Feeling anxious about work

Getting a job and going to work doesn't have to be hard. These services can make life easier and give you confidence.

You can get help to:

  • build your confidence
  • work through your worries
  • overcome obstacles.

All these services are free.

Build your confidence

You can use these services when it suits you. They'll help you build your strengths and confidence, and plan your future.

Te Heke Mai

An app and coaching service to help when you're looking for work, or starting training or a new job. It's open to anyone in New Zealand.

Find out more about Te Heke Mai

Whītiki Tauā

Talk to a reliable and non-judgemental mentor, on the phone or video call. They'll help you with any questions or tough situations. You can get this for up to 12 months. It's run by Whakarongorau Aotearoa.

You can join if you're:

  • in Mana in Mahi, or
  • 18-24 years old and getting a benefit, or recently stopped your benefit to start work or study.

Call Whītiki Tauā on 0800 089 898 or visit the Whakarongorau Aotearoa website

Work through your worries

These are free counselling services to help you work through anything worrying you. They'll help you understand your worries, manage anxiety, and plan for your future.

Puāwaitanga counselling

Get free phone and web-based counselling. It can help with low mood, anxiety, grief, addictions, and relationship issues. It's run by Whakarongorau Aotearoa.

You can get it if you are 18 or older, and either:

  • get a benefit, extra help (e.g. Childcare Subsidy or Disability Allowance) or a pension from Work and Income
  • get regular payments from StudyLink (e.g. a Student Loan)
  • have a Community Services Card
  • are in emergency or public housing.

Call 0800 782 999 or visit the Puāwaitanga website

E Ara E

A counselling and mental health service helping young Aucklanders with work or study. It's run by Odyssey Auckland.

You can join if you're 18-24, get a benefit, and live in Auckland region.

Visit the E Ara E page on the Odyssey website

Take Charge

A counselling and mental health service for young people in Canterbury. You can get help to work or study, and manage your wellbeing. It's run by Odyssey House.

You can join if you're 18-24, get a benefit, and live in Canterbury.

Visit the Take Change page on the Odyssey House website

Overcome obstacles

Looking after your mental health is important. But it can be big step to take. These services can help you take that step.

These services can help you manage your mental health, including depression and addiction. Their focus is to make sure you have expert support that works for you.

Rākau Rangatira

A community-led programme in Whangārei based on kaupapa Māori. It helps with addiction, managing mental health, and working towards getting a job. It's run by Te Hau Āwhiowhio ō Otangarei Trust.

You can join if you:

  • live in Whangārei
  • have a health condition, disability, or struggle with addiction
  • are getting a benefit.

Call the Te Hau Āwhiowhio ō Otangarei Trust on 0800 120 912 or visit their website:

Rākau Rangatira - Te Hau Āwhiowhio ō Otangarei Trust website

Individual Placement and Support

Extra support if you have a severe mental health condition. You'll get help to find a job, and keep it. It's available in some areas from Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) and Māori Mental Health Services.

Individual Placement and Support will give you an employment consultant to work with. They will work with you and your mental health support team, and make a plan to help you get a job.

You can get this if you have a severe mental health condition, and are a patient with either:

  • Te Whatu Ora Auckland
  • Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau
  • Te Whatu Ora Waitemata Adult Mental Health services
  • Moko (Māori Mental Health) Services in Waitemata.

Contact your Mental Health Key Worker at your mental health provider to apply for this.

Here Toitū

Get a dedicated support team working with you and your health provider. They'll help you set goals and plan how to reach them.

You can get this if you either:

  • get a main benefit (e.g. Supported Living Payment or Jobseeker Support), or
  • have a job but can't work right now due to a health condition, injury or disability

You also need to be a patient of a doctor registered with either:

To find out more Here Toitū, contact one of the health providers in the list above, or talk to your doctor.