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.
