Hero photograph
 
Photo by Cheree Henderson

Revolution Performing Arts Group

Mrs S Porter, Assistant Principal —

"A problem shared, is a problem halved". This was a key message from the Revolution Performing Arts Group who visited OGHS on Thursday morning.Students enjoyed an entertaining presentation about the importance of help-seeking in times of stress and uncertainty. Friends are often a great support to us, but sometimes we need to speak to an adult about our worries. Students were reminded about the range of staff in the school that can support them if they are feeling unhappy, unsettled or under pressure. Below is a list of supports available outside of the school setting that students and their families can access. Helplines

There are helplines especially for young people:

  • Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to talk to a trained counsellor about anything on my our mind.

  • 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.

  • If you feel depressed or anxious, talk to a trained counsellor 24/7 call the Depression helpline 0800 111 757.

  • If you are having thought about harming yourself, call the Suicide Prevention Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOK0)

  • For sexuality or gender identity issues call OUTLine NZ 0800 688 5463 (0800 OUTLINE) 9 am–9 pm weekdays and 6–8 pm weekends.

  • If you are dealing with an alcohol or other drug problem call Alcohol Drug Helpline 0800 787 797 10 am–10 pm.

  • To talk to a counsellor, phone Lifeline 0800 543 354.

  • To talk to a counsellor, phone Samaritans 0800 726 666.

  • To talk to a trained youth buddy counsellor, phone Kidsline 0800 543 754 4–9 pm weekdays.

  • For migrant or refugee women living with family violence, call the Shakti Crisis Line 0800 742 584.

  • For support after rape or sexual assault, call Rape Crisis 0800 883 300.

  • To get help from a registered nurse 24/7, call Healthline free 0800 611 116.

Online resources

There are New Zealand-based online resources for young people:

The Lowdown The Lowdown is a website to help young New Zealanders recognise and understand depression or anxiety. The site includes:

  • helpful information on anxiety and depression

  • guidance on other issues relevant to young people, such as bullying and family relationships

  • quick steps to help build healthy mental wellbeing

  • places to go to get help

  • information for anyone worried about a friend

  • a moderated forum for young people to share stories and experiences and provide peer-to-peer support

  • a free-text service: text number 5626.

SPARX SPARX is an interactive self-help online tool that teaches young people skills to help combat depression and anxiety.

Aunty Dee Aunty Dee is a free online tool for anyone who needs some help working through a problem. It doesn’t matter what the problem is, you can use Aunty Dee to help you work it through.

CALM – CALM is computer-assisted learning for the mind. It includes audio modules, eg, meditation, mindfulness, dealing with anger and preparing for exams.

Depression.org.nz This website helps New Zealanders recognise and understand depression and anxiety. This website is part of a national public health programme, the National Depression Initiative. It includes The Journal – an online self-help programme aimed at people aged more than 16 years.

Like Minds, Like Mine Like Minds, Like Mine is a national anti-stigma campaign. The aim of this programme is to increase social inclusion and to reduce stigma and discrimination towards people with experience of mental illness.

Livewire NZ An online community for young people, who are dealing with some tricky stuff with crews who understand and offer a little extra support.

Mental Wealth An online mental health literacy education programme for young people.

Small Steps Whether you’re looking to maintain wellbeing, find relief or get help, Small Steps can support you and your whānau with practical tools, strategies and advice.

Youthline – E-Therapy Package. A free texting-based programme for young people with mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression.

Counselling and psychotherapy

Here are some free and low-cost counselling options:

  • Ask your GP about free counselling sessions that may be available through your local primary health organisation (PHO).

  • Youthline has free counselling for young people aged 12–25 years and their families in various locations across Auckland and also Dunedin.

  • http://www.thriveservices.org.nz/services Thrive te pae ora is a free face to face professional counselling service for young people (rangatahi) aged 12 to 24 and their family (whānau) living in the lower South Island. We offer one to six sessions of coaching, talking and problem solving to help you cope with life's ups and downs.

  • http://www.araiteuru.co.nz/#home Our role is to support whānau using an integrated and collaborative approach to service provision in partnership with whānau and other organisations. After visiting us for our services, whānau will:

  • Know how to access the services they need

  • Know how to create their own healthy outcomes

  • Focus on the wellbeing of the whānau as a whole

  • ACC funds support following sexual violence. Find out the details at FindSupport.