SUPPORTING BGS MEMBERS

It is in times like these that we are reminded of what communities are made of.  It's the power we all have to support each other, and to bring others close even when we’re physically forced apart.

We at BGS NZ are thinking of you, and wishing health and safety to you and your extended families and loved ones. We know all too well how many people are facing unique challenges during this current COVID-19 period of time. Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to turn for support and assistance. As such, we have created this page to provide links for financial, legal, and health and wellbeing support.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

LEGAL SUPPORT

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the workplace

Guidance for employees, employers and businesses, and financial support.
https://www.employment.govt.nz/leave-and-holidays/other-types-of-leave/coronavirus-workplace/
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If you are a victim of a crime you do not need to have a lawyer. But if you are unsure of your legal rights, or need help with other things – like family law matters – because of the crime, you may want to talk to a lawyer.

You can get free advice from:

​Citizens Advice Bureau
Get free and confidential advice, support and information
Phone: 0800 367 222
Website: www.cab.org.nz

Community Law Centres
Provides free initial legal advice to help you deal with your problem quickly
See the website to find your local centre
Website: www.communitylaw.org.nz

Youth Law
Provides free legal services for all children and young people under 25
Phone: 0800 884 529
Website: www.youthlaw.co.nz

You can also search for a lawyer: New Zealand Law Society
Has an online search function to find a lawyer in New Zealand
Phone: 0800 22 30 30
Website: www.lawsociety.org.nz

​Family lawyers
Has an online search function to find a family lawyer in New Zealand
Phone: (04) 472 7837
Website: www.familylaw.org.nz

HEALTH AND WELLBEING SUPPORT

Healthline
Free health advice and information, anytime – 0800 611 116
Need to talk? To connect with a professional counsellor free call or text 1737
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Lifeline Helpline
0800 543 354
 
Call 0800 LIFELINE (0800 543 354) or text HELP (4357) for free, 24/7, confidential support – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Whatever the issue, we’re here to listen. We’re committed to providing a safe, effective and confidential service to support the emotional and mental wellbeing of our callers and communities.


Kidsline
0800 54 37 54
 
0800 KIDSLINE (0800 54 37 54) is New Zealand’s original telephone counselling service for all kids up to 18 years of age.

Kidsline is uniquely about kids being there for other kids – we are the only near peer model that exists to include secondary school students.

Kidsline is available 24/7 however when kids ring between 4pm – 9pm Monday – Friday they will speak to a Kidsline Buddy – a specially trained year 12 and 13 volunteers.

At Kidsline we listen really carefully to what you’ve got to say. We’ll support and encourage you and help you come up with the best approach to what’s happening for you.
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Suicide Crisis Helpline
0508 828 865
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0508 TAUTOKO is a free, nationwide service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is operated by highly trained and experienced telephone counsellors who have undergone advanced suicide prevention training.

​If you think you, or someone you know, may be thinking about suicide, call the Suicide Crisis Helpline for support.
© Copyright 2021, BGS NZ.