Community Health Services

Dental care

Ākonga living in New Zealand who meet the eligibility criteria are entitled to free dental service until their 18th birthday.

For further information and to check eligibility criteria phone 0800 TALK TEETH (0800 825 583) or visit the Ministry of Health website.

Hearing

Hearing checks need to be arranged through your Medical Centre or family doctor.

Vision

The Ministry of Health website provides information about vision checks for ākonga.

The site also provides a link to information on subsidies that may be offered towards the cost of glasses, eye examinations and repairs. Eligibility criteria are included in their link.

Wellbeing Resources for ākonga and whānau

Bullying free NZ information, resources and tools to help support ākonga, parents and whānau affected by bullying, understand what they can do about it and how to help build a safe, bullying free environment.

Mental Health Foundation information on mental health conditions, where to get help and how to promote and support wellbeing.

Supporting young people with stress, anxiety and/or depression guidelines produced by the Ministry of Social Development for anyone supporting a young person and helping them to access mental health advice and support.

Skylight is a national not-for-profit trust that enables children, young people, their family/whānau and friends to navigate through times of trauma, loss and grief.

SPARX is a computerised self-help programme designed for 12–19 year olds, which can help with mild to moderate depression or if you’re feeling anxious or stressed.

The Lowdown is a website to help young New Zealanders recognise and understand depression or anxiety. The site has helpful information on anxiety, depression (and other issues you may be struggling with like leaving school or getting on with your parents) including:

What’s Up? is a free counselling service for children and young people. The website includes top tips on a range of issues they are most commonly called about, including bullying, loneliness, family violence, relationships and depression.

Youth Law is a free community law centre for children and young people nationwide. This is a good starting place for looking into your rights and the law.

Youthline works with people from all walks of life, from all cultures and with all sorts of things going on in their lives. Contact them about any worries you may have – big or small – via text, email, phone or face-to-face.