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 Spotted an out-of-date entry, or an organisation which is missing?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!
You can select a category below, search for a keyword, or just browse the full directory.
Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi – With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive.
Biographical Info
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is a non-profit charity. We’re here to support all those affected by breast cancer, and to achieve our vision of zero deaths from breast cancer through research and awareness.
Biographical Info
Compass Counselling is currently run by David Sander, an NZAC registered counsellor and supervisor who sees clients in person and online within Taranaki. He is registered with the following funded providers: Gumboot Friday, Ignite Aotearoa, Clearhead, EAP Services, Telus, Taranaki Primary Connections, Aoake Te Rā, Grief Centre, WINZ, and ACC. You can learn more about David by visiting compasscounselling.co.nz.
Where? All of Taranaki and across Aotearoa. Support available in-person, via phone and online.
When? Monday to Thursday. After hours appointments available.
Who? Those aged 10years and older. Workplace support available.
Referrals: We accept referrals from self, GP and other professionals. Costs vary and funding is available through the above providers.
Biographical Info
Diabetes New Zealand is a Charitable Trust that represents and supports people with diabetes. We’ve been around for over 50 years and have a National Office in Wellington, and branches across the country with staff and volunteers who help people live well with diabetes. Our Mission is to Lead, champion and advocate for change to reduce the incidence of diabetes, improve diabetes health care, and empower those affected by or at risk of diabetes to lead healthy, active lives.
Biographical Info
Hato Hone St John Taranaki
Hato Hone St John is a charitable organisation providing healthcare services to the New Zealand public. The organisation provides ambulance services throughout New Zealand, as well as First Aid & Mental Health Training, Caring Caller service, Health Shuttle service, Free 3 Steps for life training, Youth Programme and Medical Alarms.
Biographical Info
HIPs provide support for people with concerns about mental health, addiction, long-term conditions and general wellbeing. HIPs can see people of all ages and at all stages of their lives. They work with you to improve your overall wellbeing by providing support and follow-up for any physical, spiritual, social, or mental issues or concerns. Things often discussed include:
- Sleep problems
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety and stress
- Identity issues including cultural, sexual and gender
- Improving social issues (parenting, relationships, loneliness, domestic violence)
- Addiction concerns
But HIPs are not limited to working in specific areas, they’re generalists and will work with anyone about anything.
HIPs are part of the general practice team, so they usually work in a GP clinic or medical centre. Being based in a GP clinic means there are no barriers to who can see them, as long as you’re enrolled in the practice. Appointments are available every day. Half of the day is for booked appointments and half is for casual appointments to allow for same-day referrals and walk-ins. You can be referred by your GP or nurse or you can ask to see them yourself.
Seeing a HIP is FREE if you are registered with the practice.
HIPs provide brief interventions to improve wellbeing. Because the aim of the HIP role is to help as many people as possible, the brief intervention format is not designed to provide long-term therapy, trauma therapy or counselling. A brief intervention focuses on the present moment with the aim of providing you with some skills, knowledge or insight to support your goals, values in life and physical and mental wellbeing.A typical brief intervention consultation with a HIP will take 15-30 minutes. It includes asking some questions to find out what you would like to work on that day that would be the most helpful to you. This can include problem solving, planning, referrals or education. All patients leave with a wellbeing plan. Some people get what they need in one session, but you can return for follow-up sessions or to work on something new.
HIPs can support patients to contact other services or find supports, manage change, advocate, research and build relationships.
Click on the link to see a comprehensive list of Medical Practices in Taranaki that have HIP in practice, including Integrated Healthcare providers, online only bookings, and other mental health services.
Biographical Info
Kōia – mana kai, mana tangata (Gardening for well-being) is a holistic, gardening-based health initiative (building on the existing Green Prescription), which encourages participation in community gardening to boost physical, spiritual, emotional/mental, & family/social well-being, by embedding positive behaviour change.
This is a social prescribing, holistic, health improvement service. It uses the mana of recognised health professionals to refer their patients to coordinated community garden sessions In Taranaki.
The objective is to maintain & improve participants holistic well-being by being involved in community gardening activities. Based on the Māori hauora concept of “Te Whare Tapa Whā”, participants benefit through physical activity, social connection, community contribution, & spiritual wellbeing. This kaupapa is still getting established. More gardens & referrers are being developed.
It is not about learning to garden (although that sometimes happens); it is about being present in a healthy community space. However, it is strongly connected to other kai resilience (& sustainability) kaupapa so can help with the economic wellbeing as well (the 5th “wall” of the “whare”).
Where? Available in North, South and Coastal Taranaki.
When? Days and times vary across the different locations and seasons.
