Counselling Services Centre

12/11/2025

💛 Today is World Kindness Day.

Kindness and mental health are deeply connected. Acts of kindness don’t need to be big - a smile, listening, or checking in can make a real difference for someone’s day (and yours).

Take a moment to do something kind today. Small acts of care add up to something bigger in our community.

12/11/2025

Today is the National Day of Reflection for the Survivors of Abuse in Care.

One year on from the government’s public apology, we acknowledge the strength and courage of survivors who fought to have their experiences heard through the Royal Commission of Inquiry.

This day reminds us of the importance of listening, believing, and learning from those who were harmed in state and faith-based care. Many were children. Many were Māori. Their stories call us to do better, to ensure every child and adult in care is safe, valued, and treated with dignity.

We honour survivors and their resilience. May today bring reflection, compassion, and a commitment to lasting change.

05/11/2025

We see every day how delays in access to mental health support affect young people and their whānau. Change is overdue.

We support the call for a youth mental health action plan. You can add your voice too.

04/11/2025

We’re standing alongside Eastern Refuge Society as they look for new Board Members 💜

If you’re passionate about a violence-free future for women, children and whānau, this could be a great way to make a difference.

💜 We’re looking for new Board Members! 💜
Are you passionate about supporting women, children and whānau in our community?
Join our Board at Eastern Refuge Society and help shape a violence-free future for southeast Tāmaki Makaurau.
🌿 About 5 hours per month (remote-friendly)
🌿 Passion for Te Tiriti o Waitangi and community-led change
🌿 Governance experience helpful but not essential

Sound like you? Apply by Friday 14 November 👇
https://jobs.dogoodjobs.co.nz/job/19680/board-member/

03/11/2025

⚠️ Content warning: sexual harm, su***de

RNZ has reported on the tragic death of a young person whose early exposure to po*******hy and online grooming contributed to her mental health struggles.

Her story highlights an issue we see too often - the growing risk of online predators who manipulate, normalise harm and exploit vulnerability. As one expert put it, “Victims gradually become less aware of cues which would normally alert a person to danger.”

At Counselling Services Centre, we work every day with people whose lives have been impacted by trauma, abuse and online harm.

If you or someone you know lives in Counties Manukau and needs support, please reach out to us:
📞 09 277 9324

You can also call or text 1737 for free, 24/7 mental health support anywhere in Aotearoa.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577693/teen-took-own-life-after-p**n-triggered-mental-health-struggle

The girl's "online ordeal is a lesson to us all" a coroner has found.

30/10/2025

At our AGM this week, we took a moment to acknowledge some of our team who live and breathe our CSC values every day.

Suzanne, Marlize, and Bev were recognised by our Chair, Kevin, for the aroha, manaakitanga and mahi tahi they bring to their work and our community.

Jen was also acknowledged for her leadership and the care she shows through her mahi.

We’re proud of every member of our team who helps create a community that is connected and supported through the healing journey. 🌿

28/10/2025

A shared meal can make a big difference. LIFE Community Kitchens are offering free kai each week in Manurewa, Papakura, Ōtara and Māngere. Thank you for the mahi you do to help whānau connect and make sure no one goes without.

23/10/2025

Access to life-saving cancer treatment shouldn’t depend on your income.

Yesterday's Herald article highlights the fight for Pharmac funding of Keytruda for people with early-stage triple negative breast cancer. Right now, this treatment is only funded for those with advanced cancer, leaving many women facing huge personal costs or going without entirely.

This is exactly the kind of inequity identified under Priority 2 of the Women’s Health Strategy, which calls for fair and timely access to healthcare for all wāhine, regardless of postcode, income or background.

At CSC, we stand alongside those advocating for equitable cancer treatment access and the right to care that doesn’t deepen financial or emotional hardship.

Catherine Cooke is paying more than $23,000 to continue her unfunded treatment.

22/10/2025

We’re proud to support the team at Family Action as they host their White Ribbon Fundraiser Dinner this November.

Grab your ticket and help raise funds for essential family violence support services.💙

We're excited to be partnering with La Rosa Restaurant to host a White Ribbon Day Dinner. Tickets can be purchased online at link below

https://white-ribbon-day-fundraiser-dinner.lilregie.com/booking/attendees/new

19/10/2025

Celebrating Diwali ✨

Our team took a moment to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, symbolising hope, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness.

At CSC, we stand with our communities in creating light for those walking through difficult times.

Wishing everyone joy, connection, and peace this Diwali.

17/10/2025

Ashley’s Law takes effect today.

From now on, a person who has a final protection order against a violent spouse or civil union partner can apply for divorce immediately, without having to wait two years.

It’s a long overdue step toward recognising the ongoing harm of family violence and giving survivors more control over their own lives.

There are still barriers, survivors can still be forced to appear in court if the divorce is opposed, and there’s still a $242 application fee, but this is a meaningful start.

Our thoughts are with Ashley Jones and every person who has fought for a system that better protects victims and restores their autonomy.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.justice.govt.nz/family/separation-divorce/apply-for-a-divorce/apply-for-divorce-on-your-own/

Apply for a Dissolution Order when your ex-partner doesn’t want a divorce or you don’t want to ask them to apply together.