Counselling Services Centre

26/03/2026

We’re sharing some really valuable reflections from a recent Neurodiversity Celebration Week webinar, co-hosted by the Migrant Neuro-Inclusion Network-MINN and Acorn Neurodiversity.

It was a powerful kōrero, bringing together whānau, people with lived experience, and those working across the sector. A lot of honest discussion about what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change.

A few things really stood out:

- awareness is still uneven, and we need to move beyond labels to real understanding
- cultural perspectives matter, including how we understand neurodiversity in our own communities
- families are often left trying to navigate complex systems on their own
- the words we use shape people’s experiences
- real change needs to happen at a system level, not just with individuals

These are the kinds of conversations that help shift thinking and, over time, lead to better support for our communities.

26/03/2026

We will be out in the community this weekend at TU MAI MANUREWA and we would love to see you there.

Join us on Saturday 28 March at Netball Manurewa, 95 Browns Road, for a free, fun day celebrating our community.

There will be something for everyone:
- Over 30 stalls
- Live music from The Four Fathers
- Zumba with Coach J and AZC crew
- Free haircuts
- Activities for tamariki including face painting and balloon twisting
- Food stalls and fundraising for local causes

Come down, have a kōrero with our team, and connect with the amazing services and groups supporting our community.

Starts at 10am.

19/03/2026

Save the date

TOAH-NNEST National Sexual Violence Conference 2026

📅 31 Aug – 1 Sept
📍 Tākina Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wellington

17/03/2026

A few spaces are still available for our upcoming Peace Circle in South Auckland.

This is a chance for women to come together in a safe, supportive space and learn practical tools for navigating conflict, building resilience, and creating positive change in our whānau and communities.

Registrations close 20 March.
Spaces are limited to 10 women.

If this sounds like something you need right now, scan the QR code on the flyer to register.

Please share with women who might benefit from being part of this circle.

11/03/2026

Content warning: sexual abuse.

This powerful investigation by Paula Penfold shares the story of a woman who returned to New Zealand more than a decade after being abused as a 16-year-old exchange student, and reported what happened to police.

For many survivors, it can take years to recognise abuse and feel ready to speak about it. Stories like this highlight the complex and often long journey toward accountability and healing.

We acknowledge the courage it takes for survivors to come forward and share their experiences.

A return trip to New Zealand for a woman who’d previously travelled here as an exchange student led to a police investigation and a guilty plea.

10/03/2026

Women in our community are invited to take part in a Peace Circle coming to South Auckland this month.

We are excited to host this event at CSC in partnership with Initiatives of Change NZ.

Peace Circles are safe spaces for women to come together, connect, and learn practical tools for navigating conflict with confidence and compassion. The programme focuses on building inner strength, emotional resilience, and the skills to create positive change in our whānau and communities.

Participation is free, but spaces are limited to 10 women to keep the circle supportive and personal.

If this sounds like something you need right now, scan the QR code on the flyer to register.

Please share with the women in your life who might benefit from being part of this circle.

09/03/2026

Last week our CEO, Tayyaba Khan, spoke at a Global Women International Women’s Day event alongside other leaders from across Aotearoa.

This year’s theme, , focused on how progress happens when people share opportunity, knowledge, and support with others.

At CSC we see every day why this matters. Many of the people we support are women and girls navigating trauma and violence. Strong communities and leadership help create safer futures.

Thank you to Global Women for bringing people together for these important conversations.

Photo credit: NZ Global Women

08/03/2026

International Women’s Day reminds us why this work matters.

Every day we support women and girls who are healing from sexual harm, family violence, and trauma. Many are still fighting for things that should never be up for debate: safety, dignity, and the right to be heard.

The 2026 theme is Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

Rights mean being safe in your home and community.
Justice means being believed and supported.
Action means continuing to show up with care, counselling, and advocacy.

To every woman and girl on their healing journey, we stand with you.

20/02/2026

How do young people experience online risk and digital pressure? Netsafe and AUT asked secondary students directly and released the Digital Resilience report to share what they found.
It’s packed with practical insights for parents, educators, and anyone supporting young people online.
Check it out here:https://resource.netsafe.org.nz/DigitalResilienceReport-revised.pdf

12/02/2026

We had a great time at the Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga/Eastern Manukau community event this week.
It was a fantastic opportunity to meet and connect with other organisations supporting people and whānau across East and South Auckland. The strength of our community really shows when services come together like this.
Thank you to CAB Pakuranga for bringing everyone into one space.

10/02/2026

We’re looking forward to being part of this community event organised by Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga/Eastern Manukau tomorrow.

It’s a chance to meet local not-for-profit organisations working across East and South Auckland and learn where to go for practical support, advice, and connection.

We will be there to share information about our counselling and support services for individuals, children, and whānau.

When: Wednesday 11 February, 11.00–12.00
Where: Fencible Lounge, Howick Library building, 25 Uxbridge Rd, Howick

Come along, have a kōrero, and get to know the organisations supporting your community.

02/02/2026

This February, the Mental Health Foundation is running the Push-Up Challenge to support better mental health across Aotearoa.

From 5–27 Feb people across the motu are aiming to complete 2,000 push-ups (or your choice of exercise) to raise awareness of mental health and start important conversations. It’s free to join, and you can tackle it on your own, with mates, your workplace, or whānau.

Join the push for better mental health and find out more or sign up here:
https://www.thepushupchallenge.co.nz/home

Small actions can help break stigma and build connection.

Fundraising is optional, but any support will help the Mental Health Foundation improve wellbeing and resilience in our communities.

2,000 push-ups in 23 days, from 5 to 27 February 2026. Get fit, have fun, learn about mental health.