Canterbury support group directory
This directory provides information and contact details for support services and community groups available in the Canterbury region. Most are free. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all services.
Budgeting
Christchurch Methodist Mission
Provides a free home-based budgeting service. They also offer advocacy support to ensure people are receiving their correct entitlements from government and community agencies.
Phone: (03) 375 1470
Email: info@mmsi.org.nz
Web: www.mmsi.org.nz(external link)
Kingdom Resources
Helps people struggling with money or need support towards employment. They offer free support and budgeting advice.
Phone: (03) 332 1700
Email: kr@kingdomresources.org.nz
Web: kingdomresources.org.nz(external link)
Te Runanga O Nga Maata Waka Building Financial Capability Services
Provides free home-based budgeting services, building financial capability plus services to those presenting with multiple and complex needs; advocacy support and whanau ora services.
Phone: (03) 382 6628
Web: www.maatawaka.org.nz(external link)
Work and Income
Are there to help you financially if you’re on a low income or not working, support you into work and help you find housing.
Phone: 0800 779 997
Web: www.workandincome.govt.nz(external link)
Community and volunteering
Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Zealand
Become a mentor for a young person aged 6 - 12 which can have a positive lasting effect on their lives.
Phone: (03) 358 4019
Email: christchurch@bbbs.nz
Web: bigbrothersbigsisters.org.nz/christchurch-home.html(external link)
Canterbury Community Gardens
Supports people to grow their own food together. There are currently 30 local community gardens. Find your local garden and get involved:
www.ccga.org.nz/garden-directory(external link)
Dress for Success
Provides women in need within the community with appropriate clothing, a network of support and career development tools so they can thrive in work and life.
Phone: (03) 343 3241
Email: christchurch@dressforsuccess.org
Web: christchurch.dressforsuccess.org(external link)
MENZSHED New Zealand
Brings men together in one community space to share their skills, have a laugh and work on practical tasks either individually or in groups. Canterbury currently has 26 Men’s Sheds.
Phone: (03) 960 4919
Email: regrep4@menzshed.nz
Web: www.menzshed.org.nz/Canterbury-region(external link)
Te Runanga O Nga Maata Waka Māori Wardens
Part of a volunteer organisation with a proud tradition of tautoko (support), ārahitanga (guidance) and giving to Māori communities.
Phone: (03) 382 6628
Web: www.maatawaka.org.nz(external link)
Volunteering Canterbury
Offers individual and group volunteering opportunities.
Phone: (03) 366 2442 or 0800 865 268
Web: www.volcan.org.nz(external link)
Waitaha Paddling Club
A Christchurch based Waka Ama paddling club that welcomes all ages and grades.
Phone: 027 202 0509
Email: peter@lowdowndata.com
Women’s Centre Christchurch
A community organisation that provides services to women in a safe, supportive and affirming environment. Services include a drop-in centre, information and resources, free counselling, free legal consultation for guidance around legal advice and procedures, courses, a library, advocacy and lesbian support.
Phone: (03) 371 7414
Email: support@womenscentre.co.nz
Family and parenting
Family Dispute Resolution (Fair Way)
A nationwide mediation service that helps people to discuss their parenting arrangements.
Phone: (03) 962 9000
Web: www.fairwayresolution.com/got-a-dispute(external link)
Family Planning
Provides services relating to sexual and reproductive health. Anyone can attend the clinic for an appointment with a nurse or doctor. Appointments are free for New Zealand residents under 22 years of age.
Phone: (03) 379 0514
Web: www.familyplanning.org.nz(external link)
Family Works
A family-centred agency seeking to empower children, families/whānau and communities so they can flourish and reach their full potential.
Phone: (03) 366 5472
Web: familyworks.org.nz(external link)
Mensline
Offers a fortnightly men’s group for dads going through the separation process.
Phone: 021 947 032
Email: menslinechristchurch@gmail.com
Web: mensline.net.nz(external link)
New Zealand College of Midwives
Offers advice for women on pregnancy, labour and birth and the postnatal period.
Phone: (03) 377 2732
Web: www.midwife.org.nz(external link)
Parent Help
Provides parent and family support.
