a service to help you or someone else you’re concerned about with a drinking or drug problem?

• The Treatment Directory is the place to start. You can search for providers of services and support available to people who live in your District Health Board region.

• The directory provides you with quick access to provider details, including the services they provide and how to contact them.

• This website contains a regionalised database of all the publicly funded addiction treatment and advice services available anywhere in New Zealand.

• http://www.addictionshelp.org.nz/Services/Home

• Not sure which provider you should look for? Just call the Helpline on 0800 787 797 and one of our counsellors will guide you step by step. 

• We are looking into what happened to children, young people and vulnerable adults in State and faith-based care in Aotearoa New Zealand between the years 1950-99. We may also listen to survivor experiences before and after these dates.

• The Royal Commission will provide counselling and support for survivors engaging with the Inquiry.

• We encourage all survivors to talk with our Contact and Support Team about how we can best meet your needs.

• To apply, check out https://www.abuseincare.org.nz/survivors/counselling-and-support.

• We do heaps of things at Adhikaar Aotearoa, such as preparing reports, delivering community workshops across the country, meeting and offering support to people from all different walks of life, and documenting queer lives through practices of deep and empathetic listening with a profound aspiration to make a difference. Everything that we do is in pursuance of our vision and fall into the following three pillars of engagements - education, support, advocacy

• www.adhikaaraotearoa.co.nz

• New Zealand's leading source of support and information to counter elder abuse and neglect. Use this page to learn more about abuse, neglect, and prevention.

• We must not turn a blind eye if we suspect an older person is being abused or neglected. Elder abuse is a widespread issue in New Zealand and it is time it stopped.

• Age Concern's elder abuse and neglect prevention (EANP) teams work closely with older people and their families to resolve issues of abuse and ensure it does not reoccur. Age Concern also works in communities to educate people about the signs and effects of abuse to help prevent it from happening and also how to challenge disrespectful attitudes to older people.

• If you have concerns or queries about elder abuse or neglect, please contact one of the services below for free and confidential support, advocacy and information.

• Services include education for people working with and caring for older people, as well as public awareness-raising activities aimed at early identification and prevention of elder abuse or neglect.

• www.ageconcern.org.nz

• DrugHelp's website has been made for people who are concerned about how drugs are affecting their lives – whether it’s because of their own use or because someone close to them has a problem. 

• The stories you will hear are told by people who have used drugs. They are everyday New Zealanders whose drug taking has impacted on their lives. 

• Through the experiences of others, you will find there is hope for change.

• Phone 0800 787 797 | ww.drughelp.org.nz | www.adanz.org.nz

• Nau mai

• At the Helpline we are committed to providing a culturally affirming service, utilising resources available specifically for Māori, and referring callers to kaupapa Māori treatment services when requested.

• Phone 0800 787 798 (free from your landline or mobile) or FREE TXT 8681 (we will TXT you back)

• Ideally kaupapa Māori services are developed, delivered and evaluated by Māori, supported by kaumātua and mandated by manawhenua/iwi kainga.  Treatment is provided in a range of settings and in ways that acknowledge and respond to the variety of experiences of contemporary Māori. The Helpline has a comprehensive list of kaupapa Māori services available in Aotearoa.

• https://alcoholdrughelp.org.nz/helpline/services/maori-helpline/

• Fakalofa lahi atu; Halo olgeta; Malo e lelei; Nisa bula; Aloha; Kia orana; Kam na mauri; Talofa lava; Kaselehlia; Yokwe; Hafadai; Warm Pacific Greetings.

• Our Pasifika Helpline seeks to provide a holistic, culturally affirming service which meets your physical, spiritual and mental needs and encourages support from family and community.

• Telephone 0800 787 799 any day, 24 hours a day, or FREE TXT 8681 and we will TXT you back.

• The Pasifika Helpline has a full list of Pacific and other services throughout New Zealand.

• https://alcoholdrughelp.org.nz/helpline/services/pasifika-helpline/

• The Youth Helpline has dedicated people experienced in working through issues with young people. They offer free, confidential support and guidance. They are able to talk to you about your own drinking or drug use or about another persons drinking or drug use.

• Our people can provide you with a few simple steps to help keep yourself and your friends safe while socialising and drinking.

• We can provide information and advice about a particular drug and the effect it may have if taken.

• We can provide advice and practical strategies to help you ease up on the amount your drink.

• Maybe you have a friend or family member drinking or taking drugs and you are concerned for their wellbeing. Talk to us, we can help.

• Call 0800 787 YTH (0800 787 984) any day, 24 hours a day, or FREE TXT 8681 and a counsellor will TXT you back.

