Kia ora! 😊
Yes…here we go again!
Hopefully the online learning side of things is getting more familiar to most of you by now.
Please contact your Whānau Leader if you are having any problems/challenges with your online learning and they will help you sort it out. Some students tell us they prefer this style of learning while others say they find it REALLY hard!!!
Apart from the challenges of online learning, everyday life has also been turned on its head. Read on for some helpful tips from us as we navigate through tricky times!
Counselling service is available for students during school hours while we are in lockdown.
You can make referrals via student/ caregiver online form that can be found here.
Or, you can email your school counsellor for an appointment if you already have one.
Some tips to maintain a sense of balance and support your wellbeing:
Spend some time outside each day. Just being outside (even if its cloudy) increases serotonin levels which translates to a boost to your mood! While you are outside in the daylight you will also be increasing your likelihood of a good night’s sleep.
Exercise each day. This could be a 40-minute walk, maybe with some people from your bubble or maybe just by yourself listening to your favourite beats (sometimes a bit of alone time out of your house can be refreshing). Remember to wear your mask. You could try a free Youtube bootcamp or yoga session.
Sleep Try to maintain school/ work week sleep routines. This will make it easier for you to attend your online classes/ work and stay connected to colleagues/ teachers and peers. It will also mean that weekends can act like a break from school/ work routine.
Supporting your friends. Many of you will be missing seeing your peer and friends in person. Many of you also maintain regular contact with your friends via social media. This can be a great way to keep in touch and have some fun times. Some gentle words of advice: if you are concerned about the safety of your friend, never keep this to yourself. It is not OK for you to hold this level of responsibility alone. Please tell a trusted adult or ring 111, ask for police and tell them what you know. They will make sure your friend is safe and getting the appropriate support/help.
On a lighter note… Check this out! 😊
Whakatau Mai – The Wellbeing Sessions
https://www.wellbeingsessions.nz/
On this site you have access to a wide range of free online wellbeing sessions in real time.
The holistic sessions include topics such as: yoga and fitness, art and poetry, journaling, meditation and mindfulness as well as to various support groups including one for: LGBTQA+.
There are currently 17 sessions a week available.
This can be a great way to learn something new and make connections with likeminded people.
Also: All sessions include a support person which means there is always someone available to talk to straight away if you’re needing some instant attention, away from the group.
Check out the website and their calendar to find something that suits you!!
Agencies you can contact for assistance
Many families may find it tough going back into Alert Level 4. It can be challenging having children at home, being cut off from family and friends, trying to making ends meet and have high stress levels.
For people with disabilities or autism and their support people, the Explore 0800 000421 phone service available to provide advice or support. This includes advice or support around challenging behaviours. To access this service, you don’t need a referral and it doesn’t matter whether you’re new to Explore, currently on their waitlist or you’ve worked with them previously. The service is available Monday to Friday 9.00am–5.00pm. When you phone the 0800 number you will be connected with an administrator who will then book you an appointment with one of the specialists.
If you or anyone you know wants some advice or support over this time here are some further options that might be useful.
Support services that remain open:
- Women’s Refuge 0800REFUGE or 0800 733 843
- Shine 0508 744 633
- Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797
- Oranga Tamariki call centre 0508FAMILY
- CADS 0800 367 222
- Narcotics Anonymous 0800 628 632
- Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 229 6757
- Lifeline 0800 543 354 or free text 4357
- Youthline 0800 376 633 or free text 234
- Samaritans 0800 726 666
- Outline (LGBT) 0800 688 5463
- Depression Helpline 0800 111 757
- Suicide Prevention Helpline 0508 828 865
- The Fono West (Social Services) 09 837 1780
- Counselling Free Call or Text 1737
- Healthline for COVID-19 health advice: 0800 358 5453
Work and Income services centres are closed. However, you can apply for assistance via MyMSD or phone the contact centre on 0800 559 009.
If you’re in Auckland, the Auckland Emergency Management website may be useful.
If you know someone who needs financial assistance, please tell him/her to call the free government helpline 0800 779 997 (8am–1am, seven days a week).
If you or someone need to access a food bank, please refer to Foodbank New Zealand | East Auckland Foodbanks.
If you know someone is feeling anxious, frustrated or needs a listening ear, they can call or text 1737 to talk with a trained counsellor. It is free 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Some useful websites:
More health advice is available on the Ministry of Health website:
COVID-19 health advice for the public – Ministry of Health