What the wellbeing support service provides#

Free holistic service#

The wellbeing support service takes a holistic approach to supporting you while you are engaging in the Ministry’s sensitive claims process. It is a free service that is voluntary for current claimants and their whānau.

Practical support#

The wellbeing support service can help you with the things you would like to improve in your life right now. It is a short-term mechanism to get support while you are waiting for your claim to be processed.

Support if you need it#

The wellbeing support service is not part of your claim. You don’t have to access the service, and it won’t impact any redress package that may be offered to settle your claim.

Types of supports we can offer#

We will be flexible with the types of services we provide to support you and your whānau. It could include:

• healthcare services including doctor, dentist, rongoā, mirimiri, massage, yoga, hearing aids
• counselling
• gym membership
• specialised services including cognitive therapy, equine therapy, dietitian, family or relationship therapy, music therapy, respite care and diagnostic services for example ADHD, dyslexia
• childcare or access to educational or other support for children 
• referral to services including Housing, Work and Income, iwi/local/community social services, law centre, budgeting support 
• equipment that supports job-seeking or study, e.g., computer, mobile phone, stationery, home-office set up
• food, petrol, or clothing vouchers 
• transport costs including flights and accommodation if needed for survivor-centric events
• house maintenance goods or services such as lawn mower, house cleaning
• general goods and equipment such as bicycles, helmets, household furniture, kitchenware, linen, whiteware, sport or hobby equipment (for example gardening tools or fishing equipment)
• birth certificates. 

Counselling sessions#

The wellbeing support can include counselling sessions, which many claimants find helpful while going through our sensitive claims process. You can have a series of sessions, and you do not have to use these all at once.

You are welcome to choose which counsellor to see and we will pay them directly. If you are interested in accessing counselling, let us know.

Accessing this service#

You must live in New Zealand to access the wellbeing support service, except for counselling. Counselling is available to claimants who live overseas as well as those who live in New Zealand.

We are unable to provide the wellbeing support service to people who are in prison.