COVID-19 Support - Resources for Rangatahi, Whānau and the Youth Sector

There’s no shortage of advice and helpful hints available about how to support young people to overcome the challenges they are facing during COVID-19. We’ve gathered a selection together below and will continue to add to this list as new information becomes available.

Government’s mental health toolkit

A set of tools for coping with the effects of COVID-19 and the Alert Level Four lockdown on our mental health has been released. Getting Through Together is an online resource divided into subjects such as parenting and whānau, workplace wellbeing, te ao Māori and identity and culture, and offers written articles, tips, questionnaires, activities and games delivered in a range of formats. Phone numbers for services such as Lifeline and Healthline can also be found on the site.

Youthline

Youthline is a helpline for children and young people - they're available to help in lots of different ways. Contact the Helpline:

Health-focused websites available free through sponsored data

There are now 13 websites that are available (mostly) free to anyone on the Spark, Skinny, Vodafone or 2degrees networks. The only caveat is that users will be charged if they view any video embedded from another site (e.g. if there’s a YouTube clip on the website). To find the full list of sponsored websites and for more information, visit the Ministry of Health website.

Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand

The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand is a charity that works towards creating a society free from discrimination, where all people enjoy positive mental health and wellbeing. Visit their website for a list of all available helplines and ways in which you can look after your mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19.

General advice and guidance

The Parenting Place provides information and tips covering things like surviving lockdown with a teenager, self-care, helping kids stay calm and managing anxiety and disappointment.

https://www.theparentingplace.com/health-wellness/

Resource for those working with and supporting young people

Navigating the pandemic together – Ara Taiohi has created a Digital Youth Sector Hub to support people who work with young people with a central space for good information for their mahi. 

https://arataiohi.org.nz/home/navigating-the-pandemic-together/

Resources for rainbow young people and their supporters

Te Ngākau Kahukura have developed a page for people who are working with, supporting or living with rainbow young people.

https://www.tengakaukahukura.nz/covid19

Online mental health support for children and young people

Some great resources on The Lowdown for young people feeling anxious at this time. They'll be posting new content on their Facebook page every couple of days.

Balancing work demands with parenting

Keeping kids and teens active and entertained

A guide to connecting neighbourhoods in Covid-19 lockdown

Videos for parents about home schooling from parenting expert, Nathan Wallis

Parents might find these videos helpful when school holidays are finished:

Resources to build resilience in young people and whānau

Skylight Trust has created some great resources to help young people and their whānau cope with any stresses they're currently facing. The resources include:

  • How to build resilience during COVID-19
  • Tips for looking after yourself through COVID-19
  • Self-care
  • Building your child or teen's resilience during COVID-19
  • Coping - through this time, and beyond - some helpful website links

Skylight is also offering ONLINE counselling services.

Check out https://www.skylight.org.nz for more information.

Government’s COVID-19 website

Looking for more information on Covid-19? Check out https://covid19.govt.nz/. Learn the simple steps you can take to unite against the virus and slow its spread. Find out what help is available and get the latest updates.

Ministry of Social Development (MSD)

If you’ve been affected by COVID-19, MSD may be able to help.

https://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/newsroom/2020/covid-19/index.html

Protect our whakapapa - Posters (English and te reo Māori)

Information sheets from Te Puni Kōkiri designed to help whānau stay safe during the Level 4 lockdown period.

https://www.tpk.govt.nz/en/a-matou-mohiotanga/covid-19/protect-our-whakapapa