Te Ara Rau Access & Choice Service
It doesn't matter what's causing you worry, our team are here to help.
It’s common to sometimes feel life is getting on top of you, and that perhaps your thoughts, feelings or actions are having an impact on your health and wellbeing.
Reaching out for help doesn’t need to be scary. Our Access & Choice team can help you work things through and get back on track.
Our Access & Choice service is completely free to access.
How to connect
There are a number of ways you can connect with the service
- Talk to your health provider (GP, practice nurse, Māori health provider) and ask them to put you in touch with the service
- You can get in touch with us directly using the form below
- Pop in to a clinic where our teams are based and ask to speak to a Mātanga Whai Ora
Who are we?
Our Te Ara Rau Access & Choice team is made up of a range of different roles designed to help you. These include, Mātanga Whai Ora (Health Improvement Practitioners), Health Coaches, RIMA Health Coach, Pasifika Health Navigators. We also have a teams working across The Tūturu Service for LGBTQIA+ wellbeing, and a Perinatal Wellbeing Support service.
Get help, when you need it
Unlike some other talking therapy services, you can normally talk to one of our team on the same day you ask for help.
There is no referral criteria, and our teams are based in general practice, iwi & Māori health providers and community locations right across the district so there’s always someone close to you, wherever you are.
Some of the reasons people may want to connect with the Access & Choice service include:
- Emotional health and mental wellbeing
- Family/whānau issues
- Social interactions and engagement
- Money matters
- Housing issues
- Managing drug use, drinking or gambling
- Gender affirming wellbeing support through The Tūturu Service
It doesn't matter what's worrying you, our team are here to help.
Support to access immediately if you need it
- Wellbeing Support - Access & Choice Provider Information Website
- Te Puawaitanga - a whole range of helplines that are free to access and specialise in specific topics, such as addictions, mental health and gambling
- Just A Thought - free online therapy for all New Zealanders
- 1737 Number - a free to call helpline if you need to talk to a trained counsellor
- Lifeline provide 24/7 support from trained counsellors and volunteers. Call 0800 543 354 or free text 'help' to 4357
- Youthline offers many ways to communicate - phone, text, skype, email
- The lowdown https://thelowdown.co.nz/
- Depression and Anxiety Stories - draw strength and hope from the stories of other people
- SPARX is a free online e-therapy game provided by the University of Auckland
What to do in an emergency
If you are seriously concerned about someone's immediate safety, please call 111 or take them to the nearest Emergency Department. You can also call the MidCentral DHB Acute Care Team on 0800 653 357 for further advice but please remain with the person until support is provided.
