Ki hea rapu āwhina ai Where to get support

Kia ora, tough times affect each of us differently. It’s okay to reach out if you need to or, if you’re worried about someone else, to encourage them to reach out. We all need a bit of support from time to time. If you or someone you know is struggling, we want you to know that however you or they are feeling, there is someone to talk to and free help is available.

People are here for you if you just want to seek advice around how to support people that you’re worried about. Whatever support you’re looking for, there is a variety of online tools and helplines.

If it is an emergency situation and anyone is in immediate physical danger, phone 111. Alternatively, you can go to your nearest hospital emergency department (ED).

For urgent help, mental health crisis services, or medical advice

Phone your local Mental Health Crisis Assessment Team if you are concerned about a person’s immediate safety. Stay with the person and help them to keep safe until support arrives.

To get help from a registered nurse ring Healthline: 0800 611 116.

If you need to talk to someone

Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

Some other great places to get support include:

National helplines

  • Depression helpline (24 hours a day, 7 days a week): free phone 0800 111 757 or free text 4202.
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline: free phone 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).
  • Lifeline: free phone 0800 543 354 or free text 4357 (HELP).
  • Samaritans crisis helpline: free phone 0800 726 666 if you are experiencing loneliness, depression, despair, distress or suicidal feelings.

Child and youth helplines

  • Youthline: free phone 0800 376 633 or free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
  • thelowdown.co.nz or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626.
  • SPARX.org.nz: online e-therapy tool provided by the University of Auckland that helps young people learn skills to deal with feeling down, depressed or stressed.
  • Kidsline: free phone 0800 543 754. Talk to a trained Kidsline buddy from 4pm-9pm weekdays.
  • What's Up (for 5 to 18-year olds): free phone 0800 942 8787. Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, 1pm–10pm and weekends, 3pm–10pm. Online chat is available 7pm–10pm daily.

Specialist helplines

  • OUTLine NZ: 0800 688 5463 (OUTLINE) provides confidential telephone support for sexual and gender identity.
  • Seniorline: free phone 0800 725 463 information service for older people.
  • Anxiety NZ phone line: free phone 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY).
  • Drug and Alcohol helpline: free phone 0800 787 797 or online chat.
  • Gambling helpline: free phone 0800 654 655.
  • Shine: free phone 0508 744 633 confidential domestic abuse helpline.
  • Are You OK: free phone 0800 456 450 family violence helpline.
  • Women's Refuge Crisis Line: free phone 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE) for women living with violence, or in fear, in their relationship or family.
  • Shakti Crisis Line: free phone 0800 742 584 for refugee or migrant or women living with family violence.
  • Vagus Line: free phone 0800 567 6666 (Mon, Wed, Fri 12 noon – 2pm) for the Chinese community.
  • Victim Support: free phone 0800 842 846.
  • Rape Crisis: free phone 0800 883 300 for support after rape or sexual assault.
  • Ka Piki Te Ora Māori suicide prevention services are located in nine regions: South Auckland, Northland (Whangarei and Kaitaia), Rotorua, Napier, Opotoki, Whanganui, Christchurch, and Invercargill.
  • Personal Advocacy and Safeguarding Adults Trust: free phone 0800 728 7878 for adults with care and support needs.

For more information about where to get support, visit Te Whatu Ora’s website: https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/about-us/ and the Mental Health Foundation’s website: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/