Bipolar disorder support

Bipolar disorder support

  • Support services and information for people affected by bipolar disorder and their family/whānau.
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1737(external link)
Free call or text 1737 any time, 24 hours a day to talk or text with a trained counsellor.

Balance NZ(external link) 
Phone (06) 345 4488. Online support groups for people with experience of bipolar disorder, depression and other forms of mental distress. 

Family Mental Health Support Inc South Canterbury(external link) 
Phone 0800 732 000 or email office@famhs.nz. A free support service that offers a range of support options that might include information and education about mental illness and addiction, problem-solving, crisis planning and liaison/advocacy with other services. Referrals come from all sources, including self referrals.

GROW Mental Health(external link)
Phone or text 021 049 1360. A free service providing community support groups for mental illness and personal development, face-to-face or online. Illnesses include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, suicidal thoughts, PTSD, addictive behaviours and psychosis.

Mental Health Advocacy and Peer Support (MHAPS)(external link)
No referral and no appointment necessary
MHAPS is a peer-led and peer-delivered mental health and addictions service, meaning that all our staff have their own lived experience of mental distress and/or addictions, and of meaningful recovery. Their own experience helps them listen carefully to you, as they have been there too.

Options at MHAPS include:

  • Peer Advocacy
  • Peer Support in groups or for individuals
  • Change programmes
  • Social activities programmes (youth and weekends)
  • Workshops

To find out more, you may visit their office at 57 Madras Street between 10.00am and 3.30pm. Alternatively, phone 365 9479 or visit http://mhaps.org.nz(external link)

Rangitāne o Tamaki nui a Rua Incorporated(external link)
Phone 06 374 6860 or email tamakinuiarua@rangitane.co.nz. Provides a wide range of support services to whānau ranging from alcohol & drug, smoking, mental health, asthma to screening in the Tararua region. 

Yellow Brick Road(external link) (formerly Supporting Families NZ)
A national organisation that provides support for whānau who have a loved one experiencing mental health challenges.

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