Addiction

Salvation Army 

Net Addiction 

Drug Rehab

COMMUNITY ALCOHOL AND DRUG SERVICES - CADS

Recreational drug use and addiction is a complex issue that has permeated the culture and touched the lives of most families.  Find out more here.

Alcohol Effects, Addiction Treatment, and Resources

Are you or anyone you know experiencing alcohol use disorder?

Addiction Group is dedicated to help individuals suffering from substance abuse and prevent new cases through credible information and spreading awareness to as many as we can reach. Every fact-based piece of content is written by journalists or medical professionals.

Alcohol Rehab Help

This website has factual resources and information to help struggling individuals & families get their lives back on track, including relapse prevention skills.

Alcohol Addiction: Effects, Mental Health, and Relapse Prevention

Addiction Treatment Resources

The damage caused by substance abuse doesn’t only affect the individual who is battling alcohol or drug dependency. The effects of addiction impact friends and family members close to the individual, as well. The reason addiction can last months or even years is because friends and family members who recognize what’s going on don’t always know how to seek help for their loved ones. This is where our staff at Free by the Sea comes in.  See more here.

Addiction in teenagers

In our guide, discover when and why teens abuse substances and how you can help them seek treatment.

Read more here.

Recovery

Read more here on ways the Illinois Recovery Center eliminates drug and alcohol abuse by treating clients with substance abuse and related mental health issues with the highest quality care, in an individual multifaceted way to improve the success of recovery and reduce the incidence of readmission.

Adventure and Youth Development

Outward Bound 

Outward Bound uses an incredible learning environment to aid social and emotional learning, the foundations of personal development. Sponsorship and scholarships for a range of courses are available.

Hillary Outdoors Education Centres 

Spirit of Adventure Trust 

Raise up n Represent

Tracks (Boys) / Tides (Girls)

Autism

Autism New Zealand including Aspergers and related disorders 

Autism New Zealand Inc. provides support, training, advocacy, resources and information on autism spectrum disorders including Asperger syndrome. Our members include those who have these conditions, their family/whanau, caregivers and professionals working with them.

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sleep related issues

An excellent resource on ASD and sleep-related issues can be found here

Estate Planning for Parents of Kids with Autism

How to Calm a Child with Autism

Techniques for avoiding and managing meltdowns can be found here

Sensory overload: Teaching children with autism to take medication

For parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), making sure they’re taking medication that keeps them healthy can be an especially difficult task. This guide will explain why children with autism reject medication and specific tips to make taking medicine as easy as possible – see more here

Sensory Activities For Children

“Sensory Activities for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders,” written by Purdue Global’s professor in early childhood, Dr. Lisa Wright is a resource resource provides examples of sensory-friendly community activities and offers activity-planning tips for parents. Find out more here.

Sensory Friendly Space For Individuals with Sensory Processing Disorders

For individuals or families with children that have sensory processing disorder, it is important for homeowners to create a safe space for those dealing with this condition. To find out how to create a sensory-friendly space, click here.

Speech Therapy at Home for Children with Autism

SLPs can teach parents and caregivers appropriate activities to build their children’s communication skills at home from early childhood through young adulthood.

SLPs tailor speech therapy plans and activities to individual children based on their communication abilities and needs. Those plans incorporate activities at home, school and in the community.

“SLPs then collaborate with the parents to establish child-specific techniques and teach them strategies for these routines,” SLP Adena Dacy said. “Together, they share resources, problem solve and offer feedback as needed.”

To find out more, click here.

Oral Hygiene for Children with Autism

Children with autism are likely to suffer many more oral health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease and dental injury, than children without autism. Many autistic kids have sensory sensitivities that make it difficult to maintain an effective oral hygiene routine. Read Byteme’s guide on oral hygiene for children with autism here.

Games & Activities

The importance of play in any child’s life cannot be understated. It helps develop motor skills, cognitive development and enables one’s ability to socialize. For those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), however, play can prove more challenging; special considerations need to be made from both parents and teachers on what resources are used to allow interaction and expression. Find a list of suggested games and activities for young people with autism here.

Guide to Sensory-Friendly and Accessible Event Planning

Meetings, exhibits, tours, festivals, and weddings are but a few of the events people attend every year. These events, however, can present challenges related to facilities, terrain, and ambiance for individuals who have disabilities. Creating an accessible event for all means you must consider the full attendee experience. Everything from the parking and transportation options to the décor and surroundings of the event should be planned out in advance. No matter what event you are planning, these general accessibility tips will help accommodate guests. Find out more here.

