Wellbeing and support services

Support through the redress process

Support services can help with:

• emotional wellbeing

• cultural support

• peer support

• advocacy

• practical assistance

• connecting with other services

The State redress service does not provide these services directly.

However, the State redress service can provide information about available support options and help connect you with appropriate services where needed.

Survivor Experiences Service 

The Survivor Experiences Service is available for people who experienced abuse in State care, faith-based care, or other care settings, as well as for their whānau. 

The service can help people share their experiences and access records support.  

Call: 0800 456 090

Text: 8328 

Email: contact@survivorexperiences.govt.nz

To find out more about the Survivor Experiences Service, visit survivorexperiences.govt.nz

Helplines and support services 

The following helplines and support services can provide information, support, and practical help. All services listed below are free.

Crisis and emotional support

• Need to talk? Call or free text 1737any time for support from a trained counsellor
  Free Call or text: 1737 

• Lifeline
  Call: 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE)
  Free text: 4357 (HELP) 

• Suicide Crisis Helpline
  Call: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) 

• Depression Helpline Call or free text to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions
  Call: 0800 111 757 
  Free text: 4202

Abuse and trauma support

• Safe to talk (Available 24/7) Free call, txt or email for free and confidential information and support from trained counsellors for people affected by sexual harm.
  Free call: 0800 044 334
  Free txt: 4334
  Email: support@safetotalk.nz

• Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Aotearoa New Zealand Support services for male survivors of sexual abuse. Refer to website for the support organisation nearest to you or call.
  Free call: 0800 044 334
  Free text: 4334 

• SNAP - Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests Providing peer support for women and men wounded by religious and institutional authorities (priests, ministers, bishops, deacons, nuns, coaches, teachers, and others) 

• Victim Support This free service provides emotional and practical support, information, financial assistance, referral to other support services and advocacy for the rights of victims 

Records and survivor support

• Kōnae a guide to access your records
  Email: contact@konae.org.nz

• Survivor Experiences Service Free call, txt or email to share your care experiences, and access care records.
  Free call: 0800 456 090
  Free text: 8328
  Email: contact@survivorexperiences.govt.nz

Other support services

• Alcohol and Drug Helpline Free call or online chat for people dealing with an alcohol or other drug problem; 10am to 10pm.
  Free call: 0800 787 797

• Anxiety phone line 
  Free call: 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)

• Are You OK free call for 24/7 specialist family violence support
  Free call: 0800 456 450

• OUTline NZ Provides confidential telephone support for sexuality or gender identity issues; 9 am to 9 pm weekdays, and 6 pm to 8 pm weekends)
  Free call: 0800 688 5463 (OUTLINE) 

• Skylight Free call for trauma, loss and grief; 9am–5pm weekdays
  Free call: 0800 299 100

• Telehealth services Government-funded free to the public, 24x7 national telehealth services, run across seven digital channels.
• Youthline Free call, txt, email or online chat, 24/7
  Free call: 0800 376 633
  Free text: 234
  Email: talk@youthline.co.nz

Contact the State redress service 

You can contact the State redress service if you would like information about support options or help connecting with appropriate services.