• You can have a confidential chat with a counsellor when you see the Chat With Counsellor button on this website.

• Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

• The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

• There are no fees for AA membership.

• We are self supporting through our own contributions.

• AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes.

• Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

• AA can help people of any age and background so youth drinking, teen drinking, drinking alone, drinking at home, solo drinking, elderly drinking are all factors that have brought people to AA, and we have members from 16 through to 96.

• If you find problem drinking, binge drinking, drinking blackouts or other alcohol problems are affecting your life and that of your friends and family, Alcoholics Anonymous may have the solution for you. To find out if we can help try this Are you an alcoholic? quiz or contact AA by attending a meeting or contact us.

Anxiety New Zealand offers specialist treatment, support & education for anxiety, phobias, OCD, depression & related conditions:

• agoraphobia

• social phobia

• generalised anxiety disorder

• mono or specific phobias

• panic disorder

• depression/mood disorer

• obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

• body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)

• impulse control disorders

• post traumatic stress disorder

We have a specialist clinic based in St Lukes, where we work with mild to severe anxiety disorders, depression, alcohol & substance abuse. We treat children, adolescents, adults & provide support for families.

You may qualify for WINZ support/funding if you fit the following criteria:

• you are a working, low income earner

• you are on a benefit

• you are unemployed

• you are on a pension

• you are on a government subsidy

• you are a student

Clinic hours are Tuesday-Saturday, between 9.00am & 8.30pm (depending on the day)

www.anxiety.org.nz | ph 0800 269 4389, 24/7 | clinic@anxiety.org.nz | 77 Morningside Drive, St Lukes, Auckland | ph 09 846 9776

• It's not OK is a community-driven behaviour change campaign to reduce family violence in New Zealand. Its goal is to change attitudes and behaviour that tolerate any kind of family violence.

• The campaign's vision is a community where each person believes there is something they can do to help and is likely to act when they know violence is happening.

• It was launched in September 2007 with the simple message Family Violence is not OK but It is OK to Ask for Help.

• In 2010 a new message It is OK to Help was added in response to feedback that people want to help when there is family violence but are not sure what to do.

• Since the campaign's launch, more New Zealanders are seeking help and more people believe they can help others to change.

• Community ownership of the campaign has been key to its success. Local projects have been supported and funded by the campaign all over New Zealand, illustrating that communities know best what works in their own place. A range of booklets, posters and other material supports people to run campaigns in their communities, workplaces, sports clubs, schools and places of worship.

• Media advocacy work has improved the quality and quantity of media reporting of family violence. The campaign has consistently featured in articles and broadcasts which help increase understanding of family violence and provide information for people seeking to get or give help.

• Research and evaluation helped guide and shape the campaign.

• The campaign has received national and international recognition.

• It’s not OK is housed in the Social Campaigns Team at the Ministry of Social Development.

• Options for help are at www.areyouok.org.nz/i-need-help.

• http://areyouok.org.nz | 0800 456 450

• ASB has developed a new service supporting people with financial support, particularly in relation to family violence.

• You can call them on 0800 803 804 Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, or 8am-5pm on weekends and public holidays.

• You can access ASB support irrespective of what bank you have.

• ASB's Support Hub outlines the services available.

• ASB's Support Finder tool is designed for people over the age of 16 and who have been continuously living in New Zealand as a citizen or resident for two years. Your age is used to determine which government benefits and services may be right for you. 

• Asian Family Services (AFS) provides free, professional, confidential, nationwide face-to-face or telephone support to Asians living in New Zealand.

• These services are offered in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, Thai and Hindi. An interpreter can be arranged for other languages.

• Based in Auckland, AFS has six full-time staff who speak Chinese, three part-time staff who speak Chinese, one full-time Korean staff, and four part-time staff who speak Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai and Hindi.

• In Wellington office, AFS has one part-time Chinese & Japanese speaking counsellor, and one Mandarin speaking health promoter.

• ​All staff are trained counsellors and social workers.

• ph 0800 862 342 | https://www.asianfamilyse

• rvices.nz | asian.admin@pgfnz.org.nz

• Aunty Dee is a free online tool for anyone who needs some help working through a problem or problems. It doesn’t matter what the problem is, you can use Aunty Dee to help you work it through. 

• You can use Aunty Dee to work through one problem, or you can ask about many problems and use Aunty Dee over and over again – it’s completely up to you.

• And you can use Aunty Dee on your mobile phone, tablet, laptop or personal computer. Because it’s a web-based tool, there are no big apps to download that use up your device’s storage space or your precious data.

• Hi there, we’re Le Va. We’re a non-government organisation and the team behind Aunty Dee. 

