Support groups

Arahura Charitable Trust

Arahura provides levels one, two and three supported accommodation in central Auckland. Advocacy/peer support and social recreation/consumers: Crossroads Clubhouse provides day services for mental health consumers. Based on the International Clubhouse Model.

Auckland North Shore Waves Group

Waves is an eight week programme that aims to support adults 18+ years old who have been bereaved by suicide.

Next group TBC

To register interest in attending or for more information, contact Equip Mental Health.

Auckland Waves Group

Waves is an eight week programme that aims to support adults 18+ years old who have been bereaved by suicide.

Next group TBC

To register interest in attending or for more information, contact Lila Vagana or Lynda Delamore.

Bipolar Support Group at DRIVE Consumer Direction

This monthly support group for those living with bipolar in the Counties Manukau area meets on the first Friday of every month (except January) from 10am-12pm at DRIVE Consumer Direction. People can get together and chat about how they manage life with bipolar. For more information contact Edith or Denise at DRIVE.

Ember – Korowai Takitini

Ember – Korowai Takitini provides number of different services for people experiencing mental distress, people with addiction issues and people with intellectual disabilities.

Family/Whanau Support Group

Inviting all families/whanau from Waitakere, North Shore & Rodney. Supporting Families in Mental Illness provides a safe place for family, whanau and friends of people affected by mental illness. Have the opportunity to share your experiences, gain practical resources and strategies, and hear from guest speakers with mental health expertise. We meet every second Tuesday of every month, 6.45pm to 9pm.

GROW Mental Health

GROW Mental Health offers a supportive environment to help those who struggle to live well in the world. We are a community mental health movement with groups suitable for people recovering from mental illness, anyone suffering a crisis, and for those who need support to self-manage their daily lives. We offer friendship and support at weekly group meetings that are open to all. The meetings follow a routine format and embrace a 12-step program.

The GROW Mental Health community are people who have been in your shoes and know how you feel. We have found our way back to wholeness and our passion is to help you do the same. No referrals are required, no fees are charged, however a small donation to meet group expenses is usual and voluntary.

Kāhui Tū Kaha

Kāhui Tū Kaha provides support to people with mental illness in the community. If you live in the Auckland, Counties Manukau or Waitemata District Health Board areas you can access a range of free services provided you meet the necessary criteria for referral. Kāhui Tū Kaha run a variety of groups for different population groups. Some groups provide recovery support, others provide community mental health education or family/whānau support.

Men's Change and Support Group

A general support group for men going through change, difficult times, including depression - run through Manalive Auckland. Visit their website for more details.

Mothers' Helpers

Mothers' Helpers brings support and practical help to many mothers that are struggling on their own as a single parent, or with postnatal depression/distress. Mothers' Helpers is founded by Kristina Paterson, business owner of NZ Nannies International and registered nurse of more than 15 years.

Papatoetoe Hearing Voices Support Group

Tuesdays, 2pm – 3pm

Solace Support Auckland

A peer support group for people bereaved by suicide. All welcome. Solace meets regularly, on the second Saturday of every month from 9.30am to 12 midday. Solace also holds an annual candle lighting ceremony in November.

Supporting Families - North Shore, Rodney, Waitakere

Supporting Families facilitates free monthly support groups for families, whanau and friends who are supporting someone in their mental health recovery. Share experiences, exchange information, learn different strategies of coping and managing your own needs and those of your loved ones, and hear from guest speakers.

Te Ata

Te Ata is a support centre based in West Auckland for the West Auckland community. They are a peer support service who offer educational, recreational and social support services to people who experience mental health issues and are aged over 18. They are here to help support you on your journey to recovery.

Walsh Trust

The Walsh Trust offers support services that promote recovery for people whose lives have been affected by an experience of mental illness. Services include short-term residential accommodation for older people, housing and recovery support services, life-skills programmes, Jigsaw peer-support, and the EmploymentWorks! employment service and vocational support. Services are predominantly West Auckland-based, but employment support services are also available on the North Shore.

Junction

Peer support and advocacy for people with mental health and/or addiction issues.

Riverlight suicide support Group

Providing hope and inspiration to those coping with the suicide of a loved one, bringing people together in a warm and caring environment.

Meetings are held the first Saturday of each month, 9.30-11-30 at 27 Pio Road, Bowentown, Waihi.

Please email Karin: riverlight62@gmail.com

Or ph/text 021 103 7404 anytime if you would like to chat first.

Tauranga/Western Bay of Plenty Waves Group

Waves is an eight week programme that aims to support adults 18+ years old who have been bereaved by suicide.

Next group TBC.

To register interest in attending or for more information, contact Janet Baird.

Bereaved Parents Christchurch

This group is for parents whose child/children has died. We meet on the first Tuesday from February through to November at 5.30pm. Formal meeting is 6-7pm. Candlelight Service: December venue to be advertised.