Who? All ages. Under 18s need to be accompanied by an adult
Referrals: We accept referrals from GP and other health professionals.
Biographical Info
“Ko Taranaki me Mynydd Mir oku Maunga,
Ko Waitotara me Hafren oku Awa,
Ko Cymraeg toku Iwi,
Ko James Baxter raua ko Grace Pryce oku Matua,
Ko Corryn Pryce-Baxter toku Ingoa.”
Originating from Wales, I learnt from a young age Spirit/Wairua connection and traditionally Welsh medicine from my Grandmother. Since coming to Aotearoa in 2001, I have continued this directive under Maori teaching.
I offer support and Aroha for those seeking the courageous first step in healing. Through my years of a practitioner in traditional, indigenous healing methods (Welsh and Maori), I offer Mirimiri, Romiromi (light and deep tissue Wairua led massage), Honohono (healing) Te whitiwhiti Korero (Spiritual guidance) and Rongoa Rakau (herbal medicine)
Mind-mapping
Alongside Corryn’s Mahi Wairua will be Manawa’s Mind mapping exercises.
This is an opportunity to help prioritise your goals and improve on how you juggle the struggles along your journey.
Whether you’re overwhelmed with too much on your plate, or you are just stuck with where you’re at. Mind mapping can be an awesome tool to help navigate your way to where you want to be.
Nau mai, Haere mai, give it a try…
Biographical Info
Olympus fitness & performance is a boxing and strength focused gym. We believe in building physical and mental strength and resilience through tautoko, commitment and strong supportive relationships. Through manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, we aim to strengthen our connection with community and create a space for tangata to support their hauora and growth. We have group classes and one-on-one sessions with personal trainers. Our membership include 24/7 access to the gym.
Where? Based in North Taranaki.
When? Gym is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Staff are available 9am until 5pm
Referrals: Anyone can join our gym. Costs vary and we are enrolled with Green Prescription.
Biographical Info
On The House (OTH) is a Charitable Trust that collects perfectly edible surplus food then redistributes it for free to whoever needs it without barriers or judgement utilising volunteers embodied with Manaakitanga principles. The three pillars of OTH is to reduce waste, feed people and build community through participation and connection.
Surplus is distributed in two ways: Directly to families through regular pop-up free stores – twice weekly for the general public, and a dedicated service for over 65’s once a fortnight which are held at Community Halls in New Plymouth; and via their Community Food Hub to 13 food banks and over 60 community groups throughout Taranaki to support the work they do.
- Monday, 5-6pm – 24 Lawry Street, Moturoa (St James community hall).
Wednesday 1.30–2.30pm, fortnightly – Over 65s only, 66 Liardet Street, Central (Methodist community hall). - Wednesday 5-6pm, fortnightly – The Stratford Salvation Army Church Hall, cnr of Fenton Street & Juliet Street
- Thursday, 5-6pm – The Northpoint Baptist Church, 116 Mangati Rd, Bell Block
- To find out the dates of the next Free Store, visit org.nz
Biographical Info
Parafed Taranaki (Taranaki Paraplegic and Physically Disabled Incorporated) was founded in 1976. Our aim is to grow and develop sport, recreational and play opportunities to disabled people within Taranaki. Parafed Taranaki can provide physical activity pathways from regional through to international levels. At Parafed Taranaki we are excited about creating opportunities for disabled people to participate in sport, recreation and play!
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/disengagement with health services
How to refer:
• Refer via https://taranaki.itsmyhealth.nz/
• 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
The New Plymouth Salvation Army is a Christian based charity. Our vision is to care for people, transform lives and reform society. Helping those in need through a number of programmes and services open to the community. We welcome everyone to our centre.
Church | Sunday Service 10.30am (Including children’s church). We also hold house churches on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
Prayer (Karakia) | Tuesday to Friday 9:00am Early morning prayer and devotions to start your day.
Women’s Support Group | Wednesday 10am
Women’s support group is a place where women can be empowered and supported and make good friendships with like-minded people. Learn about yourself and others through a spiritual journey in a safe space. We welcome women from all walks of life.
Tautoko Tane – Men’s Support Group Wednesday 10am
Tautoko Tane is a men’s support group for all men dealing with life on life’s terms. From men’s mental wellbeing, addictions, recovery, family and faith, this group gets together every Wednesday, sometimes offsite.
Recovery Church | Wednesday 6pm
Recovery Church embraces the slogan, ‘A place to belong before you believe!’ Recovery Church is a safe space for those who are on the recovery journey. Whether you are seeking support to begin the journey, are on day one, or have clean time behind you, this ministry is based on the 12 Steps and offers support through a spiritual programme.