Phone: 0800 568 856
Web: www.parenthelp.org.nz(external link)
Parenting Through Separation Course
A free and a pre-requisite for mediation or court proceedings. It is a great course for everyone to learn better communication skills.
Web: www.justice.govt.nz/family/care-of-children(external link)
Parents Centre
Works with parents to equip them with the best knowledge and skills so they can be the best parents they can possibly be. They regularly run antenatal and postnatal classes for parents.
Phone: 021 0872 6943
Web: www.parentscentre.org.nz/your-local-centre(external link)
The Parenting Place
Provides support, advice and educational courses (from babies to teenagers).
Family and sexual violence (if an emergency dial 111)
Canterbury Women’s Refuge Contacts:
- Aviva Christchurch Women’s Refuge - 0800 2848 2669 (24/7 crisis line) or (03) 378 3847 (office)
- Battered Women’s Trust - 0800 733 843 (24/7 crisis line) or (03) 332 4122 (office)
- Mid South Island Women’s Refuge and Family Safety Services - 0800 007 750 (24/7 crisis line) or (03) 684 8280(office)
- Shakti Ethnic Women’s Support Group - 0800 742 584 (24/7 crisis line) or (03) 389 2028 (office)
- Te Whare Hauora (formerly Ōtautahi Women’s Refuge) - 0800 117 474 (24/7 crisis line) or (03) 379 6910 (office)
- West Christchurch Women’s Refuge - (03) 379 0575 (24/7crisis line)
Family Violence Information Line
Provides information and support to anyone affected by family harm and connects people to other services where appropriate.
Phone: 0800 456 450
Web: www.areyouok.org.nz(external link)
He Waka Tapu
Provides support to individuals and their whānau around dealing with issues of interpersonal violence and anger.
Phone: 0800 439 252
Web: www.hewakatapu.org.nz(external link)
Men Building Relationships
An 8-week group for men who want to improve their relationships with partners, family and friends.
Phone: 027 477 4439
Men’s Positive Lifestyle Programme
A free life skills course covering topics such as conflict resolution, stress, assertiveness and self-esteem.
Phone: (03) 366 8128
Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children
Phone: 0508 326 459 if you are worried about a child. Guidance on signs of neglect and/or abuse is on their website:
www.orangatamariki.govt.nz/identify-abuse(external link)
Safe to Talk Sexual Harm Helpline
0800 044 334 is a 24/7 free, confidential and non-judgemental helpline for anyone affected by sexual harm.
Web: www.safetotalk.nz(external link)
Stopping Violence Services
Offers individual and group interventions tailored to meet client needs and provides emergency accommodation for men who receive a Police Safety Order (Police referral).
Phone: 0800 478 778
Web: www.svschch.org.nz(external link)
Te Runanga O Nga Maata Waka
Whanau Resilience Services – supporting whanau experiencing family harm through the process of enabling them to live violent free lives and create safe and secure homes for them, their children and whanau.
Phone: (03) 382 6628
Web: www.maatawaka.org.nz(external link)
Victim Support
Offers practical advice and someone to talk to for those who have experienced crime, trauma or loss.
Phone: 0800 842 846
Web: www.victimsupport.org.nz(external link)
Farming and rural
New Zealand Young Farmers
Supports the rural community by providing a social network for our young people. Please refer to our website for further information on NZYF clubs and contacts near you.
Phone: 0800 699 346
Web: www.youngfarmers.co.nz(external link)
NZYF online contact us form(external link)
Email: info@youngfarmers.co.nz
Rural Support Trust (RST)
Provides support to rural individuals and communities in times of need. As well as their own services, RST facilitates assistance from other services in relation to farming or business advice, financial information, health, mental health and counselling services.
Phone: 0800 787 254
Web: www.rural-support.org.nz(external link)
Food banks
- 0800 Hungry - 0800 486 479 or (03) 384 7840
- Christchurch City Mission - (03) 365 0635
- Delta Community Support Trust - (03) 389 0212
- Nga Hau E Wha National Marae - (03) 382 6628
- Saint Vincent De Paul - (03) 389 7484 ext. 1
- Salvation Army - (03) 366 8128
- South West Baptist Church - (03) 338 4163
Health and disability support
Active Canterbury
Has information, links and tools to help people take the first step towards a more active lifestyle.