Comcare Trust

Provides community support services, supported employment services, housing services, Activelinks physical activity service, peer support services and also intentional peer support training.

MHAPS: Mental Health Advocacy and Peer Support

A peer-led, Christchurch-based charitable trust working in the area of mental health and addictions. MHAPS was formed by a merger of Anxiety Support Canterbury, Bipolar Support Canterbury and Psychiatric Consumers Trust in July 2011 in order to provide a variety of services easily available to people experiencing mental distress/mental illness and addictions. All services are free of charge and no referral is required.

Mothers Supporting Mothers

An incorporated charitable trust established in 1994 by two North Canterbury-based midwives, who recognised a need in the community for a professionally guided support group for mothers struggling with the demands of parenthood.

Step Ahead Trust

Step Ahead Trust provides social, educational, recreational and prevocational rehabilitation through activity-based programmes. Their aim is to enable people to live well in their community.

Tourette's Association New Zealand

The Tourette’s Association of New Zealand is a parent-lead Association which aims to dispel the myths about Tourette Syndrome and to implement strategies within the health and education systems to support New Zealanders living with this neurological disorder.

STAROS - Hawke's Bay Affected by Suicide Support Group

Facilitated group enabling those affected by suicide to talk and share freely with others similarly affected by suicide and ways to manage the impact it has on their lives. For more information email warren@staros.org.nz or sandra@staros.org.nz

ADHD National Support (adults)

Eating Disorders Association of New Zealand

EDANZ is a charitable organisation of parents who have experience in supporting a loved one with an eating disorder. We provide support, practical advice and understanding for parents and carers so they can help their loved one recover. We also provide education and advocacy for early detection, improvements in recovery outcomes and a clear and accessible pathway to evidence based treatment. . We are the only organisation of its kind operating nationally. The information we provide is accurate to the best of our knowledge. However, we are not medical professionals and urge anyone concerned about health issues to seek professional advice.

Fixate: OCD support group

Fixate is a Facebook-based New Zealand support group for people living with OCD, and for those who support someone with OCD. We bring together people to share experiences and information, to form connections and to advocate for OCD awareness. If you're interested in learning more, please visit our website www.ocd.org.nz or email ocd.org.nz@gmail.com. To become a group member, please ask to join Fixate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/533606270318161/

Hearing Voices Network Aotearoa NZ

No support group in your area? Our hearing voices support groups are usually run by volunteers. If there isn't one currently in your area, you might want to consider starting one? If you are interested in doing so, please email us for some advice on how to proceed.

We also have a facebook group where you can join in and chat: fb.com/groups/hearingvoicesnetworkaotearoanz

Kenzie's Gift

Kenzie’s Gift is a charity which supports the mental health of children and young people affected by serious illness or bereavement, ensuring they can live happy and fulfilled lives. Kenzie’s Gift aims to give children and young people the coping mechanisms they need to deal with the anxiety, grief and loss experienced when a member of their family is affected by serious illness or passes away.

They have registered child and family psychotherapists who provide evidence-based one-to-one support, and offer a suite of printed and online resources for both children and parents. They support the wellbeing of children and families by providing:

One-on-one psychotherapy with registered child and family psychotherapists.
Informational web-based resources.
Printed resources: My Journey Kit and Memories Are Forever pack

Parent to Parent

Empowering families and whanau of people with disabilities and health impairments through support and information. Parent to Parent also deliver SibSupport NZ and Altogether Autism programmes.

Supporting Families - North Shore, Rodney, Waitakere

Supporting Families facilitates free monthly support groups for families, whanau and friends who are supporting someone in their mental health recovery. Share experiences, exchange information, learn different strategies of coping and managing your own needs and those of your loved ones, and hear from guest speakers.

Tourette's Association New Zealand

The Tourette’s Association of New Zealand is a parent-lead Association which aims to dispel the myths about Tourette Syndrome and to implement strategies within the health and education systems to support New Zealanders living with this neurological disorder.

Compass Peer Support and Advocacy Service (Health Action Trust)

Community Mental Health peer advocacy and support service aiming to empower tangata whai ora/mental health service users/caregivers to receive the best possible service in a culture of respect and recovery, by ensuring their voice is heard and their rights upheld. or or

Mental Health Consumer Advocacy Service

Offering peer-led advocacy and support to tangata whaiora/mental health services users within the Marlborough community. We walk with you, giving the support and information needed to ensure your voice is heard, and you are able to understand all aspects that relate to your recovery.

HUGS (Helping Understand Grief of Suicide) – Kerikeri & Whangarei

HUGS is a support group open to anyone who has lost their loved one to suicide.

We meet monthly. There is no cost to attend. A koha to contribute to use of the rooms and tea & coffee is appreciated, but not requested.