Bullying

Netsafe (Online Bullying)

Online bullying can be tough to deal with, and it can feel like there’s ‘no escape’ – but there’s help available.

If you’re being bullied online, or if someone has sent or posted something about you that makes you upset, you can contact Netsafe and they’ll let you know what you can do about it.

0800 What's Up

Youthlaw

The Lowdown

Depression Helpline

Depression and anxiety affects us all differently.  We all face challenges to our mental health. Depression and anxiety changes the way we think, feel and deal with tough times.  Talk to the Depression Helpline today.

Change, Loss & Grief

Skylight

Community Helpline

211 Community Helpline 

The 211 Community Helpline is a free, confidential service that connects people to a wide range of community services and information.  Ph 0800 211 211.

Internet Safety

NetSafe: The internet safety group 

NetSafe, the programme of New Zealand’s Internet Safety Group (ISG), is cybersafety education for all New Zealanders – children, parents, schools, community organisations and businesses. The ISG has been designated the Ministry of Education’s ‘agent of choice’ for cybersafety education in New Zealand.

Cyberbullying and Internet Safety for Kids

The stranger danger scare easily applies to a random creepy person your kid might run into on the street. Most kids know better than to go near them. But what happens when a friend — someone they’ve been opening up to for months, building a solid, trusting emotional relationship — wants to meet in real life? How does a parent deal with classmates who’ve created a group on social media dedicated solely to humiliating, embarrassing, and spreading rumours about their child?

Read more here.

How to Keep Kids Safe on YouTube

Keeping kids away from inappropriate YouTube content can feel overwhelming. There are several billion YouTube videos (500+ hours of video are uploaded every minute), and 2 billion users log into YouTube every month — so how do we filter out all of the violent, sexual, manipulative, hateful, and otherwise unsuitable content that our kids find on YouTube. Find out more here.

Internet Safety for Kids

Threats to children’s internet safety include invasions of privacy, cyberbullying, sexting and harassment. Options to protect your children include parental controls, apps and tracking software. But the most effective way to keep your kids safe is to talk with them about online risks, how to avoid them and how they can come to you when something goes wrong. Find out more here.

Social Media Safety Guide for Kids

Online predators are just one of the many dangers kids face while using social media. They’re also vulnerable to cyberbullying, phishing, scamming, and other threats. Parents and guardians need to be aware of these dangers, including how to take appropriate action should the worst happen. Find out more here.

Mental Health

Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand

The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand is a charity that works towards creating a society free from discrimination, where all people enjoy positive mental health & wellbeing.

Lifeline

Our mission is to reduce distress and save lives by providing safe, accessible, effective, professional and innovative services.

Our free community helplines, 0800 LIFELINE and Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 TAUTOKO as well as our text support service HELP (4357) are answered by our highly trained team from centers in Auckland and Christchurch.

Anxiety In Children

In this resource, find many different ways to reduce anxiety in children. Find out more here.

Mentoring

Big Brothers Big Sisters (Christchurch) 

Big Brothers Big Sisters is designed to provide young people with trustworthy adults who will listen, take an interest in them and be there in times of need.

NZ Youth Mentoring Network 

Parenting Support

Family Works

Kiwi Families

Youthline

Toughlove

Helping People with Disabilities Relocate

With a few tips, we can help our disabled loved ones with little to no hiccups.

Read more here

Speech Impediment Guide: Definition, Causes, and Resources

Speech impediments, or speech disorders, can lead to feelings of insecurity and frustration. They can also cause worry for family members and friends who don’t know how to help their loved ones express themselves. Fortunately, there are a number of ways that speech disorders can be treated, and in many cases, cured. Health professionals in fields including speech-language pathology and audiology can work with patients to overcome communication disorders, and individuals and families can learn techniques to help. Find out more here.

Special Interest Groups

Performance Net 

Based in Auckland, this private company offers regular weekly classes in drama and dance which lead to professional productions, and school holiday programmes.  Contact Performance Net today.

Are you Vision Impaired?

The Vision Centre website has research based information for those seeking eye surgery and other vision correction options. All content published on Vision Centre is researched, written, and edited by licensed optometrists, experienced journalists, and other medical writers in the industry. All pages on our website are fact-based and sourced from recent scientific research, scholarly articles, textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. Other resources available include Eye Exams and Hyperopia.

