As unique and individual as we all are, so is our lockdown experience. We are each impacted differently dependent on our individual circumstances and so much of what Covid brings and means for us is out of our control.

I want to acknowledge that for some, being in lockdown is akin to being in our happy place, yet for others Covid and lockdown brings many challenges. We wanted to share with you the local support that is available – so please, if you need support just reach out.

At the risk of sounding cheesy – as a part of our school and community we are all extended family, and as such we care very much about each and everyone of you. As the school counsellor, I am available for a chat if you have any concerns or questions, just contact me on my email lcorbett@katikaticollege.school.nz and I will get in touch. All Katikati College staff are here for you, again please just let us know how we can help. Alternatively please find below a list of local support available:

FREE Covid phone counselling service:

Free for anyone by registered counsellors– no limit to session numbers, you can text and they WILL ring back: 027 505 3114

Mental Health Services – Tauranga based (Free) 07 579 8329

Youth mental health:

Free call or text 1737 any time to talk to a trained counsellor about anything..

Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.

What's Up 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, 1pm–10pm and weekends, 3pm–10pm. Online chat is available 7pm–10pm daily.

BOPDHB Crisis Line - 0800 800 508

Katikati Christian Foodbank:

The food bank remains open during their usual hours during Alert Level 4 and will also take urgent requests in the weekend. Food parcels MUST be arranged prior to collecting at 2 Wedgewood Street, Katikati ph: 549 1038 or 027 2037373, email katikatifoodbank@gmail.com

Financial help to buy food:

If you need financial support to buy food Work and Income may be able to help.

Visit the Work and Income website for urgent financial support and ongoing needs. You can apply for a main benefit online and check your eligibility for food assistance. You can also use the COVID-19 financial support tool on the Unite Against COVID-19 website to see what support is available to you. Go to: • http://www.workandincome.govt.nz (for more information) • https://my.msd.govt.nz/ (to apply to Work and Income online) • 0800 559 009 (MSD General Line) • 0800 552 002 (MSD Seniors 65+) • 0800 88 99 00 (StudyLink Students) • http://www.Covid19.govt.nz/business-and-money/financial-support/covid-19-financial-support-tool/ (the COVID-19 Financial Support tool)

Food delivery:

If you are sick, or can’t leave home to buy food or essential supplies, you can ask family, whānau, friends or neighbours to drop off goods and groceries for you. Talk to your support networks to see if they could deliver essential items to you. You can use your supermarket’s click and collect service, and ask a local friend, family member or neighbour to drop off groceries for you.

Katikati Community Centre:

Phone lines remain open for help ph:07 5490399 A/H 027 648 2555. (Please see attached flyer for a detailed list of support available for the Katikati, Waihi Beach and Waihi areas) or visit their website https://www.katikaticommunity.nz/

Te Runanga o Ngai Tamawhariua:

Providing Kaupapa Maori support services for adult mental health, infant/child/adolescent/youth mental health, peer support and advocacy, Whānau Ora healthy living and promotions, whānau support and youth at risk. ph: 5490760

Free Wifi:

Available during Alert Level 3 and 4 outside the Katikati Library and the Waihi Beach Library. Remember to wear a mask and social distance. You can connect while sitting comfortably in your car. Covid rules for Alert Level 4 apply.

Ministry of Health Emergency Phoneline for COVID-19 - 0800 358 5453

Katikati Medical Centre - 07 549 0411

Unichem Pharmacy Katikati - 07 549 0611

Meals on Wheels - 07 549 1015

Healthline -0800 611 116

Ngā mihi nui
Lisa Corbett
Guidance Counsellor
Katikati College