FAQs

 

Am I able to be matched with a fieldworker/peer support worker based on cultural or gender needs?

We aim to make the best match where possible, there are male and female fieldworkers of varying ages. We also have cultural fieldworkers: a Pacific Island specialist fieldworker and an Asian specialist fieldworker, fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese and English in addition to our main stream fieldworkers.

 

Do I have to pay for an appointment at Supporting Families Auckland and Northland?

No. We provide a free service.

 

I work during the week, is Supporting Families available in the evening or at weekends?

We understand the demands of a busy life so aim to provide a flexible service. We provide appointments from 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday but are not available on weekends. We can meet at your workplace or even on your lunch hour.

 

Are you a crisis service?

Supporting Families is not a crisis service but we are on hand to offer support between the hours of 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday. For any crisis or if urgent assistance is required please call the Mental Health Crisis Team on 0800 800717.

 

I would like to find out about support groups in my area, when do they run?

We have several support groups, phone reception on 09 378 9134 for further details.

 

Do I have to have a referral from my GP or another service to access your service?

You do not need a referral from either a GP or another service. You can self refer by contacting a fieldworker on 09 378 9134 but another option might be via the Mental Health Services who may offer to refer on your behalf.

 

I don't have access to transport are you able to visit me in my home?

Yes. we can meet you at your home, your workplace or any place you feel comfortable in, for example a café or other community setting. We can also meet you at our Grey Lynn, North Shore or South Auckland office.

 

I need more information about my relatives mental illness, can Supporting Families help?

Supporting Families Fieldworkers are on hand to help you access any information you might need about a specific mental illness, we also have a great library for members full of books to help you do just that. Call us on (09) 378 9134.

 

What does C.M.H.C stand for?

CMHC stands for Community Mental Health Clinic.

 

I would like to set up a family meeting with the CMHC but don't know how to go about it, can Supporting Families help?

Yes, we are able to support a family through a wide range of clinical processes and meetings including assessment, treatment and discharge. A fieldworker can accompany you to a meeting upon your request. We promote self advocacy and aim to empower families to advocate for themselves.

 

How do I become a Supporting Families member and what does it mean?

Becoming a member means you have access to our library. It also entitles you to discounts off upcoming events and a copy of our newsletter. Fill out our membership form and return to SFMI Auckland, PO Box 78-122, Grey Lynn, Auckland, 1245. Otherwise contact Richard or Cathy on reception for more details 09 378 9134. You do not need to be an SFMI member to access our free support.

 

I need support urgently, how long will I have to wait for an appointment?

We aim to respond to referrals from outside agencies or family members within 72 hours. Otherwise fieldworkers are on hand daily to deal with telephone enquiries and self referrals.

 

I would like to talk to someone who has had a similar experience as me, can you help?

Yes. we have Peer Support Workers who work along side fieldworkers and are made up of volunteer family members with a wide range of personal experience. For more information on how to make an appointment or set up a meeting with one of our peer support workers contact Rich or Cathy on 09 378 9134.

 

What areas of Auckland/NZ does Supporting families cover?

We cover all 4 DHB's in Auckland, We have an office in South Auckland, Central Auckland, the North Shore (covering the Waitemata DHB region) and Whangarei, Northland. There are 21 branches Nationwide.

 

What should I do if there isn't a Supporting Families branch in my area?

Even if there isn't a local branch in your area, simply contact your nearest Supporting Families for information on how to access the help and support you need.