Health education and support organisations
1737 – Need to talk? – Free call or text 1737 anytime, 24 hours a day, and you’ll get to talk (or text with) a trained counsellor. 1737 is for anyone to call and is part of the National Telehealth Service.
Addiction Services – Walk in Specialist Addiction Services clinics Monday – Wednesday 12 – 2pm , ground floor, main block, Wakari Hospital, 369 Taieri Road, Halfway Bush, Dunedin. Phone 03 4769 760 or 0800 44 33 66. No appointment needed. Explore options available to address problem substance use. Support people or whanau/family are welcome.
Alcoholics Anonymous – if you find problem drinking, binge drinking, drinking blackouts or other alcohol problems are affecting your life and that of your friends and family, Alcoholics Anonymous may have the solution for you.
Alphabet Soup – A group for LGBT and questioning 12 – 18 year olds in Dunedin run by trained facilitators. Email: alphabetsoup@gmail.com
Alzheimers Society Otago – contact details for the Alzheimers Society Otago.
Arthritis New Zealand – is a voluntary organisation which represents the interests of those with arthritis.
Asthma Foundation – we provide resources on our website and support our 17 affiliated Asthma Societies in providing education, support and advice.
Cancer Society – the Cancer Society of New Zealand is the leading organisation dedicated to reducing the incidence of cancer and ensuring the best cancer care for everyone in New Zealand.
CanTeen – supporting young people living with cancer. If you, or a brother or sister are aged between 13 and 24 and have been diagnosed with cancer, CanTeen is for you.
Coeliac New Zealand – Coeliac New Zealand is a not for profit organisation supporting those diagnosed with coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis who must eat a life-long gluten free diet. We assist, promote and educate regarding the disease and collaborate with gluten free manufacturers, medical professionals and support research into coeliac disease.
Depression Helpline – Talk to a trained Counsellor at the Depression Helpline about how you are feeling. Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202
Diabetes New Zealand – the aim of the organisation is to support its 14,000 members, 39 diabetes societies throughout New Zealand, and health professionals involved with diabetes.
Disability Information Service – a charitable organisation offering health and disability services, advice and equipment to the people of Otago for over 25 years, helping join the dots, source resources and removing barriers to independence.
Epilepsy New Zealand – we want to live in a society where everyone understands epilepsy and where attitudes are based on fact not fiction.
Family Planning Dunedin – works with people of any gender identity, age, nationality and sexual orientation offering confidential and non-judgemental clinical services such as contraception, testing and treatment for sexually transmissible infections and much more. For NZ residents under 22, clinic visits are free.
Gender Minorities Aotearoa
Peer-led organisation. They provide a national services and information database.
Heart Foundation – we help people affected by heart disease, fund research, help people make healthy living choices and run programmes to encourage Kiwi heart health.
InsideOUT
Making schools a safer place for all young people of minority sexualities, sexes and genders.
Making Schools Safer for Trans and Gender Diverse Students
Inclusive Education
How New Zealand schools support trans and other rainbow students.
La Lache League – La Leche League is run by mothers for mothers. Whether you’re pregnant or already breastfeeding, you’ll find great support and ideas at La Leche League.
Lifeline Aotearoa – Lifeline Aotearoa’s helpline and textline provide 24/7, confidential support from qualified counsellors and trained volunteers.
Mahana Southern Maori Mental Health and Addiction Service – Counselling and support to individuals and whanau experiencing mild to moderate addictions and co-existing mental health issues, also cultural wellbeing initiatives. Referrals: admin@kaitahu.maori.nz, or 0800 925 242, or self-present at Level 4, 333 Prices Street, Dunedin 9016.
Mental Health Foundation
Resources on mental health and wellbeing.
Takatāpui: Part of the Whānau (PDF, 14.8 MB)
OUSA – Queer Support – provides support for queer and questioning students, their friends and whanau at the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic. One on one, peer and group support. Email: q.support@ousa.org.nz
Quitline – if you are thinking about quitting, are working to become a non-smoker, or you have relapsed – you will find support information on this site and through Quitline.
RainbowYOUTH
An organisation that supports gender-diverse young people in New Zealand.
Inside Out – educational videos
I’m Local – provides information on local trans services by region, with a focus on rural New Zealand
Sexual Harm Assessment Clinic – Free and confidential service for non-forensic and historic sexual assault medical care.
Contact; 0800 114 411 or email; shac@southerndhb.govt.nz
For urgent sexual abuse care contact police, your GP or go to the Emergency Department.
Seniorline – A free information service to help older folk and their families navigate the health system to make decisions about staying at home, retirement villages, home care, day care and rest homes.
Southern Stop Smoking Service – free service offering community group clinics and one-on-one support with mobile site coaches.
The Lowdown – TXT 5626 – helping young people who are stuck or anxious or depressed.
UniQ Otago – provides safe, queer friendly spaces and social events for Dunedin based queer and questioning students and non-students. Email: otagouniq@gmail.com