• Le Va literally refers to the “space between” – the relational space. In terms of human interaction, va is the space that relates. 

• We see Pasifika wellbeing in a holistic way – taking in to account all dimensions of a person, family or community – physical, mental, social, environmental and spiritual. 

• This is reflected in our diverse portfolio of work across mental health, addiction, disability, suicide prevention, public health, general health, sport, local government and education.

• We’re also on a mission to help young people flourish in Aotearoa.

• www.auntydee.co.nz

• Information for family and whānau experiencing the death of a baby or child including miscarriage, stillbirth, fetal abnormality, neonatal death & infant or child death.

• Includes support, practical information and financial entitlements you may be entitled to.

• https://wheturangitia.services.govt.nz

The story of Whetūrangitia

• In December 2018 informal conversation over coffee would inadvertently spark a catalyst for change. A baby loss advocate and bereaved parent spoke of the conflicting information that often confronted bereaved parents on social media or was provided to them in the event of their baby dying. The question in turn, was “what can government agencies do to help?” Thereafter, a hui was organised to explore and unpack this question.

• The first hui had a small group of government agencies and NGOs. During the introductions, many introduced themselves as bereaved parents and that whakawhanaungatanga (connectedness) lifted the conversations. The invested parties explored ways and means by which government agencies and private services could help the whānau, families and parents of children who die at, around or after birth.

• The shared direction from that small group led to a second hui with more representatives. Their powerful and collective insights helped identify what our next steps should be. We knew we could not resolve all of the issues facing parents, but there was a commitment from several agencies to work together on a small concept that could make a big difference.

• That small concept is now this site. A site to support those acting on behalf of parents to support them in their grief. It began with a simple question, and a commitment to listening to those directly affected, to honouring their experience and empowering them as parents and whānau. We’re committed to continue strengthening Whetūrangitia with up-to-date and truthful information. We hope you find some clarity and answers in the information.

Meaning of Whetūrangitia

• In traditional whaikōrero (oratory speeches) Māori refer to the passing of a person as a ‘star’ that returns to the sky to join the multitude of ancestors. Whetūrangitia means “stars that adorn the sky”. The whakataukī (proverb), “Kua whetūrangitia koe”, in this context means, “Return, take your place amongst the stars along with your ancestors that adorn the sky”.

• Baby Loss NZ are a registered charity (CC32638) set up to support parents and their families who have experienced the death of a baby during pregnancy, at birth or in infancy. We also support parents facing the difficult decision following a poor prognosis. Our main branch is located in Papakura, Manukau with branches in Hauraki/Piako and Christchurch.

• Baby Loss NZ supports hospitals, educating staff on the experience of baby loss and providing support items for them to give to parents. Our main service is the Active Parenting & Memory Making Service including our Care Bags (see Every Moment Counts).

• Baby Loss NZ was set up in April 2008 after the need for a support group in the Manukau region was identified. As and when needed, we hold monthly support group meetings where parents can come together in a friendly, non judgmental space to share, listen, and acknowledge others who may have been through a similar experience to their own. Coffee mornings, practical workshops, training and education for health professionals and baby loss awareness events are also held.

• Urgent support needed, ph 0800 726 374 | www.babyloss.co.nz | find them on Facebook

• Sands New Zealand is a network of parent-run, non-profit groups supporting families who have experienced the death of a baby. We have over 25 groups/contact people around the country.

• All of the people involved in Sands give their time and energy voluntarily - we are not a government funded organisation. We do not have any paid staff. Most of our members/supporters are also bereaved parents.

• We offer empathy and understanding. We are not counsellors and do not give professional advice but we do offer an opportunity and environment to share experiences, to talk and to listen. We promote awareness, understanding and support for those dealing with the death of a baby in pregnancy, birth or as a newborn, and due to medical termination or other forms of reproductive loss. We are registered with the Charities Commission.

• If you have found our website because your baby has recently died, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to you. Many of our Sands members can relate to the feelings you are experiencing right now and we sincerely hope that the information on these pages may be of some help to you over the following hours, days, months or years.

• Sands offer Support Packs | Certificate of Life | Moses Baskets | Inkless print kits | Phone contact | Meetings | Library Books | Newsletters | Counselling. 

• www.sands.org.nz | www.sands.org.nz/about.html

• BAIS was established in 1990 by a group of women on the Domestic Purposes Benefit [DPB] who saw a need for a non profit community agency to support those on benefits and/or low incomes.

• The aim was to facilitate the community’s ability to access information and support when dealing with Work & Income NZ (WINZ) and the Inland Revenue Department.