Phone: 0800 228 483
Web: www.activecanterbury.org.nz(external link)
Employer Advice Line
Provides free advice for employers and managers on how to support team members with a disability or health condition, including mental health.
Phone: 0800 805 405
Health Navigator
An online guide to health information.
Web: www.healthnavigator.org.nz(external link)
Healthline
0800 611 116 provides free 24/7 healthcare advice. They can also tell you where the nearest GP or pharmacy is located.
IDEA Services – Christchurch
Provides disability services and support.
Phone: (03) 341 9200
Web: https://www.idea.org.nz(external link)
Housing and accommodation
Christchurch City Mission (Emergency Accommodation)
Open 7 days from 5pm – 8.30am to residents aged 17 years and older.
Phone: (03) 365 0635
Web: www.citymission.org.nz/homelessness-and-housing(external link)
Nga Hau E Wha National Marae Social Housing
Phone: (03) 382 6628
Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust
Manages council and Housing New Zealand applications in Canterbury.
Phone: 0800 624 456
Web: www.ocht.org.nz(external link)
Salvation Army (Addington Supportive Accommodation for Men)
(03) 338 5154 (24/7 line) offers night shelter and long-term accommodation for men aged 18 – 65.
Email: addington_hostel@nzf.salvationarmy.org
Web: www.salvationarmy.org.nz/get-help/housing(external link)
Temporary Accommodation Service
Assists households affected by a natural disaster to find safe, secure and accessible temporary accommodation while their home is repaired. Both homeowners and tenants can register. Access to the service is not income or asset tested.
Phone: 0508 754 163
Email: temp.accom@mbie.govt.nz
Web: www.tas.mbie.govt.nz(external link)
Tenancy Services
Provides information on your rights and responsibilities as a landlord, tenant or unit title owner. They also provide services for resolving disputes, including mediation and coordinating the Tenancy Tribunal.
Phone: 0800 836 262
Web: www.tenancy.govt.nz(external link)
Tenants Protection Agency
Provides advice and advocacy to help resolve issues with your landlord.
Phone: (03) 379 2297
Web: www.tpa.org.nz(external link)
Work and Income
If you urgently need somewhere to stay tonight, or in the next 7 days. They also help with social housing applications.
Phone: 0800 559 009
Web: www.workandincome.govt.nz/housing(external link)
Legal and advisory
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
A free and independent service helping people understand their rights and obligations.
Phone: 0800 367 222
Web: www.cab.org.nz(external link)
Community Law Canterbury
Provides free legal information and advice including family law and other court processes. At drop-in legal advice sessions they provide initial legal information and advice. In special circumstances they might take you on as an ongoing client.
Phone: (03) 366 6870 or 0508 226 529
Web: www.canlaw.org.nz(external link)
Legal Aid
Government funding to pay for legal help for people who cannot afford a lawyer. It includes civil, family and criminal.
Phone: (03) 339 4730
Web: www.justice.govt.nz/courts/going-to-court/legal-aid/(external link)
Māori
He Waka Tapu
Delivers services using a Kaupapa Māori framework encompassing Tinana (physical wellbeing), Wairua (spiritual wellbeing), Hinengaro (mental wellbeing) and Whānau (family wellbeing).
Phone: (03) 373 8150
Email: reception@hewakatapu.org.nz
Web: www.hewakatapu.org.nz(external link)
Kakakura Health Services
Provides Kaupapa Māori mental health services. Kakakura Health Services uses Tikanga Maori (māori beliefs, values and practices) and its own Momo Takata Ora Model (Māori Health Model) that focuses on the whole wellbeing of the whānau. Kakakura's services are available to all people who meet the criteria for referral and wish to be supported in a Kaupapa Māori environment.
Phone: (03) 379 7200
Email: info@kakakura.org.nz
Web: www.kakakura.org.nz(external link)
Purapura Whetu Trust
A Kaupapa Māori provider, combining clinical, cultural and community support into services that embrace the māori view of wellbeing. They specialise in mental health and offer support for Whānau Ora, individual counselling and day programmes.
