Support services in the Taranaki Region
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Spotted an out-of-date entry, or an organisation which is missing?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 rou, mā taku rourou ka ora te iwi – With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive.
Biographical Info
We are a Non-Profit Organisation that looks after people with memory concerns, their carers/whānau and support people. We are a team of 9 that covers Taranak, including three of us based in South Taranaki. We run education sessions, support groups for carers and Alz cafes for people with memory concerns and their carer, whānau or support person. We run a day programme in Hawera where clients come to us Tuesdays and Fridays for socialisation, cognitive activities and much more. We work closely with other MDTs to ensure the very best outcomes and supports are available for our clients.
Biographical Info
We are a local industry led charitable Trust established in 2021 to improve the culture of the construction sector in Taranaki. Our vision is a stronger, caring, and inclusive construction industry that safeguards the wellbeing of our people. Our initiatives aim to build mental health and wellbeing knowledge and capability, plus offer resources and relevant safety nets to those who require support. Key focus areas include our Buddy and Leadership workshops, Tools to Talk awareness events, and connecting construction workers, businesses, and their whānau to relevant support services, including our mentoring initiative.
Biographical Info
InsideOUT Kōaro is a national charity that helps rainbow (LGBTQIA+) young people live fulfilling, joyous lives through their work to increase the safety of school and community spaces. InsideoOUT Kōaro delivers a variety of advocacy and support to young people through hosting youth groups and helping students to establish rainbow clubs at school. We also provide professional development workshops to school staff, mental health and addiction staff, and other community organisations. In addition to this mahi, we bring events for young people to the community. We offer non-judgemental, inclusive resources to whānau, students, staff and allies alike and if we cannot provide the right support, we can connect people to the folk who can. No referral is required, just send Dando an email!
Biographical Info
Kia ora – I am Julie, Owner of Julie Knight Therapy.
I am a registered Social Worker, who works with a range of people who struggle with their mental health.
I specialise in Eating Disorders, Play Therapy, and work with people of all ages who struggle with anxiety and depression.
I also contract for ACC Sensitive claims, Gumboot Friday and Benestar.
Biographical Info
I work closely alongside Taranaki Retreat as their Life Coach, Lead Coach. Through this collaboration we have created tools and models that bring a fresh approach to those that may feel they have “tried everything else.” Offering a future focused opportunity can be a refreshing alternative for our tangata whaiora that are ready to look at what the next chapter could hold.
I work 1:1 and with groups/workshops in person and online.
Biographical Info
If you are a male who has experienced sexual abuse, you are not alone. Male Survivors Taranaki is here to support you in creating a happier, healthier future.
Our services offer you the opportunity for confidentiality, no judgement, self determination, and a focus on hope and recovery.
Biographical Info
Mamaku Arts Therapy and Counselling provides counselling and arts therapy for children, adolescents and adults. Deborah’s approach is person centred, trauma informed and draws strongly on somatic approaches. Honouring you as the expert in your own experiences, Deborah creates a space where aspects of your life and emotional experiences can be attended to gently and creatively at your own pace.
Deborah has worked with a wide range of clients; children, adolescents and adults, and presenting problems. She has a special interest in working with people experiencing anxiety, grief and loss, trauma and those experiencing times of transition and change in their lives. Deborah has experience working with all age groups in her own private practice, her work as a guidance counsellor in schools and as a Counsellor/Arts Psychotherapist with Hospice. Funding can be obtained through ACC Sensitive claims, Gumboot Friday, Clearhead, Aoake te Rā, Benestar, Victim Support, WINZ or privately funded.
Biographical Info
Who Are We?
Our community based Mental Health Services (Mental Health NZ) support tangata whaiora in determining and realising their goals and aspirations. Our Recovery Facilitators work in partnership with people to develop a collaborative and respectful relationship, taking a holistic, strengths-based approach based on the health and wellbeing model of Te Whare Tapa Whā. Our range of services span the continuum from community-based acute alternatives to post-acute support and respite when needed, through to supporting people to live well in their local community.
What Do We Do?
Our Recovery Facilitators work with people to encourage and facilitate improvement of their health and wellbeing so they can thrive. We work with DHB clinical teams, primary care, community housing and support services, drug and alcohol services, Māori health providers, and other community providers to deliver person and whānau centric services. We provide this support to people living in their own homes, encouraging them to engage with their communities, including a focus on work or meaningful occupation, education and social activities.
