FAQ
-
How can I receive a food parcel?
To receive a food parcel, you must meet the Goodwill Trust Food Bank criteria. If you have received a decline letter from WINZ (Work and Income New Zealand), bring it along with you to our office and speak with one of our social workers. We’ll assess your situation and, if eligible, can process your food parcel request.
-
What is the process for receiving a food parcel through Waiuku Family Support Network?
We are the agent for the Waiuku Food Bank and can assist you in arranging a food parcel. Please note that we do not hold food parcels on-site. Once we’ve processed your request, the Waiuku Food Bank will deliver the parcel to you on the following weekday. A social worker will guide you through the process to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
-
What time will my food parcel be delivered?
The Waiuku Food Bank is run by a team of dedicated volunteers, and they will send you a text message with your food parcel delivery time. Deliveries are made at various times of the day, depending on volunteer availability on the agreed-upon day. Please ensure you’re home to receive the parcel, as it may contain perishable goods that could spoil if left unattended. If you're unable to be home, please let us know in advance so we can make alternative arrangements.
-
Who is eligible for support from Waiuku Family Support Network?
We provide support to individuals and whaanau (families) in need, regardless of their background. Eligibility for specific services varies depending on the nature of the support, such as financial navigation, social work services, and counselling. A social worker can help determine your eligibility during your initial consultation.
-
Can I access a financial navigator?
Yes, our Financial Navigators can assist you with budgeting, managing debt, and accessing other financial support services. We can advocate on your behalf with agencies like WINZ, IRD, or creditors. Please contact us to arrange a session. NB: WFSN is not a registered Financial Advisory Service.
-
What if I am struggling to pay my rent?
We offer support through our Sustaining Tenancies service to tenants who are at risk of losing their homes. We are unable to pay your rent but our team can work with you to resolve tenancy issues, whether they’re financial, health-related, or due to family challenges. We provide advocacy with landlords, assistance with budgeting, and can connect you to additional support services.
-
How do I access counselling or therapeutic services?
Our counselling services are available to anyone in need of emotional or psychological support. If you’re interested in accessing these services, please get in touch with us. We offer various therapeutic modalities to suit different needs, and a social worker can guide you through the process to ensure you receive the appropriate support.
-
How much do your counselling sessions cost?
Counselling sessions are offered at a low cost of $60 per session, but if you meet specific criteria, they may be free or available for a small fee. To ensure we can continue offering affordable services, we may request a small contribution depending on your financial situation. Please speak with a social worker to determine what best fits your needs.
-
Is there a fee for missing a counselling session?
To respect the time of our counsellors and ensure that others can access the services they need, we have a no-show fee for missed appointments. If you are unable to attend your session, please notify us 24 hours in advance so we can reschedule. This helps us keep services available for everyone.
-
Do you offer support with housing or home security?
Yes, we can assist with both housing and home security issues. Our Whānau Protect service offers home safety improvements for those at high risk of family violence. We do not have direct access to housing, but we can provide advocacy and support for tenants experiencing challenges with housing, whether they’re in public or private rentals.
-
How can I access support if I’m experiencing family violence?
If you’re experiencing family violence, we’re here to support you. Our Whānau Protect service offers safety equipment, home safety improvements, and support people remain safely in their homes. If you need immediate support, please contact us, and a social worker will assess your situation and help connect you to appropriate services.
-
Can I refer myself for services or do I need to be referred by another agency?
You can refer yourself to most of our services, or you can be referred by another agency. Self-referrals are welcome, and our social workers will work with you to assess your needs and determine the best course of action.
-
Do you offer support for food insecurity during emergencies or unforeseen situations?
Yes, we understand that food insecurity can arise unexpectedly, and we are here to support you in those times. If you’re facing an urgent situation and require a food parcel, please come in and speak with a social worker, who can assist you based on your circumstances.
-
What kind of counselling services do you offer?
Our counselling services include a variety of therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, alongside other modalities. We work with individuals to determine the most appropriate therapeutic approach to help with emotional, social, or psychological challenges.
-
How can I access your services if I don’t have access to a computer or internet?
If you do not have access to a computer or internet, we can provide you with the resources you need at our office.
-
What do I do if I need to access support outside of normal office hours?
If you need urgent support outside of office hours, please leave a message on our contact number, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. For immediate emergencies, we recommend contacting emergency services or a local helpline.
-
Do you have services available for the elderly or people with disabilities?
Yes, we provide support to a wide range of community members, including the elderly and those with disabilities. Our services can help with financial management and accessing other community resources that support independence and well-being.