Agencies you can contact for assistance
It can be tough going back into Alert Level 4. Having children at home, being cut off from family and friends, trying to making ends meet can be a challenge.
The Explore 0800 000421 phone service is available to provide advice or support to families with children who have extra learning needs. This includes advice or support around challenging behaviours. To access this service, you don’t need a referral and it doesn’t matter whether you’re new to Explore, currently on their waitlist or you’ve worked with them previously. The service is available Monday to Friday 9.00am–5.00pm. When you phone the 0800 number you will be connected with an administrator who will then book you an appointment with one of the specialists.
If you or anyone you know wants some advice or support over this time here are some further options that might be useful.
Support services that remain open:
Work and Income services centres are closed. However, you can apply for assistance via MyMSD or phone the contact centre on 0800 559 009.
If you need some assistance with food these food banks may be able to help. Call first for instructions of how they are operating to ensure physical distancing:
If you’re in Auckland, the Auckland Emergency Management website may be useful.
If you know someone who needs financial assistance, please tell him/her to call the free government helpline 0800 779 997 (8am–1am, seven days a week).
If you know someone is feeling anxious, frustrated or needs a listening ear, they can call or text 1737 to talk with a trained counsellor. It is free 24 hours a day, seven days a week.