Frequently Asked Questions

At Eastern Coromandel Community Services, we assist people with a wide range of queries. These could include helping you get to a hospital appointment, advocacy with practical support, loss of income, holiday care for children, relationship issues, mental health concerns, whanau support – just about anything you need to know we will try to find the answer for you.

Once you have made a referral either through our office, via telephone, or website, we may ask a little more on how we can help, your availability and preference for a male or a female (counselling only). You will receive written acknowledgment of your referral and estimated wait-time, if applicable. Referrals are allocated to our clinicians, and they will contact you by telephone to make an appointment.

Yes between Monday to Friday 9.00 am – 3.00 pm. We endeavor to help where we can for people who choose to walk in – sometimes there may be a slight wait. Please note, we are not a crisis centre. 

No, we are open Monday to Friday.

You can talk to a trained counsellor for free 24/7 confidential help, advice or support. Call or text 1737 any time for free support.

Other helpline numbers:

• Healthline – 0800 611 116

• Lifeline – 0800 543 354

• Mental Health Crisis (Coromandel) – 0800 505 050

• Youthline – 0800 376 633

• Alcohol & Drug helpline – 0800 787 797

• Suicide prevention - 0800 435 728

• Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757

• IN AN EMERGENCY PLEASE CALL 111 

Yes. Our Charities Services registration number is CC11448.

We rely heavily on donations to continue to provide quality services to this community and its surrounds.

You can make a one-off or regular donation by automatic payment/bank transfer or by popping into our office, 505 Port Road, Whangamata. Food bank items are also gratefully received. Our donation page can provide you with more details.

Yes, please ask us for a donation receipt at the end of the financial year. Donation payments of $5 or more are tax deductible, allowing you to receive 33% of your donations back from IRD. For information about claiming donation tax credits visit the IRD website here.

As many as it takes. The number of sessions required varies depending on the complexity of the issues you want to work on and what you want to achieve for yourself. Some individuals may find relief after a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term support. This can be discussed with your counsellor. Find more about our counselling service here.

Counselling sessions are for 60 minutes. Sessions for children are often 30 - 45 minutes. Find more about our counselling service here.

We offer counselling sessions by koha/donation. As a not-for-profit organisation, we appreciate any support towards our services. You can read more about your koha contribution here. 

No, although we can send any correspondence to WINZ Waihi. The nearest WINZ is located in Waihi at 16 Seddon Street, Waihi 3610.

Yes, IRD come to our office every third Wednesday of each month. You can make an appointment by contacting our office.