Phone: (03) 379 8001
Web: www.pw.maori.nz(external link)
Rehua Marae
Offers Kaumātua services – day care and day support, clinical and non-clinical support and domestic and personal care in partnership with ACCESS.
Phone: (03) 355 5615
Email: admin@rehuamarae.org.nz
Web: rehuamarae.co.nz(external link)
Te Runanga O Nga Maata Waka
Established as an Urban Maori Authority and offers a range of services including education courses, driving courses, budget advice and social services.
Phone: (03) 382 6628
Web: www.maatawaka.org.nz(external link)
Te Whare Roimata Trust
Offers a range of services for residents in the inner East area, including community centre, crèche, support and out-reach service, courses (parenting skills and self-esteem), ESOL evening for refugees and migrants with a homework class for their children, sewing group for refugees and migrants and a community garden.
Phone: (03) 379 5134
Email: kiaora@tewhare.org
Web: www.tewhare.org(external link)
Mental wellbeing and addiction
Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Christchurch Central Services
The first point of call for all AOD services in Christchurch and surrounding areas.
Phone: (03) 338 4437
Email: chchaod@odysseychch.org.nz
Web: www.chchaod.org.nz(external link)
Alcohol Drug Helpline
0800 787 797 or text 8681 is a 24/7 nationwide phone service for confidential information and support if you are concerned about your own or someone else’s drinking or drug use.
Web: www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz(external link)
All Right
Provides wellbeing tips to support you and your whānau through tough times.
Email: hello@allright.org.nz
Web: www.allright.org.nz(external link)
Canterbury Charity Hospital
Phone: (03) 360 2266 offers free counselling.
Email: reception@charityhospital.org.nz
Web: www.charityhospital.org.nz(external link)
Canterbury Men’s Centre
Offers counselling specific to men, but couples counselling is also offered.
Phone: (03) 365 9000
Web: www.canmen.org.nz(external link)
Canterbury Support Line
0800 777 846 if you are finding it hard to cope and need support.
Crisis Resolution Service (Mental Health)
Provides crisis assessment and treatment support for people experiencing a serious mental health issue.
Phone: 0800 920 092
More information can be found on the MHERC website: www.mherc.org.nz/directory/cdhb-hospital-services/psychiatric-emergency-service(external link)
Depression helpline
0800 111 757 or text 4202 for 24/7 support from trained counsellors. They also offer online support including a journal, free online self-help tool and specific advice about helping someone at work.
Web: www.depression.org.nz(external link)
Home and Family
Parenting, counselling and child-focussed intervention services.
Phone: (03) 944 0635
Email: contact@homeandfamily.net.nz
Web: www.homeandfamily.net.nz(external link)
Lifeline
0800 543 354 or text 4357 for 24/7 counselling and support.
Web: www.lifeline.org.nz(external link)
Mental Health Advocacy and Peer Support (MHAPS)
Offers peer support for mental health and addiction recovery. It is an opportunity to connect with other people who have a shared experience.
Phone: (03) 365 9479
Web: www.mhaps.org.nz(external link)
Mental Health Education and Resource Centre (MHERC)
Provides a free mental health library for anyone in Christchurch and the South Island, including the Canterbury Mental Health Directory of services.
Phone: (03) 365 5344
Web: www.mherc.org.nz/directory(external link)
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
A charity that works towards creating a society free from discrimination, where all people enjoy positive mental health and wellbeing. It provides information on mental health conditions, where to get help and how to support those you love and care about.
Email: info@mentalhealth.org.nz
Web: www.mentalhealth.org.nz(external link)
Need to talk?
Free to call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor anytime.
Web: www.1737.org.nz(external link)
OUTLine NZ
0800 688 5463 for confidential, free, LGBTIQ+ support.
Web: www.outline.org.nz(external link)
PGF Services
Qualified counsellors who provide free professional and confidential support to both gamblers and others affected by gambling. They also offer support groups.
