Volunteers from within South Westland work together to provide support for community members who need a hand.
Initially local support networks may not appear obvious but good people who know how to help are available.
The South Westland Emergency Relief Trust for Families (SERF) is active across the communities. Their members know the local network and where to go to get you the support you need.
The group is not just to support families, but all people who call South Westland Home, even if it’s just for a few weeks!
In the past SERF have helped with firewood, coal, legal fees, help in finding long term support, food parcels, fuel, doctor appointments, immigration visas, mowing lawns, tidy ups, driving people to appointments, an ear to listen to and advice to give.
Here are the contact details of those that are skilled in providing free confidential support.
West Coast Rural Support Trust
0800 787 254 www.rural-support.org.nz
HEALTHLINE
Free 24/7 health advice, 0800 611 116 www.healthy.org.nz
Lifeline
Free & Confidential Support, 24/7 0800 353 354 www.lifeline.org.nz
What’s Up?
Monday to Sunday 11am to 11pm Confidential advice for kids, teens & Family 0800 942 8787 www.whatsup.co.nz
Rape & Sexual Abuse Support
West Coast 0800 274 747 / 03 768 7700 www.mherc.org.nz
Plunket Line
24/7 for advice about child health concerns: 0800 933 922 www.plunket.org.nz
Westland Victim Support
0800 VICTIM or 0800 842 846 www.victimsupport.org.nz
Disability Information Service
0800 693 342 www.disabilityinformation.nz
Women’s Refuge
(9 am–3 pm Westport) (03) 789 8025 AH 0800 208 339 www.womensrefuge.org.nz
National Poison Centre
0800 POISON 0800 764 766 www.poisons.co.nz
AA
(Alcoholics Anonymous) 0800 229 6757 www.aa.org.nz
Arthritis Foundation
(03) 768 7254 www.arthritis.org.nz
Cancer Society
(03) 768 9557 or Christchurch office 0800 226 237 www.cancer.org.nz
Child Support Agency
Queries re child support 0800 221 221 www.justice.govt.nz
West Coast Stroke Support Group
Greymouth 03 768 0299 www.stroke.org.nz
