WHERE TO GET HELP:

If you are worried about your or someone else’s mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call the police immediately on 111.

OR IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ELSE:

Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) Healthline: 0800 611 116 Alcohol and Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797 or free text 8691 Your local Rural Support Trust: 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP)

Websites:

mentalhealth.org.nz thelowdown.co.nz depression.org.nz justathought.co.nz

For young people:

www.sparx.org.nz

For the elderly:

ageconcern.org.nz has a list of helplines.

Free phone support apps:

❏ Mentemia: created by Sir John Kirwan, this app includes articles, resources and mental health training tools so you can track how you’re feeling and learn some practical tips.

❏ Melon: reach out to an online community of Kiwis who may be experiencing the same thoughts and feelings as you are. The app also provides a health journal, self-awareness tools and other useful resources, including for teens.

❏ Staying on track: a web-based e-therapy tool with a structured step-by-step online course for people who are feeling any kind of pressure and distress from the impacts of Covid-19.

❏ Clearhead: a personalised wellbeing plan to help reduce stress, handle anxieties, manage your emotions and relationship problems, and sleep better.

To donate to The Lighthouse Project, go to givealittle.co.nz/ cause/the-lighthouse-project Funds raised will go to Surfing for Farmers, Men’s Group Wairarapa, Lucky to be Alive, Tough Talk, Canterbury Men’s Centre, Taranaki Retreat and Whirlwind Stories.