Phone and text services
1737, need to talk? You can call or text 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Lifeline support the emotional and mental wellbeing of callers and communities. Call 0800 543 354 or send a text to 4357 for free, 24/7.
Suicide Crisis Helpline is operated by telephone counsellors with advanced suicide prevention training and is available 24/7. Call 0508 828 865 or visit their website.
Depression Helpline is available 24/7 if you need someone to talk to about the way you are feeling. You can contact them free by calling 0800 111 757 or send a text to 4202.
Alcohol Drug Helpline provide advice to people who are concerned about their own or someone else’s drinking or drug taking and is available 24/7. Call 0800 787 797 or text 8681.
OutLine is an all-ages rainbow mental health organisation providing support to the rainbow community, their friends, whānau, and those questioning. You call them on 0800 688 5463 or visit their website.
Healthline. Anyone can call Healthline free on 0800 611 116 for health advice and information, anytime, 24/7.
Apps and online resources
There are lots of free wellbeing apps and online resources to support you.
Mental Health Foundation website has resources to support mental health and wellbeing. https://mentalhealth.org.nz/
MHERC (Mental Health Education & Resource Centre) is a helpful place for other mental health information and services. Visit https://mherc.org.nz/ for more information.
Just A Thought is a free online learning tool to improve mental wellbeing. It is designed for people with mild-to-moderate symptoms of anxiety and depression. https://www.justathought.co.nz/
Mentemia is a free app that gives you tools and techniques to work on and improve you mental wellbeing. https://www.mentemia.com/nz/covid-19
Small Steps is a website that offers digital tools to help people take small steps on their journey to improve wellbeing. https://www.smallsteps.org.nz/
FACE COVID is an eBook by Russ Harris about how to respond effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to download.
Other support services
Yellow Brick Road provide support to people nationwide who have a loved one experiencing mental health challenges. https://yellowbrickroad.org.nz/
Positive Psychology & Psychotherapy provide services to children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. We offer both in-person and online therapy sessions, as well as animal assisted therapy. https://www.positiverelationships.co.nz/
Canterbury Men’s Centre offer services to men in Canterbury, including counselling and support for dads. https://canmen.org.nz/
The Women’s Centre offer resources, counselling and courses to women in Christchurch. http://womenscentre.co.nz/
Hope Community Trust provide community services in Rangiora including counselling and activities. https://www.thehopecommunitytrust.org/
Petersgate offer a low-cost counselling service in Christchurch. https://www.petersgate.org.nz/
The Arahura Centre are a group of counsellors and psychotherapists, who work with individuals, couples, children and youth in Christchurch. https://www.thearahuracentre.co.nz/
Catholic Social Services offer free counselling, social work support, group courses for children and adults in Christchurch. http://css.nzl.org/
Home and Family provide early intervention and wrap-around support to children and young people and their parents/caregivers and whānau in Christchurch. https://www.homeandfamily.net.nz/
MHAPS (Mental Health Advocacy and Peer Support) is free and confidential for anyone experiencing mental distress and/or an addiction. https://mhaps.org.nz/
Canterbury Charity Hospital Trust provides free counselling services in Christchurch. https://charityhospital.org.nz/counselling-consultations/
For more options for support in Canterbury you can visit the MHERC website: https://mherc.org.nz/
Support for young people
Manu Ka Rere is a free mental health service for young people aged 13-24 who are seeking support for their wellbeing in Canterbury. https://www.manukarere.org.nz/
Youthline support young people between 12-24 years who are struggling with mental health or other issues. You can freephone 0800 376 633, free text 234 or webchat at www.youthline.co.nz
The Lowdown are an experienced group of counsellors who can help you figure out what you are feeling and find the best way to help you. They’re available 24/7. You can contact them by text on 5626 or by email/webchat via their website: https://thelowdown.co.nz/
SPARX looks like a game but it’s a self-help tool for rangatahi with mild to moderate depression. https://www.sparx.org.nz/home
0800 What’ Up? is a free counselling helpline and webchat service for children and teenagers. You can call on 0800 942 8787 or chat online. https://whatsup.co.nz/