Obtain our referral form to send off to: referrals@mentalhealthnz.co.nz then our Service Manager will be in touch.
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
Angela Byelich (Pearl Wellness) is a certified Health Coach specialising in Mental Wellbeing. Health Coaching can be used effectively to improve both physical and mental wellbeing, using the latest in evidence-based lifestyle medicine and behaviour change techniques.
Working in partnership, Ange can support you to figure out your next steps.
– Whole-person approach
– Future-focused
– Evidence-based
– Lived experience
– Flexible sessions (online, in-person, outdoors)
You can expect tons of space for you, skilled coaching, and lifestyle medicine tools you’ll actually like! Get in touch, whether you’re wanting to put anxiety in its place, new ways to improve mood and function, or simply need support to navigate a challenging time.
Biographical Info
Our Dietitians, Pharmacists and Social Workers work with people with long term conditions to help them to better self-manage their health. We accept referrals from health and community providers or people can self-refer.
Eligibility criteria; patients must be:
• Aged over 15 years
• Diagnosed with a long term condition e.g. DM Type 1 or 2, CHF, CVD, COPD
• Identified as high risk of developing a long term condition ie. IGT/pre-diabetes
• Eligible for publicly funded health care in New Zealand
And any of the following:
• Medication management concerns e.g. polypharmacy, multiple prescribers, non-adherence
• Nutritional concerns e.g. elevated or significantly lowered BMI
• Have difficulties self-caring/self-managing
• Identified concerns regarding lifestyle/environment/support
• Identified concerns regarding communication/memory/
How to refer:
• Refer via https://taranaki.itsmyhealth.
• Use e-referral for Pinnacle ExCT (Dietetics/Social Work/Pharmacist) via Best Practice.
• If via Te Whatu Ora – Taranaki, refer using CHIC referral form on WebPas.
• Specify reason for referral clearly and include recent relevant clinical results.
• Team members will refer to others within and external to Pinnacle where the need is identified on assessment.
Biographical Info
Progress to Health works to create communities without barriers by supporting people and their families to reduce the impact of their health condition or disability on the way they want to live their lives. Our foundation and expertise sits with mental wellbeing.
Progress to Health is a regional community organization, based in Hamilton, but providing services throughout the Waikato, Taranaki and Taupo.
Progress to Health is unique because of our complete focus on the person first, by always looking for innovative and creative ways of approaching everyday things.
If the person is not better off because of our actions, we do not do it. This means that the service we deliver reflects everyone’s needs and aspirations – whether it be to learn a new skill or have some assistance to finding employment.
Biographical Info
The Salvation Army Community Connection service takes an active approach to ensuring people needing help can access information, support and services across multiple government agencies and service providers.
The Community Connection service supports the welfare needs of individuals and whānau who have been affected by COVID-19, this could be different for everyone, you may have experienced a change in your mental, emotional or physical needs, or need support financially due to the impacts of COVID-19, we can look at ways to help support you and your whānau.
You can self-refer
Biographical Info
Sands Taranaki facilitates options and provides meaningful support to bereaved whānau while they navigate their own journey after the loss of a pregnancy, baby or infant.
Sands Taranaki is a registered charity operated by bereaved parent volunteers. We offer empathy and understanding while maintaining Sands NZ core values and code of conduct at the centre of what we do ensuring a professional and professional service.
We meet with families and provide memory making opportunities, such as photos, hand and foot castings, imprints and memory boxes. We also run support meetings, coffee group catch ups and baby loss awareness events. We support families both at the time of their loss and in the months and years that follow.
Our monthly support meetings take place in New Plymouth and Hāwera.
Biographical Info
Seasons for Growth is one of the services that the Bishops Action Foundation provides in supporting the wellness of children and youth and is the only intervention of its type offered in the Taranaki region.
It is a peer support programme for children and young people from the ages of 5-17 experiencing severe grief or loss caused by separation of parents, death, serious illness or imprisonment of a parent or close relative or a period of foster care.
As well as providing the 9 week programme for children and youth, Seasons also provides a 4 week programme for those siblings or children/youth who have a whānau member who is suffering from a long term illness or health issue that has brought significant change to the young person’s life.
