Tips for parents, teachers and caregivers – supporting young people
Talk with young people about any fears that they may have. They need to feel that any fears that they may have can be talked about and addressed. Form a plan with them about what you will do if anyone in the family gets sick or one of their friends get sick.
Reassure
If no one in your family has had COVID-19 nor has had close contact with anyone with COVID-19, emphasise to young people that their friends, peers, teachers and your family are fine. Remind them that the right people are working hard to keep New Zealanders safe, including teachers at their school.
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Mental wellbeing helplines
There are helplines available that offer support, information and help. All services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Need to Talk? — free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
Find out more about Need to Talk? 1737(external link)
- Youthline — call 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
Chat online or find out more at Youthline(external link)
- What's Up? — call 0800 942 8787 — a safe place for tamariki and rangatahi to talk.
Find out more about What's Up?(external link)
- Skylight — call 0800 299 100 helping children, young people and their families and whānau through tough times of change, loss, trauma and grief
Find out more about Skylight(external link)
- Lifeline — 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
Find out more about Lifeline(external link)
- Suicide Crisis Helpline — 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Find out more about the Suicide Crisis Helpline(external link)
- Depression and Anxiety Helpline — 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions.
Find out more about the Depression and Anxiety Helpline(external link)
- Anxiety phone line — 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)
Find out more about the Anxiety phone line(external link)
- Family Services 211 Helpline 0800 211 211 — for help finding, and direct transfer to, community-based health and social support services in your area
Visit the Family Services Directory online(external link)