• Our Kaupapa/Vision is: to be a voice for those who need Beneficiary Advocacy support. We work to ensure that people are well informed of their rights to benefit entitlements and are enabled to access appropriate expert advice and support resources from within their community. A key premise of our agency’s advocacy service is to ensure social inclusion for all irrespective of socio-economic status.

• Our Mission is to: provide a free accessible service which ensures quality expert support, information and independent advocacy for beneficiaries & low income people, and their families, We provide support to people from the North Shore, Rodney/Hibiscus Coast districts and can answer enquiries from people in the wider Auckland area.

• http://bais.org.nz | 09 444 9543 | info@bais.org.nz

• As New Zealand’s largest children’s charity, we offer a broad range of services for children, families and whānau throughout Aotearoa 

• Our services are listed here.

• www.barnardos.org.nz | ph 0800 barnardos

• Beating the Blues® is the most widely used and evidence-based online CBT programme for the treatment of depression.

• Beating the Blues® has been proven to help people suffering with mild and moderate depression to get better and stay better and is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

• It is a way of helping people to learn to cope with anxiety and depression and has been recommended for use in the NHS by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

• Beating the Blues brings all the benefits of CBT directly to your patients by the use of computer and multi-media technology which means that you can access the treatment when and where you want.

• Independent research has shown that CCBT works for many people with depression and anxiety by teaching practical, lifelong skills to help them feel better and stay better.

• This program was jointly designed and developed by Dr Judy Proudfoot and her team at the Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College, London and Ultrasis plc.

• https://info.beatingtheblues.co.nz/index.html | btb.support@managemyhealth.co.nz

• Through quality training, Big Brothers Big Sisters equips Mentors with the ability to ignite potential and build resilience in young people all over Aotearoa New Zealand. 

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Zealand is part of the world’s largest volunteer mentoring network.  We make professionally supervised mentoring matches between adults and young people (aged approx. six to twelve) throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

• More information on the mentoring prorammes provided at this link | www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.nz

• The Peace Foundation (Foundation for Peace Studies Aotearoa/New Zealand) offers innovative and quality programmes, services and resources that are used in many schools, homes and communities - both in New Zealand and overseas. It helps to establish and maintain peaceful and non-violent relationships by teaching skills that encourage better communication, co-operation and non-violent conflict resolution.

• The Peace Foundation draws on the knowledge, skills and energy of a team of highly qualified and experienced individuals who are committed to meeting the aims of the organisation - a number of whom are acknowledged both nationally and internationally for the role they have played and are playing in creating a more peaceful world. The Peace Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation and relies on public support for its work. It has been a membership organisation since it was established in 1975.

• www.peace.net.nz

We offer free and confidential short-term counselling, helping to equip you to deal with life's challenges.

If you're seeking support in relation to your mental health and wellbeing, we offer free counselling services. Our counsellors use a range of therapeutic approaches to better equip people to deal with life’s challenges.

This service is available to:

• People living with HIV 

• People affected by HIV (e.g. partners, whānau and friends)

• Men who have sex with men

What can I talk to counsellors about?

Every person's situation is different. These are some of the types of things our clients work through with us:

• Managing a new HIV diagnosis

• Living with HIV (eg: the impact of stigma)

• Ageing with HIV

• Supporting a significant other/whānau with HIV

• Sexual and gender identity

• Sexual behaviour including sexual dysfunction and sex addiction

• Anxiety and depression

• Self-esteem and self-care

• Relationship issues

• Grief and loss

• Substance use and harm minimisation (Please note we are not specialists in substance use and harm minimisation)

https://www.burnettfoundation.org.nz | https://www.burnettfoundation.org.nz/get/get-counselling 

• The Mental Health Foundation’s website has a range of tips and worksheets to reduce stress. Some help you spot the signs of stress, others help you identify what you need to stay well.

  • Minimising and managing workplace stress (external link)  — Mental Health Foundation

  • Ways to wellbeing (external link)  — Mental Health Foundation

• Visit Wellplace for more articles, and resources to support mental health and wellbeing at work.

• Also take a look at the tools on the Resilient Organisations website

• Check out Kiwi Business Boost. This business.govt.nz tool helps you find information and support tailored to your needs. Pick the health and wellbeing focus for advice on feeling isolated or overwhelmed

• Boss burnout: Spot warning signs in yourself

• Check in with your team’s wellbeing

• Looking after your employees

• Mental health for you and your staff

• Mental health in the workplace

• Minimising and managing workplace stress

• Owner-operators: Tips to beat isolation

• Working solo: Tips to stay mentally well

• When you use CAP Money principles your money goes further. It’s almost like getting a pay rise! Three 90-minute sessions is all it takes and the course is completely free.

