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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Am I able to be matched with a fieldworker/peer support worker based on cultural or gender needs?

We aim to make the best match where possible, there are male and female fieldworkers of varying ages. We also have cultural fieldworkers: 1 Maori specialist fieldworker, 1 Pacific Island specialist fieldworker and 1 Asian specialist fieldworker, fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese and English in addition to our main stream fieldworkers

Do I have to pay for an appointment at SF Auckland?

No. SF Auckland provides a free service, there is no limit on how many times we can meet with you or how long we can work with you.

I work during the week, is SF available in the evening or at weekends?

We understand the demands of a busy life so aim to provide a flexible service. We have appointments from 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday but are not available on weekends. We can meet at your workplace or even on your lunch hour, phone a fieldworker to see what's available.

Are you a crisis service?

SF is not a crisis service but we are on hand to offer support between the hours of 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday. For any crisis or if urgent assistance is required please call the Mental Health Crisis Team on 0800 800717. For Emergency Numbers CLICK HERE

I would like to find out about support groups in my area, when do they run?

SF have several support groups, you can find the details on the website or phone reception on 09 378 9134 for further details

Do I have to have a referral from my GP or another service to access your service?

You do not need a referral from either a GP or another service. You can self refer by contacting a fieldworker on 09 378 9134 but another option might be via Mental Health Services who may offer to refer on your behalf.

I don't have access to transport are you able to visit me in my home?

Yes. SF can meet you at your home, your workplace or any place you feel comfortable in, for example a café or other community setting. We also have a family room at our Grey Lynn office which provides a comfortable and confidential meeting place.

I need more information about my relatives illness can SF help?

SF Fieldworkers are on hand to help you access any information you might need about a specific Mental Illness, we also have a great library full of books to help you do just that. Call us on (09) 378 9134.

What does C.M.H.C stand for?

CMHC stands for Community Mental Health Clinic

I would like to set up a family meeting with the CMHC but don't know how to go about it, can SF help?

Yes, we are able to support a family through a wide range of clinical processes and meetings including assessment, treatment and discharge. An SF fieldworker can accompany you to a meeting upon your request, SF promotes self advocacy and aims to empower families to advocate for themselves.

How do I become an SF member and what does it mean?

Becoming an SF Member means you have access to our library. It also entitles you to discounts off upcoming events. The fees to become a member per year are Individual Member $20, Family $30, unwaged member $10, Corporate $30. If you have an SF brochure there is a membership form on the back which you can simply fill in and return to Fellowship House PO Box 78-122, Grey Lynn, Auckland. Otherwise contact Richard or Cathy on reception for more details 09 378 9134

I need support urgently, how long will I have to wait for an appointment?

We aim to respond to referrals from outside agencies within 72 hours. Otherwise fieldworkers are on hand daily to deal with telephone enquires and self referrals.

I would like to talk to someone who has had a similar experience as me, can you help?

Yes. SF Peer Support Workers work along side fieldworkers and are made up of volunteer family members with a wide range of personal experience. For more information on how to make an appointment or set up a meeting with one of our peer support workers contact Jade on 09 378 9134

What areas of Auckland/NZ does SF cover?

SF covers all 4 DHB's in Auckland, We have an office in West Auckland, South Auckland, Central Auckland, The North Shore and Whangarei, Northland. Nationwide, SF has 21 branches - check out the website for details on how to contact them and to see if there is a branch near you.

What should I do if there isn't an SF branch in my area?

Even if there isn't a local branch of SF in your area, simply contact your nearest SF for information on how to access the help and support you need.

Email: admin@SFAuckland.org.nz