Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui. Be strong, be brave, be steadfast.
As many of us are currently living in various forms of self-isolation, we will be confronted by new and continuing challenges to our lives, or hear of others (colleagues, friends, students, family members) who are finding things tougher than ever. Self-isolation can exacerbate so many social and mental health issues (including family violence, anxiety, depression, financial hardship), it’s reassuring to know that there are services still ‘out there’ who can try to assist.
As our Shiloh team are co-located in both South Yorkshire UK and Auckland NZ, we thought we would start the ball rolling by sharing a list of support services and helplines that remain open in these regions at this time. This is not an exhaustive list, and some of the services listed are nationally available.
If you would like to add to this list, or have us post similar services open in your region (wherever that may be in the world) do contact us and we will share the information here.
Help lines and support services open at the moment in Auckland and wider New Zealand
In an emergency, call 111.
Financial support
Student hardship fund – A fund for University of Auckland students impacted financially by Covid-19
AUSA hardship grants – to assist University of Auckland students in hardship with the basic necessities of life.
NZ Govt advice on financial support
Helplines and support services for victims of sexual abuse, sexual assault, and family violence
HELP Auckland crisis service remains open 24/7 – 0800 623 1700
Rape Crisis – 0800 88 33 00
Safe to Talk helpline – 0800 044 334, text 4334, email: [email protected], or live web-chat on their website.
Shakti Crisis Line – 0800 742 584 (for migrant or refugee women living with family violence)
SHINE – for family violence advice and support 0508 744 633
Women’s Refuge Crisis line – 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
Counselling and mental health support helplines
Lifeline – counselling and support. 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).
National Mental Health Line – 1737
OUTLine – support for LGBTIQ+ people 0800 OUTLINE (0800 688 5463), 6pm-9pm every evening.
Samaritans – 0800 726 666.
SPARX – online e-therapy app created by the University of Auckland and free in NZ. Suitable for people with mild to moderate anxiety and depression.
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Youthline – Free call 0800 376 633, Free text 234. Or Facebook messenger via website.
Homelessness
Auckland City Mission is still providing services during the country’s self-isolation period, but some of their services have changed in light of COVID-19.
Donating to support services
The NZ-based Givealittle website lists various groups and projects in need of support right now, including food banks, refugee support, elder care, and the Red Cross.
Help lines and support services open at the moment in Yorkshire
In an emergency call 999
Helplines and support services for victims of sexual abuse, sexual assault, and family violence
IDAS, Independent Domestic Abuse Service. 0808 2000 247 (National 24 hours helpline). IDAS has quickly adapted its services, providing video support sessions, WhatsApp messaging and online live chats, alongside keeping refuges and helplines staffed and running. You can read about IDAS’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and make a donation, here.
Leeds Women’s Aid – 24-hour helpline 0113 246 0401. LWA remain operational, although some services have changed. You can find out more on their website.
Domestic abuse helpline – 0808 808 2241. More information is available on the Sheffield Domestic Abuse Coordination Team website.
Doncaster Rape and Abuse Counselling Service – 01302 360421
Rape Crisis England and Wales have a number of support services available at present, including help lines, web chat, and live chat. Follow the link to their website for more information. Their national helpline is also still open: 08088 029 999 between 12-2.30pm and 7-9.30pm every day.
Additional support services for victims of sexual assault and abuse in Yorkshire can be found listed here.
Mental health support services
The Samaritans can be contacted via telephone (116 123) or email ([email protected]).
Papyrus Hopeline UK suicide prevention group have a helpline (0800 068 41 41) that is open and their website also has some valuable resources.
Mind mental health charity can be contacted for information via telephone (0300 123 3393), email: [email protected], text: 86463.
The Mix – a great website offering support for under-25s. There is a lot of material there relating to anxieties around COVID-19.
Homeless services
St George’s Crypt in Leeds is just one charity of many providing help for the homeless in these particularly difficult circumstances. The Crypt is currently running an additional shelter out of a city hotel, providing food and beds. You can read about their work and make a donation, here.
