Nau mai, haere mai – welcome. This is a locally-maintained list of wellbeing / support services in Taranaki. Spotted an out-of-date entry, or an organisation which is missing? Please drop us an email to let us know, and we’ll sort it! Thank you:)
You can select a category below, on the left; or search for a keyword, or just browse the full directory.
Mā tōu rourou, mā taku rourou ka ora te iwi – With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive.
Biographical Info
Families Overcoming Addiction provides support and information for people who have a loved one with substance dependence. We have group meetings – weekly in New Plymouth and monthly in Stratford – where whānau can find a confidential and supportive space to share, hear and connect with others in a similar situation. We also offer individual support sessions as required and have an active Facebook group where you can find inspiration and get a feel of how group sessions operate.
Biographical Info
At Pathways, we truly care about supporting people on their path to wellness. We understand that everyone’s journey is unique and walk alongside tāngata whai ora every step of the way. By embracing the strength of whānau and community, we support people to achieve their goals and live full lives, hopeful and connected to what matters to them.
We offer a wide range of support services for adults, and through our youth brand, Real, we also support young people to navigate the highs and lows of daily life.
Pathways provide a range of adult community-based support, short stay respite, and housing and recovery services.
Our Real youth services include short stay respite, and a community based team (Whetū Marewa) helping our young people build resilience, confidence and wellbeing.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for information on how to be referred to our services.
Biographical Info
We’re proudly part of the Pathways and Wise Group whānau providing community based mental health and alcohol and other drug support services. We support taiohi to live full lives; hopeful and connected to what matters to them. Our youth services are designed to meet the needs of taiohi, whānau, and their community:
Whetū Marewa: Whetū Marewa is our mental health support service in Taranaki that brings together our clinical workforce and youth workers, to make accessing support fast, easy, and even fun! Our aim is to build confidence, resilience, and wellbeing in taiohi who may be living with mild to moderate mental health, or challenges from alcohol or other drug usage, or social stressors. We can take self and whānau referrals this service.
Respite: Our youth respite service in Taranaki provides a safe and caring environment for young people who may be going through a tough time dealing with things like anxiety and depression. It’s currently available from Monday to Friday. You can be referred to our respite services by Child and Adolescent Mental Health services at Te Whatu Ora, or by Taiohi Ora at Tui Ora.
Whānau support: While our services are designed and built to meet the needs of young people, whānau are part of the journey too. We’re committed to including whānau in the support we provide, strengthening relationships within whānau, and encouraging helpful communication.
Biographical Info
This service provides residential support and treatment for people who are experiencing significant harm as a result of their own alcohol and or other drug use and cannot be treated in less structured or supported settings. A range of options are available depending on your needs.
Our purposeful, whole of life, person-centred, caring approach combines four key elements;
Partnership: You will be in a purposeful relationship with the treatment team as you move along your own personal path to recovery.
Community Reinforcement Approach: We go beyond education and advice to coaching and practice. Where practical, family and friends are encouraged to participate in your treatment plan.
12 Step Recovery Journey: The 12 Step approach suggests that the recovery includes a distinctly spiritual journey from a life of confusion and grief to a place of serenity and peace.
The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army in Aotearoa New Zealand seeks to offer an evidence-based, best practice treatment for people moderately to severely affected by their harmful use of, or dependency on alcohol and / or drugs as a practical expression of its Christian based love and concern for all people in the community.
Biographical Info
Kia ora; Taranaki Retreat offers a ‘Space to Breathe’ for individuals or whānau going through tough times – people helping people; alongside-you holistic peer-support, connected up and working hand-in-hand with our clinical services – each of us doing our bit to make sure that you are heard and cared for.
People reach out, or when that is too hard, friends/whānau members and other caring services get in touch with us every single day to get some support rolling. That’s what we’re here for. We offer a Support Hub (Waimanako), an Outreach Support Hub (Waihāpai), a food truck (Waimanaaki), and a peaceful Time Out space in the country.
Waimanako is a “safe space” in New Plymouth (35 Octavius Place) with awesome kai and coffee, and many workshops and support groups. We’re open Monday to Friday (check out our website for our hours), and we’re On Pause on Weekends and Public Holidays. Listening Ear support is always available – you don’t need an appointment!
If you need kai support, we have a food truck ‘Waimanaaki’ which offers free kai for our community! Locations and times are available on our website and on our Facebook page ‘Waimanako; Support Hub’.
Biographical Info
The National Organisation of Māori with lived experience of mental distress and/or addiction. Our objectives are to provide Māori with lived experience, independent forums in their regions to kōrero and discuss kaupapa relevant to them. Ensure Māori with lived experience inform and influence systemic change that responds to the needs of Māori. Te Kete Pounamu advocate for Māori to receive high quality care and support from mental health and addiction services.
Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm
Biographical Info
Mental health and addiction services in Taranaki provides secondary level care. Services include acute mental health care, intensive inpatient care, services for the elderly, psychology, alcohol and other drug and also specialist services for tamariki and rangatahi.
Most services require a referral from a GP or other health / social service provider.
If you or someone you know is experiencing acute mental health distress, call the Mental Health Assessment & Brief Care Team on 0508 292 467 (option 1).
Biographical Info
Tui Ora wraps a korowai of support around you and your whānau, as you navigate your own way to bringing health and well-being into your life.
Our kaiārahi, registered nurses, publi health teams and hauora experts can awhi you with programmes and services designed for Māori, with Māori and by Māori. If you have a whānau hauora goal or want support getting something health-related sorted, we are there for you!
Our services include:
- Community nursing for long-term health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease
- Cancer nursing and support
- Tamariki Ora and childhood immunisations
- Pāhake Waiora/Older Person’s wellbeing
We can help with:
- Feelings of being overwhelmed or the need to get some balance mentally and emotionally
- Support for taiohi who are finding life a struggle at times
- Alcohol, gambling and drug addiction
- Stopping smoking
- Support to enable you to create positive change in you life.
Biographical Info
YMCA Taranaki provides a range of youth and community support services across the region, focused on building strong kids, families, and communities.
Youth Development
The YMCA offers opportunities for young people to help build their confidence, develop their communication skills, group participation, and goal setting skills.
Services include:
– Youth Justice – Supported Bail & Mentoring (ages 11-18, referrals from Oranga Tamariki & NZ Police)
– Specialist Youth Service Corp (SYSCO) – 20-week programme (ages 14-17 referrals from Oranga Tamariki & NZ Police)
– Fees for Service Mentoring (ages 10-18, can be referred by anyone)
– Transition to Adulthood Support Service (ages 16-12, for rangatahi who have been in the care of Oranga Tamariki)
The Y Community Space
A welcoming and inclusive venue, designed to meet the diverse needs of the community. The space offers a variety of free activities and services to promote connection, well-being and personal growth for everyone.
Free Sessions include: Craft sessions, Group outings, Community Law Workshops, Community Barbecues & Cooking Lessons.
Check out our website to learn how to get involved!
Te Whare O Tapatahi
A shelter initiative supporting men who are sleeping rough in New Plymouth, offering a safe, structured, and welcoming space for those experiencing homelessness. The whare provides meals, showers, laundry, overnight accommodation and tailored support services in a respectful and secure environment. We have a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol; safety for all is a main priority. More than a shelter, Te Whare o Tapatahi—meaning “house of integrity”—embodies the values of dignity, unity, and compassion. It’s a place where some of our most vulnerable Tāne are supported to reconnect with themselves and their community, and where structure and care come together to help rebuild lives.