Children support

ACROSS(external link)
A faith-based social services organisation serving individuals, whānau, and communities across the Manawatū region. Guided by Christian values of compassion, dignity, and hope, we walk alongside people from all walks of life, offering support through counselling, social work, parenting programmes, youth development, and community outreach. Phone 06 356 7486, freephone 0800 ACROSS (227 677), or email [email protected].

Barnardos Aotearoa(external link) 
Freephone 0800 BARNARDOS or email [email protected] for help to find the service you need. Supporting children and whānau through tough times, offering services for those facing family violence, addiction, neglect, or mental health challenges.

Catholic Social Services (Dunedin & Central Otago)(external link)
Sometimes our kids need some specific help for them. The following services are offered by Catholic Social Services to support our children live life well: Hearing you (counselling for children – CSS has counsellors in Dunedin that are experienced in helping kids make sense of what is happening and how to get through) and Seasons for Growth (a group programme especially for children to help them understand what's going on for them when there is significant change or loss). Office hours 9–5 Monday to Friday. Freephone 0800 CSSNOW or 0800277669.

Child Cancer Foundation (NZ)(external link) 
Freephone 0800 4 CHILD (0800 4 24453). Aims to ensure children and their families are supported, informed and well cared for on their journey with cancer.

Cleft NZ Inc(external link)
Freephone 0800 4 CLEFT (0800 425 338) or email [email protected]. A community for all groups interested in the outcomes for people born with a cleft. They offer:

• Emotional support
• Accurate, up-to-date information
• Links to like minded people
• Community opportunities to share experience
• Access to the information and advice you require

Cure Kids(external link)
Phone (09) 370 0222 or email [email protected]. Organization focused on raising funding to enable high-impact, New Zealand-based medical research to help save, extend and improve the lives of children diagnosed with serious life-impacting and life-limiting health conditions.

Diabetes Youth NZ(external link) 
Freephone 0800 342 238. A charity specifically for young people with diabetes up to the age of 25. Focusing on support and education for the whole family/whanau.

Crying Over Spilt Milk(external link) 
Freephone 0800 380 517. Committed to provide support and information to families caring for infants and children with gastric reflux and associated conditions throughout NZ.

Kidshealth(external link) 
Information regarding conditions and treatments, extensive A-Z topic index, health tips, services and support.

Kidshealth – Parent Support Groups A to Z(external link) 
Links to New Zealand support groups for disabilities, health impairments, special needs and disorders.

Parent to Parent New Zealand Inc.(external link) 
Freephone 0508 236 236. Empowering families and whānau of people with disabilities and health impairments through support and information.

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

Royal NZ Plunket Society Inc.(external link) 
Freephone Plunektline on 0800 933 922. A national not-for-profit organisation and New Zealand's largest provider of support services for the development, health and wellbeing of tamariki and whānau. 

The Low Down(external link)
Free text 5626 or email [email protected]. Online chat, self tests, email support, advice on what to do if you think you or a friend are experiencing depression and more.

Vaccination Helpline(external link)
Freephone 0800 28 29 26, (8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday). Vaccination advice and support to book appointments via Book my Vaccine(external link), including group bookings. Interpreters are available and you can choose to speak with a Māori or Pacific advisor, a disability advisor, or use NZ Relay.

What’s Up – free phone help for kids(external link) 
Freephone 0800 What's Up (0800 942 8787) or email [email protected] – a free, nationally-available counselling helpline and webchat service for children and teenagers. 

Youthline(external link) (0800 376 633)
Free helplines 24/7 – free TXT 234, free call 0800 37 66 33, chat online(external link) (10am – 10pm) or email. A “with youth, for youth” organisation that supports young people throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. Offers a free Helpline service (text, phone, webchat & email), free face-to-face counselling services(external link), youth mentoring, programmes in schools and communities to help people grow and develop.