Special Needs

Parent to Parent

Parent to Parent is a support and information network for parents of children with special needs. Parent to Parent provides information and emotional support to families who have a child with a disability, special need or health impairment. There are more than 3600 different conditions covered by the service, ranging from the very common through to the rarest condition.

Create a safe play ground for Children with Special Needs

Benefits of Outdoor Play for Children With Special Needs

Classroom Accommodations for Kids with Sensory Issues

Most kids with mild sensory problems and no other issues do just fine learning and socializing at school with a bit of understanding, extra support, a sensory diet, and a few simple accommodations. You may be able to work this out informally with your child’s school. However, a child with sensory processing disorder (SPD) may need more help to thrive in the classroom and elsewhere at school (the cafeteria, gym, art class, etc.).

Moving with Special Needs Kids

Outfitting Your House for a Child with a Disability

A great article with some useful tips on how you should modify your Home for a Child with a Disability.

Modifying Your Backyard for Special Needs Children

If you are the parent or caregiver for a child with special needs, you want them to be able to play and explore like any other child but in an environment that is safe for them.  Find out more here

Managing Sensory Overload for Children With Special Needs

Some common behavioral issues present in children may actually be signs of a sensory processing disorder. Find out more here

Special Education During COVID

An article which helps share light on resources for special education in a COVID-19 world. To find out more, click here.

Physical Disabilities Sleep Guide

Getting enough sleep gives you more energy, improves mood, and boosts your immune system. In a nutshell, it makes you healthier and puts you in a better headspace. However, people with physical disabilities tend to suffer from sleep problems and disturbances. For the physically disabled, sleep deprivation can also evolve into narcolepsy, daytime sleepiness, and sleep apnea.

This guide will take a closer look at how people with different physical and sensory disabilities suffer from sleep deprivation and its impact on their overall well-being. Click here to find out more.

Sensory Room Ideas for Children With Autism

Creating a safe and accessible environment for individuals on the autism spectrum is one of the best ways to support them, no matter their individual needs. Thankfully, there are many ways to do this — one way is with a sensory room. Find out more here.

Helping Children with Special Needs Transition to Kindergarten

At Winnie, we believe all children deserve access to high-quality early education and childcare programs designed to meet them where they are and encourage and support their growth. Every child is different and has unique strengths and challenges, and we recognize that no one term accurately describes every child’s experience. Find out more here.

A Guide to Vehicle Modifications for People with Disabilities

Special vehicle modifications for people with disabilities can help keep you on the road. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help properly equip your vehicle.

Special Needs Grants

Find grant resources here

Modify Your House with Our Home Accessibility Checklist

Home modifications help people with disabilities stay in their homes longer by making it easier for them to complete the tasks of daily life. Find out more here

Teen Help

Sparx

How to Help Teens Overcome Substance Abuse

It is essential to understand the signs and symptoms of substance abuse and understand the difference between experimentation and addiction. Teenagers and high school kids are searching for their identity and trying to learn more about themselves. It is a part of growing up and becoming a young adult. To find out more, click here.

Make a Difference: Talk to Your Child About Alcohol

This guide is geared to parents and guardians of young people ages 10 to 14. Keep in mind that the suggestions on the following pages are just that—suggestions. Trust your instincts. Choose ideas you are comfortable with, and use your own style in carrying out the approaches you find useful. To find out more, click here.

Teen Oral Hygiene Guide

Teen oral health is incredibly important. With calendars stacked with school, jobs, sports, and social lives, it can be easy for teens to toss oral hygiene to the wayside. It’s important to prioritize it. Click here to read through Byteme’s Teen Oral Hygiene Guide.

Work Preparation and Training

Forward Focus 

Forward Focus provides work preparation and training courses for young people. A range of topics are covered including obtaining a drivers licence, and developing skills that prepare young people for work.

Big Buddy 

Buddy Programme 

Youth Counselling

I Am Hope New Zealand

I Am Hope is the youth and community focused support group run by The Key to Life Charitable Trust set up to connect kids with mental health counsellors and practitioners in their region or online, so they can get timely support, without the added stress of how to pay the bill.

Find a counsellor here 

or Text or call 1737 any time, 24 hours a day. You’ll get to talk to (or text with) a trained counsellor, completely free of charge.

 

Kidsline

Youthline

Home & Family

Please help us keep this resource list up to date; contact us with any changes in details or if you are involved with or know of other organisations that provide help, information, advice or support to parents.