Information Providers
The Mental Health Foundation works towards creating a society free from discrimination, where all people enjoy positive mental health and wellbeing. Our work seeks to influence individuals, whanau, organisations and communities to improve and sustain their mental health and reach their full potential. Ours is a holistic approach that supports emotional and spiritual wellbeing and respects the importance of culture, society, social justice and personal dignity. We believe in a world where information is widely available to support everyone’s ability to enjoy life and respond to the challenges they may face. The Foundation is not a counselling or advice service, but we can point you in the right direction.
Free support to resolve your concerns about a health or disability service. To talk through your options contact an advocate.
Parent to Parent was formed by a group of parents and professionals who believed in the value of parents supporting parents when faced with the challenge of parenting a child with a disability, health impairment or special need. Through a network of regional groups and trained volunteer support parents we provide information and support to thousands of families. Our services to families are free and include: Volunteer support parents with a similar personal experience, who understand the challenges, frustrations and special joy that come from parenting a child with special needs. Information on over 3600 different conditions ranging from very rare to more common SibSupportNZ is a sibling support programme for children and teenagers who have brothers or sisters with special needs Seminars, training workshops and a range of family support programmes Advocacy support Altogether Autism has Autism Spectrum Disorder information and an advisory service.
Pregnancy Help provides a drop-in centre for pregnant women, new parents and theirfamilies. We offer a place to have a cuppa and a chat as well as practical support, information and guidance with free pregnancy tests, maternity clothing, newborn to one year old clothing,safe baby equipment such as bassinets, prams and high chairs, and referrals to other services. We run a weekly Bumps and Bubs support group on Tuesdays from 10.30am to 12.00pm where parents can make meaningful connections. We also run monthly parenting courses.
Our services include: Needle exchange service Health and harm reduction service Outreach service providing support, referrals, advice and workshops Peer education After hours electronic dispenser Hepatitis C Community Clinic Fortnightly rural outreach service to West Coast
The Mental Health Education and Resource Centre (MHERC) provides information, a free public library, as well as professional development and community education about mental health, wellbeing, mental illness, and addiction. Our services are available to everyone, including those who may be affected by mental illness, seeking wellbeing for themselves or others, and those working in the mental health or social service sectors. Support: Friendly, knowledgeable staff to assist you in finding appropriate information and services to meet your needs. Library: Free public library with eBooks, audiobooks, books, DVDs and CDs on a wide range of topics including stress, sleep, child and adolescent wellbeing, communication, relationships, anxiety, depression, addiction, and much more. Resources: Brochures and fact sheets, including local support services available. Professional Development: Our courses aim to enhance participants’ knowledge, understanding and attitudes from a researched evidence and strengths based perspective. We provide practical skills and tools for participants to use in their everyday practice. We run courses throughout the year and can also provide onsite training to organisations. Community Education: Along with our collaborative partners we are able to offer free or affordable education workshops in the community. Education for NGO’s, agencies and businesses: Our expertise in workplace psychology and education enables us to provide both standard and custom solutions to help you achieve a happy, engaged, knowledgeable and skilled workforce. Meeting Room Hire: Our well-equipped meeting room is available for hire to eligible community organisations and businesses at affordable rates. Visit our website for courses currently on offer.
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.
We aim to support children with DCD/Developmental Dyspraxia by supporting families and caregivers. Services include an advisory and support service for parents, caregivers, schools and professionals; Funlink Playgroup for primary aged children, Funtween for intermediate aged children and Funteen group for secondary school aged; member library, seminars, presentations, talks by arrangement, Friday coffee focus meetings.
We provide a variety of services to anyone affected by a loved one’s addiction. This ranges from one on one counselling, support and education through to intensive outpatient programmes. Our staff consists of trained and experienced consumers, providing clients with first hand support and knowledge. We also have an extensive range of books and pamphlets on a wide range of issues for sale. For a full list of our services please refer to our website.
Pillars provide services to individuals and families that are affected by imprisonment including: Nationwide Helpline 0508 PILLARS Long term intensive homebased social work support Children of prisoners mentoring programme Information and advice website www.justus.org.nz – for children of prisoners, their parent/caregivers, and professionals To be referred the child/children will have a parent who is currently serving a custodial sentence, or alternatively caregivers who have children or young people in their care who have a parent or close family member serving a custodial sentence. People may self-refer or be referred by a vareity of services, including but not limited to social workers in schools, Corrections, Oranga Tamariki, NGO support services, DHBs, ACC, and Ministry of Health.