Parent programmes are also available which enables parents/caregivers to understand their child’s journey while participating in the programme.
Referrals are made by any parent/whānau, schools, health professionals and social services.
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;/The Hope Centre) and a peaceful Time Out space in the country.
Waimanako is a “safe space” in New Plymouth CBD (33 Devon Street West) with an awesome Kai for Koha cafe, a Creative Hub and many workshops and support groups. We’re open every day except Sundays and Public Holidays, 10am-9pm. Listening Ear support is always available – you don’t need an appointment.
Biographical Info
Taranaki Rural Support Trust Mission is to assist Taranaki rural people to restore their livelihoods in the wake of adversity.
We work with farmers for a wide range of stressors and Trustees and Facilitators are rural people with local knowledge and an understanding of rural life challenges.
Community support is delivered through facilitation of “Good Yarn”, a rural mental health awareness workshop. Individual support is free and confidential with one-on-one contact or linking to expertise.
Biographical Info
Te Ara Pae trust is a not for profit organisation that provides professional counselling and support for individual and whānau who are affected by family and sexual violence. The organisation also provides counselling and group workshops for anger management. Counselling is also provided for the Rainbow Community. Mon – Fri: 9am–5pm
Biographical Info
This is Me Advocacy began with Janine realising that it was okay to tell her mental illness story, and that she could use it to help others. Janine tells her story in her book – This is Me: a Janine Mullin anxiety story.
She encourages everyone to tell their mental illness story to the world. By telling our stories we can bring about understanding and acceptance of mental illness in our society. Janine is passionate about fighting for the rights of people who struggle with mental illness, and raising awareness about the struggles some people face on a daily basis. Janine is available as a public speaker, or can be contacted by ANYBODY who needs advice, or just wants to chat.
tū mai koe kia mōhio ai te ao i a koe
stand tall so the world can know you
Biographical Info
Our Vision is to strengthen whānau wellness and quality of living. We work with a whole whānau or family, understanding that many factors influence a person’s health. For example a pregnant mother may need advice on nutrition, budgeting and injury prevention as well as peer support to help with breastfeeding. A patient suffering from cancer may need an advocate to help them navigate the health system.
Our staff don’t work in isolation but alongside each other, as well as other health and social service providers. This is our Whānau Ora model of care.
Community Connector Service
Kaiārahi Community Connectors are navigators within the community, our role is designed to advocate, navigate and connect whānau to services that tautoko (support) them on their journeys. We work closely with whānau to identify their specific needs acting as a conduit between the community and agencies by way of connecting people with a range of services according to their need.
We can support positive engagement with Government agencies and other services, we also collaborate with local community groups, organisations and government agencies on initiatives and community events
Biographical Info
Tui Ora Youth Service, support, mentor, advocate Taiohi aged between 16 to 20 years old to achieve their goals and aspirations. We have been helping Taiohi in Taranaki since 2012 and are fully funded by the Ministry of Social Development.
We support taiohi who are in receipt of benefits as well as NEETs (Not in Education Employment or training) and don’t receive any govt funding, from a variety of backgrounds and who may present with different barriers and need the support to find ways through the barriers to help them achieve and become empowered.
You do not need to have an appointment or need to complete a referral form to come meet with us. You can be a teacher, a parent, a Taiohi (young person) or a friend. We will be more than happy to listen to what the need/s are and work alongside the young person to find ways to help meet the need/s without judgement but with passion to help.
Biographical Info
WellStop is a community-based organisation that aims to eliminate harmful sexual behaviour.
WellStop’s sexual harm crisis support and counselling services provide support and therapy for people who have been affected by sexual harm.
Biographical Info
Formerly Supporting Families NZ, we’re Yellow Brick Road; a national organisation that provides mental health support for families who have a loved one experiencing mental health challenges.
After 40 years of experience working with people around New Zealand, we know that if the family of a loved one experiencing mental distress are correctly supported and empowered, the path they walk leads to increased wellbeing for the whole whānau.
We will walk alongside any family in New Zealand who needs support, knowledge, advocacy and empowerment as they journey towards mental wellbeing.
If you are concerned about a family member experiencing mental health challenges, we can help you.
