Life Advice for those with care experience from VOYCE

Being in care can be challenging from time to time, all you have to remember is that there are lots of great people out there who are happy to answer questions or help support you.

So if you find that you are in a bit of a jam and could do with assistance to help get you unstuck, please do not hesitate to reach out. Below are some of the services available to you.

If you’re worried about your family, you can call Oranga Tamariki and talk to a trained social worker. They will be able to listen to you, and then work out what kind of help your family might need.

If you have questions related to your rights and wellbeing in care, The Office of the Children’s Commisioner advocates for the rights of children and young people in law, policy and practice and they monitor services under the Children, Young Persons and their Families Act.

0800 55 89 89

Oranga Tamariki has extended support to young people leaving care and youth justice as they transition to adulthood through our new Transition Support Service – designed to ensure young people leaving care have the support and opportunities they need to successfully transition to adulthood and achieve their goals. If you’ve been in foster care or in a youth justice residence, you may be eligible for support so call the team.

LEGAL SERVICES

Your lawyer represents you in any court processes, and will help explain what’s going on, and make sure the judge is told what you think. If you don’t know who your lawyer is or how to get in touch with them, ask your social worker.

YouthLaw Tino Rangatiratanga Taitamariki is a free community law centre for children and young people nationwide.

EDUCATION AND CAREER

Thinking about learning more, getting training or heading to work? Youth Service supports 16 to 19 year olds to find pathways to jobs and an independent future.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Check them out for help about anything, big or small stuff, that’s going on with you and you would like some advice for. They can help 24/7.

If your problems are getting you down, messing you up or just plain muddling with your brain, talk to Aunty Dee. She’s here to help you figure things out.

Free call or text 1737 any time, 24 hours a day. You’ll get to talk to (or text with) a trained counsellor. The service is completely free.

Going through a tough time? You can talk for free to a trained youth volunteer at Kidsline 11am-11pm, they help young people up to the age of 18 and can give you advice for what you’re going through.

Want to speak to someone about how you’re feeling right now? Whether you’re stressed, lonely, depressed or unsure, Lifeline have a free phone line that you can call 24/7 where you can speak with someone who will be able to help.

0800 What’s Up (0800 942 8787) is a free counselling service. It’s a safe place for you to talk about anything at all, so if you need support or someone to talk to, give them a call as they’d love to chat. For a phone counsellor, you can call free 11am-11pm. Also, online chat is open 11am-10.30pm.

SPARX helps young people learn skills to deal with feeling down, depressed or stressed. There is also an App you can download. It’s normal to feel down, angry or stressed at times but when these feelings don’t go away or start affecting how you’re getting on with school, you may need some extra help.

GENDER OR SEXUAL IDENTITY

If you are wondering about your gender or sexual identity, the awesome people at Rainbow Youth can help.

SEXUAL HARM

HELP works to empower women and children recovering from the effects of abuse and educates the community on preventing sexual abuse in the future.

SEXUAL HEALTH

Te Kaha O Te Rangatahi are a Māori Community based service delivering sexual health and teenage pregnancy services to young Māori and Pacific Island rangatahi (youth) and their whanau within the Counties Manukau (South Auckland), Central, North and West Auckland areas.

Got questions about your sexual or reproductive health? Family Planning can offer you confidential and non-judgemental support and healthcare. They work with people of any gender, age, nationality or sexual orientation.