• CAP Money courses are running throughout Aotearoa.

• www.capnz.org/get-help/cap-money-course

• Welcome to CareNZ Manaaki Aotearoa. We are committed to helping people to live a life free from the harms of alcohol or other drugs.

• We are available for everyone who is concerned about their own or a loved one’s use of alcohol and drugs. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – it can make all the difference, for yourself and the people around you.

• take the alcohol test | take the drug test | self refer for help | www.carenz.co.nz

• The Cancer Society organisation was formed in 1929 when the New Zealand Branch of the British Empire Cancer Campaign opened in Wellington with the ‘conquest of cancer' as its mission. The plan was to have the headquarters in Wellington and establish regional divisions, where practicable and desirable, to carry out the aims of the Society to: 

  • provide consultation clinics for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer

  • begin and maintain research into the causes of cancer in New Zealand 

• By 1963 there were six regional divisions and the name of the society was changed to ‘Cancer Society of New Zealand Incorporated'. The objective of the organisation became ‘to minimise the impact of cancer'. 

• In 1977 the National Council appointed a part time administrator, followed by the appointment of Mr Terry A Ward, as Executive Director. An office was established in Wellington in 1981. National Education programmes, mainly in the SunSmart area, commenced in 1980 with a ‘smart cookies don't burn campaign'. 

• The first fundraising campaign ‘Cancer Alert' was held in 1981 and raised $2.5 Million for general and research purposes. 

• In 1996 national office came into being as we know it today, funded by levies from the six divisions. The Cancer Society of New Zealand is currently the leading non-government organisation dedicated to reducing the incidence and impact of cancer and ensuring cancer care for everyone in New Zealand. It is an independent charity. 

• The Society continues to have a National Office in Wellington, six autonomous regional divisions, and centres within the divisions. The focus is on locally-funded provision of support services, health promotion and information appropriate to the people in each area. The Society is a pro-active advocate for cancer patients in New Zealand, providing a voice on all kinds of issues including, screening, detection and treatment. 

We provide:

Support services

A range of support services for people with cancer and their families/whānau and caregivers. 

Advice on healthy living

A range of programmes and activities aimed at reducing the incidence of cancer by advocating for public health policy, creating supportive environments, strengthening community action, developing personal skills and reorienting health services. 

Information services 

A range of booklets, leaflets, tapes, information sheets, videos, DVDs and books, in addition to an on-line directory of cancer information providers and their resources is available. 

Research funding

The society provides financial support for scientific and social and behavioural research into the prevention, causes and treatment of cancer. 

Fundraising

Donations, bequests, and fund raising events such as Daffodil Day and Relay For Life, provide funding for the work we do.

Volunteers

The invaluable time and support given by our volunteers enables the society to provide its wide range of services and activities. 

• www.cancernz.org.nz | 0800 226 237 

• Around 4,200 rangatahi/young people across Aotearoa are impacted by cancer each year, whether it’s their own diagnosis, or that of an immediate family member. CanTeen’s mission is to make sure they don’t have to face cancer alone. 

• We’re here to help if you’re 13-24 and dealing with:

  •  Your own cancer

• Your parent or sibling’s cancer

• The death of a parent or sibling

• At CanTeen, there’s no one size fits all. We provide a wide range of support services so you can choose what’s right for you. Everything we offer is free of charge. If you know a young person in need of support, you can refer them to CanTeen using our online form. 

• www.canteen.org.nz | info@canteen.org.nz | 0800 CanTeen

• The Government can provide practical help for people caring for family or friends who are older or have ill health, a disability or a mental health, alcohol or other drug issue.

• Established in the early 1990s by and for family carers, Carers NZ acts as the national peak body providing information, advice, learning and support for carers in our network.

• Today Carers NZ is a national not for profit supporting a network of approximately 50,000 individual carers and supporting organisations. We do not charge a membership fee and fundraise to share our support resources freely with family carers.

• The primary role of Carers NZ is to ensure awareness about carers, their role, and their needs within New Zealand and internationally. We participate in government reference and working groups, and promote the interests of family carers to decision-makers in health, education, employment, social services, housing, transport, and other important areas.

• Check out www.carers.net.nz

• Te whakapai ake i ngā hua ō ngā kōwhiringa ā-mahi

• Helping you to find a new job or choose a new career

• Get new skills for free | help finding a job | build a career in construction | help your children plan to leave school | take a career quiz to find out job ideas | create a cv employers will love | get job ideas based on your skills | match your school subjects to jobs

• and much more at www.careers.govt.nz