Phone: (03) 379 2824 or 0800 664 262
Email: help@pgf.nz
Web: www.pgf.nz(external link)
Samaritans
0800 726 666 for 24/7 confidential support to anyone who is feeling lonely or in emotional distress, and people who are worried about someone else.
Web: www.samaritans.org.nz(external link)
Supporting Families
supports family and whānau to provide a quality of life and recovery to their loved one who has a mental illness and their own self-care.
Phone: 0800 876 682
Web: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/links/link/supporting-families-new-zealand(external link)
Youthline
0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz for young people and their parents, whānau and friends.
Migrant and refugee
Asian Family Services
Provides professional and confidential support to Asians living in New Zealand. Services are offered in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, Thai and Hindi.
Phone: 0800 862 342
Email: asian.admin@asianfamilyservices.nz Web: www.asianfamilyservices.nz(external link)
Canterbury Refugee Resettlement and Resource Centre
A NZ based non- governmental organisation (NGO) that advocates on behalf of the refugee communities resettled in the Canterbury area.
Phone: (03) 377 2538 or (03) 377 2544
Email: contact@canterburyrefugeecentre.org.nz
Christchurch Resettlement Services
Provides practical support for resettlement needs as well as mental health support, advocacy and support connecting to other organisations.
Phone: (03) 335 0311
Web: crs.org.nz(external link)
Interpreting New Zealand
Provides interpreting services in New Zealand. When booking an appointment with any agency ask them to arrange for an interpreter.
Phone: 0508 468 377
Web: www.interpret.org.nz(external link)
Language Connect
A free multi-lingual service providing information and advocacy on a wide range of issues including immigration, employment, housing, income support, education, health and wellbeing.
Phone: (09) 624 2550 or 0800 788 877
Email: language@cab.org.nz
Older people
65 Alive – Senior Alcohol and Drug Services
A mobile service giving assessments, education and support to families and is based on individual needs.
Phone: (03) 338 4437
Email: 65alive@odysseychch.org.nz
Web: www.odysseychch.org.nz/65-alive(external link)
Age Concern Canterbury
For information, advocacy, advice and education for those aged over 65 years.
Phone: (03) 366 0903 or 0800 803 344
Web: www.ageconcerncan.org.nz(external link)
Elder Abuse Helpline
0800 326 6865 if you or someone you care about need support.
Web: www.officeforseniors.govt.nz(external link)
Eldernet
Provides information about services for older people in New Zealand.
Phone: (03) 388 1271
Web: www.eldernet.co.nz(external link)
Fun for Older Men 2
A booklet of activities and fun things to do for men in Canterbury. It can be ordered by:
Phone (03) 365 9000
Email ffom@canmen.org.nz or
Download at: www.canmen.org.nz(external link)
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust NZ
Supports grandparents and families raising grandchildren/whānau in New Zealand.
Phone: (09) 418 3753 or 0800 472 637
Web: www.grg.org.nz(external link)
Presbyterian Support Services
Provides assessments and information, co-ordination of support services, counselling, advocacy, liaison with other agencies or health professionals, support for carers and elder abuse interventions for those aged over 65 years.
Phone: (03) 366 5472
Web: www.ps.org.nz(external link)
SeniorLine
0800 725 463 is a national information service helping people aged over 65 to navigate the health system.
Web: www.seniorline.org.nz(external link)
Super Gold Card
Gives discounts and concessions for seniors and veterans.
Phone: 0800 254 565
Web: www.supergold.govt.nz(external link)
Pasifika
Diabetes Nurse and Support
Provides medical advice and other support for managing diabetes.
Phone: (03) 364 0860
Web: www.cdhb.health.nz/health-services/diabetes-clinic(external link)
Etu Pasifika Clinic
Offers mental health, addiction and smoking cessation services.
Phone: (03) 365 1002
Email: info@etupasifika.co.nz
Fale Pasifika O Aoraki
Provides social services and programmes to Pacific people living in Ashburton, Timaru, Oamaru and Waitaki.
Phone: (03) 687 7585
Web: www.healthpoint.co.nz/community-health-services/community-health/fale-pasifika-o-aoraki/at/27-strathallan-street-timaru(external link)
Mapu Maia
Provides a holistic service to individuals, families and communities that is culturally appropriate, including confidential counselling services and education.
