COVID-19 Update – We are still operating by phone, text, email and internet for our community
To the Buller Community,
What unprecedented times we are facing. Our country is in lockdown. The situation feels bizarre and surreal, and at times it’s hard to believe what we are reading and seeing. These are uncertain times, and naturally we’re feeling unsure, vulnerable and scared. But we are all in this together, and through kindness, courage and resilience, we will get through.
As we navigate this unprecedented time, we continue to keep the safety and wellbeing of our clients and team members at the forefront of our thinking. We want to let you know about what Homebuilders are doing in response to COVID-19.
As we continue to navigate through Alert Level 4, we have received official advice from the government that Homebuilders is an essential service, so can stay as fully operational as we can during Alert 4. Saying this – we are not working face to face during this crisis – we are working remotely and will contact you via phone, text, zoom or skype. If we need to visit, to transport children or whanau, or to be in close contact – we will be wearing personal protective equipment.
This pandemic experience is massive in testing our collective vulnerability. We can be our worst selves when we’re afraid or our very best, bravest selves. In the face of what is ahead of us, let’s choose to be brave and especially to be kind. This storm will pass and our community and relationships will be stronger for it in the long term.
Our services we continue to offer across the Buller and West Coast:
• Social work support – including responding to Family Harm, caring for children and suggestions and options for parents, respite care for children
• Social workers in schools – working with each school remotely
• Counselling for children and families – counsellors available and working remotely
• Big Brothers Big Sisters Youth Mentoring – no face to face contact with young people
• Connecting Families Programme – we are taking referrals for next term
Referrals can be made via email office@homebuilderswpt.co.nz or phone 03 788 8065 or 03 768 6665.
Thank you for your ongoing support and from our whānau to yours, we wish you the very best health, strength and wellbeing over the coming weeks and months.
We are here for you……
From all of us at Homebuilders
We will add suggestions and resources to our Homebuilders West Coast Trust Facebook page and this website – see below – to support our work with children and families, during this very uncertain and challenging time.
Links and Resources
Kawatiri Family Harm Provider Contact List
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/120488108/how-to-take-care-of-your-kids-during-covid19
https://learningfromhome.govt.nz/
https://www.headspace.com/covid-19
Coronavirus Resources for Parents and Children
If you would like any of the Docx. or PDF resources on the Coronavirus Resources for Parents and Children link above please send an email to: office@homebuilderswpt.co.nz
Talking to children about natural disasters, traumatic events, or worries about the future
Child Mind Institute- articles for parents
Ministry of Education (NZ) resource on Coronavirus
Coronavirus Explained! (for kids)
Health Navigator: General apps for mental health and wellbeing
National helplines:
Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865
(0508 TAUTOKO)
Healthline – 0800 611 116
Covid19 line – 0800 358 5453
Depression-specific helplines:
Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions)
www. depression.org.nz – includes The Journal online help service
SPARX.org.nz – online e-therapy tool provided by the University of Auckland that helps young people learn skills to deal with feeliAdd Newng down, depressed or anxiety.
Helplines for children and young people:
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
thelowdown.co.nz – or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626
Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) for young people up to 18 years of age.
Domestic Violence Helplines:
0800 733 843 Women’s Refuge crisis line — free from any phone, 24 hours a day, every day.
0508 744 633 Shine Helpline — free from any phone, 9am to 11pm every day.
0800 456 450 It’s Not OK info line — free from any phone, 9am to 11pm every day.