Support and assistance

A range of support and assistance services is available to help you with earthquake-related matters. Ideally you should find out about and/or use some of these options to try to sort out your issues before you contact the Residential Advisory Service.

If you’re not sure if you can use the free RAS service, find out more about who can use RAS.

The support and assistance services available are as follows:

 

Community organisations

The information below provides links to websites that can inform you of local community activities and events as well as innovative community initiatives taking place in your community.

CINCH (Community INformation Christchurch)

CINCH (Community INformation Christchurch) is an online community directory of community organisations, clubs and continuing education course providers in the greater Christchurch area.

For more information see: http://cinch.org.nz

 

Housing

Canterbury Earthquake Temporary Accommodation Service (CETAS)

CETAS provides a matching and placement service into appropriate temporary accommodation, financial assistance for additional accommodation costs and social wellbeing coordination for earthquake affected households.

CETAS can advise you the best options for temporary accommodation available at the time. Depending on your circumstances you may be eligible to receive financial help with your temporary accommodation costs. CETAS can provide assistance with this.

Go to www.temporaryaccommodation.mbie.govt.nz or call 0508 754 163.

Useful links

Residential and commercial property assessment, insurance, debris cleanup, information for employers and employees etc.

 

Health and wellbeing

Canterbury Support Line

If you, your family or friends need support call the support line to be connected to free and confidential services. The Helpline can help with your questions, give information, and connect you with free counselling services or organisations that can offer you practical support, information or advice. You can also be connected with an Earthquake Support Coordinator.

Call 0800 777 846

Your health

For earthquake related health updates and messages please visit the Canterbury Health Info website.

More health information:

Support and Counselling Services helpline

  • If you are finding it hard to cope and need support you can ring the Quake Support and Counselling Services Helpline on 0800 777 846.
  • When you call this helpline, someone will talk with you and help work out what kind of support you may need. They can connect you with free counselling services or organisations that can offer you practical support, information or advice.
  • A list of available social support services is also available online. Visit www.familyservices.govt.nz/directory for details.

Family violence information line

The 0800 Family Violence Information Line provides information and connects you with local services. It operates every day and is open from 9am- 11pm. Call 0800 456 450.

  • Disasters can be tough on relationships but resorting to violence is never OK.
  • In the wake of the earthquake, it's more important than ever for people to ask for help if they are experiencing violence in their family.
  • In an emergency, ring the Police on 111.

Settlement support for new migrants

  • Immigration New Zealand funds the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce to provide settlement support for new migrants to Christchurch, and for their employers.
  • You can contact Settlement Support in Christchurch by email settlementsupport@cecc.org.nz or phone 0800 776 948 or (03) 353 4162 (for Christchurch callers) or visiting www.cecc.org.nz
  • Language Line is available on the Earthquake Government Helpline 0800 779 997 for non-English speakers.

Maori support services

For Iwi, Maori and Pacific support, please contact:

Community Energy Action

Free energy advice and assistance with keep warm at home.

Visit the Community Energy Action website www.cea.co.nz for details.