Phone: 0800 212 122
Email: help@mapumaia.nz
Web: www.mapumaia.nz(external link)
Pasifika Education and Employment Training Organisation (PEETO)
Provides free ESOL general English classes to migrants, refugees and Pacific people who are permanent residents in New Zealand.
Phone: (03) 343 2890
Email: info@peeto.ac.nz
Web: www.peeto.ac.nz(external link)
Tangata Atumotu Trust
Provides in-home nursing support for people with diabetes, heart and lung problems. The service includes transport, translation support and advocacy, as well as opportunities to come together for fellowship and exercise.
Phone: (03) 377 2016
Email: tat@tat.org.nz
Web: www.tat.org.nz(external link)
Vaka Tautua Christchurch
A “by Pacific, for Pacific” health and social services provider that offers Pacific mental health, disability, older people’s health and financial advice services.
Phone: 0800 825 282
Web: www.vakatautua.co.nz(external link)
Youth
298 Youth Health
Phone (03) 943 9298 for free GP, nursing and counselling for ages 10 – 24 years. They also offer support, budgeting, careers and general guidance and advice.
Email: admin@298.org.nz
Web: 298.org.nz(external link)
Aviva
0800 2848 2669 (24/7 line) offers free, confidential and individualised services for each young person who has experienced and/or used violence.
Web: www.avivafamilies.org.nz(external link)
Enabling Youth
Runs a weekly group for 11 - 24 year olds dealing with anger.
Phone: (03) 365 6266 or 0800 478 778
Email: info@svschch.org.nz
Web: www.enablingyouth.co.nz(external link)
0800 What’s Up
0800 942 8787 is a free, nationally-available counselling helpline and webchat service for children and teenagers.
Email: whatsup@barnardos.org.nz
Web: www.whatsup.co.nz(external link)
Rape Prevention Education
Provides an online education resource for young people and support for professionals that promotes respectful relationships and the prevention of sexual violence.
Phone: (09) 360 4001
Email: info@rpe.org.nz
Web: rpe.co.nz(external link)
St John of God Waipuna
Provides specialist support for young people aged 10 - 25 years and their family/whānau.
Phone: (03) 386 2159
Email: enquiries.waipuna@sjog.org.nz
Web: sjog.org.nz/contact-us/st-john-of-god-waipuna(external link)
Te Runanga O Nga Maata Waka
Functional Family Therapy, mentoring young people, Support and work with Rangatahi at risk and rangatahi reintegrating back into community, Transition to Adulthood Services, Graduated drivers education program for young people from learners to full drivers licence.
Phone: (03) 382 6628.
Web: www.maatawaka.org.nz(external link)
Youthline
0800 37 6633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz for support and information on any issue.
Web: www.youthline.co.nz(external link)
Can't find what you're looking for?
If there is a service that you would like us to add, please email us at: contact@nzcrs.govt.nz and we will consider your request.
Other directories you might like to look at:
Aspire Canterbury
Provides contact details and descriptions of disability and health related groups throughout Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region.
Phone: 0800 347 242
Web: www.aspirecanterbury.org.nz(external link)
Healthpoint
Has up-to-date information about providers and services offered around New Zealand, including Canterbury, South Canterbury and Waitaki.
Web: www.healthpoint.co.nz/social-services(external link)
Mental Health Education and Resource Centre (MHERC)
Provides a comprehensive service directory.
Phone: (03) 365 5344 or 0800 424 399
Web: mherc.org.nz(external link)
Right Service Right Time directory
Web: www.rightservice.org.nz(external link)
Te Waioratanga
A directory of Kaiwhakaora Māori healers, artists and wellness practitioners.
Web: allright.org.nz/resources(external link)
The Blokes Book - project of the Canterbury Men’s Centre
The purpose of the booklet is to promote men’s health and wellbeing. It provides relevant support services and resources that embrace the Men’s Centre’s aim of ‘Happy Healthy Canterbury Men’. It can be ordered by:
emailing blokesbook@canmen.org.nz or
Download at canmen.org.nz(external link).