Details of where we meet is given upon contact. To find out more, please email Diane at: hugscommunity@yahoo.com.

GROW Mental Health

GROW Mental Health offers a supportive environment to help those who struggle to live well in the world. We are a community mental health movement with groups suitable for people recovering from mental illness, anyone suffering a crisis, and for those who need support to self-manage their daily lives. We offer friendship and support at weekly group meetings that are open to all. The meetings follow a routine format and embrace a 12-step program.

The GROW Mental Health community are people who have been in your shoes and know how you feel. We have found our way back to wholeness and our passion is to help you do the same. No referrals are required, no fees are charged, however a small donation to meet group expenses is usual and voluntary.

Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust – Bereavement Support Group

The Life Matters Suicide Bereavement Group meets first Tuesday each month (except in January) at 5.30pm in Dunedin at the Hope Centre.

We also host an online support group called Life Matters Bereavement Support Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/718945024850905/ and we can be contacted via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LifeMattersOtago or website http://lifematters.org.nz/

We also have coffee groups and meet whenever the need arises.

PACT

Support services for people recovering from mental illness, including day centres, supported accommodation, respite, peer support and advocacy.

Connect-Up Waihi

Connect-Up Mental Health Peer Support Group. This is a community support group, where you can meet up with friends and make new ones. Life skill activities, games, art and crafts. Meets weekly and includes monthly visit from Thames Stepping Out mental health organisation. Koha for Stepping Out visit ($2), otherwise free.

GROW Mental Health

GROW Mental Health offers a supportive environment to help those who struggle to live well in the world. We are a community mental health movement with groups suitable for people recovering from mental illness, anyone suffering a crisis, and for those who need support to self-manage their daily lives. We offer friendship and support at weekly group meetings that are open to all. The meetings follow a routine format and embrace a 12-step program.

The GROW Mental Health community are people who have been in your shoes and know how you feel. We have found our way back to wholeness and our passion is to help you do the same. No referrals are required, no fees are charged, however a small donation to meet group expenses is usual and voluntary.

People Relying on People

We are a regional and local support group for family and whānau who are caring for someone with mental illness or drug/alcohol addiction. We provide information, support, education and advocacy in a safe and confidential environment and organise retreats for carers.

Our Family Facilitator holds individual face-to-face and group meetings in Coromandel, Whitianga, Tairua, Thames, Whangamata, Ngatea, Paeroa, Te Aroha and Waihi. We also have a support person based at the Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre at Waikato Hospital, Hamilton. People Relying On People is a non-profit organisation. There is no charge for the services we provide however donations are always welcome.

South Waikato (Tokoroa) Waves Group

Waves is an eight week programme that aims to support adults 18+ years old who have been bereaved by suicide.

Next group TBC.

To register interest in attending or for more information, contact Supporting Families in Mental Illnesses’ Waikato office.

Supporting Families – Waikato (Tokoroa Office)

Supporting Families – Waikato (Tokoroa Office) services family, whānau and friends of those supporting someone experiencing a mental illness. It facilitates a number of groups: (1) Family Connections Programme – for supporters of someone with symptoms of borderline personality disorder; (2) WAVES – A grief education programme for adults bereaved by suicide; (3) Loss & Grief – Course of four workshops about rebuilding your life after changes in your family’s life because of mental illness; (4) Supporting Children Skills – for those close to the unwell person who has children (ie, partner, grandparents etc.); (5) Pro Active Whānau – support group held with speakers. Pro Active Whānau group meets monthly – 1st Wednesday 10:30 am–12 noon. Other courses are held as required (ie, when there are sufficient people interested).

Anxiety Meet Up Group - Wellington

This group has been created for those in the Wellington area who suffer from a range of anxiety disorders, depression and other forms distress. It is a peer led support group that encourages and supports those in a friendly, easy going and non judgmental way. It is a place to share experiences, to offer advice and to comfort those who feel isolated and alone when times are difficult. It is also an opportunity to have some fun, to form friendships and to meet some new like minded and understanding people.

Hutt Valley Waves Group

Waves is an eight week programme that aims to support adults 18+ years old who have been bereaved by suicide.

Dates TBC. To register interest in attending or for more information, contact Lisa Almand or Leah Cooper.

Te Ara Korowai

A peer support and creativity hub for people who would like to attend workshops to improve their mental health and wellbeing. We are open Monday–Thursday from 9.30am–1pm.

Wainuiomata Grief Support Network

Support for those who are experiencing grief through suicide or other death, particularly in the weeks/months after the event when initial support has often ceased. The WGSN is a link and resource service only, and can advise of local professional support services. They do not provide grief counselling or crisis services.

Wellington Waves Group

Waves is an eight week programme that aims to support adults 18+ years old who have been bereaved by suicide.

Dates TBC.

To register interest in attending or for more information, contact Skylight.