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Mental Health & Wellbeing

OLA LELEI Pacific Helpline
0800 OLA LELEI (0800 652 535) is a FREE national Pacific helpline anyone can call if they are feeling worried, stressed or concerned about anything and need someone to talk to, help and support.
The helpline runs Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 8.30pm. The OLA LELEI team speaks Samoan, Tongan, Cook Islands Māori and English. All conversations are confidential.
This service is FREE, open to anyone.
How to access
FREEPHONE 0800 OLA LELEI (0800 652 535)

https://www.vakatautua.co.nz/services-1/ola-lelei-pacific-helpline

I AM HOPE — I want help…..Cool, we got you

One of the biggest issues facing young New Zealanders today is the waiting times for funded face to face counselling.

The I AM HOPE counselling funding service is designed to take the pressure off current services and give young people 25 years old and under facing long wait times an alternative pathway.

The Gumboot Friday is not a long-term solution designed to take over from government services, rather, they should be seen as a bridge between current services and immediate needs. Everyone is encouraged to seek government-funded help while utilising our service.

Start Here

1. Are You Safe — If you require urgent medical attention, please call 111.
Not medically urgent, but emotionally so? Try step 2.

2. FREE TEXT OR CALL 1737 - We cannot recommend the folks at 1737 enough. They are available any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You’ll get to talk to (or text with) a trained counsellor and the service is completely free.

Not urgent, but still want help? Cool, let's hit step 3.

3. CHOOSE A COUNSELLOR - You can either contact one of the counsellors on the Gumboot Friday search map below or if you prefer, find one through your own research.

When you book your first appointment, let your counsellor know you'd like to access funding through Gumboot Friday

If they're not familiar with our organisation, ask them to visit our Counsellor information page.

How do I access I AM HOPE funding?

You don't need to sign up with us. Instead, choose a counsellor, email them to introduce yourself, and book an appointment. Before your first appointment, let them know you want to access the Gumboot Friday fund. If they need more information, ask them to visit our Counsellor information page or alternatively, they can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Choosing your Counsellor

Everyone's needs and preferences are different and we want the best possible outcome for you, so here are a few tips on how to choose a counsellor:

  • Research - if they have one, visit their website and see if their background sounds appealing to you   
  • Think about whether you generally feel more comfortable speaking with someone from the same or a similar gender background to you   
  • If you use or speak more than one language, you might find it useful to try a counsellor who can use the same languages as you   
  • Think about whether you want someone who understands your spiritual or cultural background
  • Shop around. You and the counsellor/s you interact with are only human and naturally, not everyone will have perfect chemistry. If you don't feel comfortable with the counsellor you first see, you don't have to keep going to them. Find someone that suits you and that you want on your team.

Choose a counsellor here — https://platform.gumbootfriday.com/app/search/

Remember, you want to pick someone you think you'll be comfortable

talking about pretty much anything with and who will work with you in a style that works best for you. When it comes to your emotional well being, you're allowed to be fussy.

Already have a great counsellor

Fantastic, you may still be eligible for I AM HOPE funding.

Ask your counsellor to contact us: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

https://www.iamhope.org.nz/chooseacounsellor

Where to find help and mental health support for yourself or a Whanau member

Mental Health Support Groups / Organisations / Contact Numbers / Links / Apps