Lord’s Gym Box Fit Class | Tuesday and Thursday 5pm
A 1-hour box fit class led by our passionate facilitator! Held in our auditorium, this class is about looking after our physical selves. A gold coin donation is appreciated.
Food and Wellbeing Support | Tuesday or Thursday’s | 10 – 12.30pm Call to book an Appointment
We offer wellbeing support and navigation including emotional support, goal setting and self development. For those in this service we have a social supermarket for food assistance available. We can also assist with a various number of other welfare concerns as needed.
Community Connections – Advocacy
We can be an advocate for you during meetings or events, you might find stressful doing alone. We can also find connections for you in the community to help support you further.
Reintegration Service
Reintegration works with those who are incarcerated and are ready to be released into society. We have a team that meets and walks beside those people, helping them put their best foot forward and supporting them on the journey as they find themselves in the community.
Supportive Housing
Transitional housing is a short-term accommodation service to help those in need who are looking for long-term properties.
Social Housing
This service is a long-term housing solution for single people.
Taranaki Bridge Programme
This programme is a live-in rehabilitation program for those suffering from addiction. The programme offers a nine-week course to help clients learn to live without the use of alcohol and drugs, as well as engaging clients in community services that support sobriety.
Family Stores
Our Family Stores offer second hand goods sold at reasonable prices! Donations welcome. All proceeds of the shop are sown back into The Salvation Army services, allowing us to continue helping the community.
Book Fair
We are always seeking donations of quality books for our annual book fair.
Where? North Taranaki. Support available in-person, online and via phone.
When? Tuesday to Friday, 9am – 2.30pm; Sundays from 10.30am.
Who? Anyone, including whānau, communities, and workplaces.
Referrals: We accept referrals from self, whānau, GP, health professionals and workplaces. Some programmes may have a waitlist.
Biographical Info
The Active Lifestyles Team at Sport Taranaki provide the support services of Green Prescription and Community Strength and Balance. We also have a comprehensive ACTIVITY HUB where you will find links to a huge variety of opportunities across Taranaki to be physically active including walking and jogging groups, aquatic classes, gyms, dance, sports clubs, yoga and tai chi to name a few.
What is Green Prescription/Rongoā Kākāriki?
Green Prescription is a free service which provides support and motivation to improve individual wellbeing/hauora through physical activity and lifestyle support.
Who can access Green Prescription support?
Any adults who are medically stable, are not meeting MOH guidelines for physical activity and are motivated to increase their physical activity and make some lifestyle changes
We are particularly keen to support anyone with either newly diagnosed or long-term health conditions who would benefit from increasing their physical activity levels e.g. clients with diabetes, cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, osteoarthritis and/or depression and anxiety.
What support is available through Community Strength and Balance?
We work with leaders in the community to provide a fun, safe and effective network of community classes aimed to help fall prevention in our older population.
For more information please refer to our website or talk to a health professional about a referral for support.
Biographical Info
Established in 2008, Taranaki Safe Families Trust is a collaborative of 26 government and non-government agencies leading the family violence prevention campaign in Taranaki.
We aim to promote awareness, encourage the utilisation of local services and advocate for long term cultural change in our community. TSFT has established project groups which contribute to the campaign including family violence workplace training, professional development and an extreme risk case management process.
The overall vision of TSFT is for Taranaki whānau to be safe and free of violence.
Biographical Info
Tautoko Tane Taranaki (Male Survivors Taranaki) is a charitable trust dedicated to enabling the wellbeing of male survivors of sexual abuse.
If you are a male who has been sexually abused you are not alone. We are here to support you in creating a happier, healthier future.
Our free services offer you the opportunity for:
- Confidentiality
- No judgement
- Self-determination
- Working with other survivors
- Focus on hope and recover
- Moving towards wellbeing
We use peer support and can engage in one-to-one meetings, peer group meetings and family/whanau meetings.
Where? All of Taranaki and across Aotearoa. Available in-person, online and via phone
When? Monday to Friday; 8.30am until 5pm.
Who? Tāne / Males that are 18+
Referrals: We accept referrals from self, whānau, GP, and health professionals.
Biographical Info
Thrive with Ruth offers two main branches to help people Thrive, Yoga and Fermented Foods.
I offer Yoga classes that are accessible to all shapes, sizes and ages. The classes are invitational, fun and safe, no one will be told to put their foot behind their head! I am also training in Trauma Sensitive Yoga and bring that aspect to all my classes. I work with beginners and older people, as well as whānau classes.
The other branch of Thrive with Ruth is Fermented Foods. I teach introduction to fermented foods. Together, we learn how to ferment vegetables and how to make sourdough bread. We learn in groups, to help each other and strengthen communities. I call my courses fermented foods parties.
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