Advocacy/Legal Services
The Christchurch City Mission supports, cares and advocates for people marginalised by social and economic factors and who are at risk through poor mental health, family breakdown, unemployment, inadequate housing, financial mismanagement and drug/alcohol abuse. The City Mission works in both crisis and preventative ways to improve the quality of these people’s lives and to enable them to become more self-sufficient in the community. Services: Night shelter for men Wahine Whai Ora (day programme for women in recovery) Budget advice/advocacy Governors Bay gardens Thorpe House residential detoxification Alcohol and drug counselling Foodbank Social work Walsh House Drop-In Centre for Women
The centre is owned and operated by the Rowley community, working towards enabling its members to enhance the overall wellbeing for the neighbourhood, for families and individuals. The community centre is available for community use Monday through Saturday. The centre provides support and services including; tea/coffee facilities, daily newspaper, computers with internet, phone, along with a community development worker available during office hours. The community weekly project services held at the centre include; community shed sessions (learning maintenance tips and building small projects), adult literacy, stone carving, gardening, Te Reo Māori, art and craft. Other services and initiatives include: Vege cooperative (cheap pre-ordered vegetables, paid one week in advance), Toughlove (parenting teenagers teaching/support programme), Legacy and Man-Up Programme and Mobile Library Bus.
Few of us are familiar with what to do when someone becomes mentally unwell. Mental health services are a mystery to many of us. Mental illness may carry the additional burden of stigma. Often acquaintances and friends melt away, partners leave – unable to cope, families fracture, tolerance is strained and love changes. It does not have to be this way. Families can make a positive difference and aid in the recovery of the person who is unwell. You are not alone. We offer families/whānau and those close to someone with a mental illness a Fieldworker service that provides information, education, advocacy, family peer support, Family Connections Programme (BPD/Emotional Dysregulation), Children Understanding Mental Illness Programme (CUMI), Stepping Out – for women with adult children with mental illness, WAVES Programme – for adults bereaved by suicide, and suicide bereavement wrap-around support. Staff are also available to talk with you on the phone during work hours. Arrangements can be made for after hours appointments. All services are free and confidential. No charge for services, minimal waiting time. Self-referral or referral from health professionals by phone or email.
Social Services: Home-based social work, psychology and group work for children, young people, their families and caregivers Budgeting and financial mentoring Aratupu Pre-School: Early childhood education for 0 – 6 year olds in a supportive environment with a Whānau Worker (03 352 6816) Community Response: Support to schools – tailored services to meet the needs of children, families and the school community Wise-Up and ACES – life skills group programmes for children Men on a Mission – a group for men (run in conjunction with The Salvation Army) Housing: For families, transitional and long-term including social support WesleyCare: Residential age care and social housing for older adults (03 375 1055)
We provide a free and confidential service on any issue including consumer rights, legal information, budgeting, health and welfare issues, employment rights, housing and tenancy issues, unemployment problems, education and training, personal and family issues, and immigration needs. We offer a free legal information service and Justice of the Peace service.
Providing community support services for the people of Canterbury whose lives are adversely affected by depression, including group support, one to one support, resource information and education courses. Services available for youth and adults who are experiencing depression, as well as family, friends and whanau, who are supporting someone experiencing depression. An open group every Friday in Waltham from 10:00am – 1:00pm. Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am – 3:00pm (Appointments may be arranged outside of these times if required).
Free support to resolve your concerns about a health or disability service. To talk through your options contact an advocate.
A support agency for male victims/survivors of childhood sexual abuse. We provide phone support, one-on-one peer support, weekly peer support group, support for parents/partners and caregivers.
We provide no cost professional counselling, family work, group courses for adults and children/young persons.
Community Law Canterbury offers free legal help, legal information by phone, legal education and support for community groups. We have evening drop in times and day time appointments in the Central City. You can get an appointment at one of our outreaches in New Brighton, Hornby, Linwood (The Loft), Papanui, Aranui (ACTIS), Nga Hua e Wha Marae, Rapaki Marae, Tuahiwi Marae, Ashburton, Timaru and Greymouth.