Christmas and New Year can be tough for people experiencing loneliness, stress, or conflict, but help and services are available in Central, either in person, on the phone, or via online resources.

The Southern Lakes Wellbeing group (Te Hau Toka) has prepared an online guide ‘Getting help over Christmas and New Year’ specific to Cromwell and Alexandra.

Some services are closed over Christmas, or they have an on-call roster, allowing carers a chance to take a break and recharge as well. 

Similar online guides exist for Queenstown Lakes and Fiordland if you’re in a neighbouring district and need help. Find them here (at the end of the page).

NZ Police advice around how to get support if you, or someone you know is in mental distress, but it is not an immediate threat to life, is to connect to health services.

People should contact their general practitioner, or local Mental Health Crisis team (for Southern call 0800 467 846 and press 2 for Otago), or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

If you are worried about a friend or family member, or you’re struggling, there are options for support, including reaching out to friends and having a chat with them to see how you can support them and letting them know you care.

You can talk to your GP, take a support person with you if you feel you need to and it is free to text or phone ‘Need to talk? 1737’ at any time for support from a trained counsellor.

Useful and free numbers:

• Lifeline 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or text 4357 (HELP). 24/7 helpline staffed by health professionals and highly trained volunteers
• Youthline 0800 376 633, text 234 or email [email protected] or online chat
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
• Healthline 0800 611 116 is staffed by an experienced team including registered nurses, paramedics and health advisors who can provide you with health information and advice
• Depression Helpline 0800 111 757 or text 4202
• OutLine Aotearoa 0800 688 5463 (0800 OUTLINE) for sexuality or gender specific help
• Women's Refuge Crisis line 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
• Are You OK 0800 456 450 family violence helpline

Remember if you, or somebody you know, is in immediate danger call 111 immediately.

For more wellbeing and health help, see The Central App’s Health section.