Advocacy Services - extra listings
Advocacy services provide dedicated support to help whānau understand their rights and receive assistance to resolve challenges
-
Age Concern Canterbury is the lead organisation in Canterbury that connects, supports, empowers, celebrates and respects all older people in an inclusive community
Initiated in 1952 by a group in the community who were concerned for the welfare of older people, Age Concern Canterbury has proved a successful contributor to the Canterbury community, supporting older people, many of whom face loneliness, low income and indifferent health. Our vision: “Age Concern Canterbury is the lead organisation in Canterbury that connects, supports, empowers, celebrates and respects all older people in an inclusive community.”
Our Mission: to achieve wellbeing, rights, respect and dignity for older people. A major strength is the wide community network we have established with other agencies. The co-operation and knowledge sharing generated by such close liaison and communication is invaluable. Age Concern Canterbury is independent although linked with similar bodies through the national network.
Currently we have 14,000 clients active on our data base. The number of clients, and requests for information and support, is steadily increasing as the older population expands.
The emphasis is on promoting health, safety and independence, and alleviating poverty, hardship, vulnerability and isolation. We have a tradition of filling gaps to meet identified needs, then stepping back when others enter the field. An example is the first official Meals-On-Wheels scheme in which we were involved together with the Red Cross. We also opened the first rest home in Christchurch.
Age Concern Canterbury’s services are successful because they are flexible and can readily respond to both the varied and specific needs of our clients. Our 22 paid staff involve people working directly with older people, their families or carers throughout greater Canterbury and the West Coast. Our Community Health Team includes registered nurses and social workers who respond to instances of Elder Abuse and other concerns by offering support, advice and advocacy. Our other services support older people living in the community by providing visitors, social outings, information and a range of home support services including tradesmen, handymen, gardeners and home help. This last service, which started twenty-five years ago, co-ordinates 600 people providing their services at a reasonable rate. We also offer Staying Safe refresher courses for older drivers and a falls prevention exercise class called Steady as You Go.
We are fortunate in having generous community support and a wealth of volunteers also working directly with older people, giving regular time to help others. We have over 280 volunteers who drive and host minibuses, visit lonely people in their homes, help on our reception desk and update the information on our databases. We are funded by the community and our services depend on such support continuing by way of memberships, grants, donations and legacies.
Click Here to view the Referral Form.
-
The Amputee Society of Canterbury & Westland aims to
“Support amputees to live a full and active life”. This site has been developed to provide comprehensive information for all amputees on a wide range of topics.
We would love to hear from you! If you have relevant news or information that we could post here on our website, please contact us.
-
a.pha.sia (ay-faze-yuh)
n. Partial or total loss of the ability to articulate ideas or comprehend spoken or written language, resulting from damage to the brain caused by injury or disease.
Aphasia literally means ‘absence of speech’.
Aphasia can cause difficulty talking, understanding conversations, reading and writing.
It is the term used to describe the loss of a previously held ability to speak or understand spoken or written language, due to disease or injury to the language area of the brain.
The ability to use gestures and calculate can also be affected.
The experience of aphasia is different for each person.
Aphasia can vary from mild difficulties finding words, or reading text, to severe difficulties understanding what other people are saying, and being unable to speak.
It is important to know that aphasia is not a loss of intelligence.
Most people develop aphasia as a result of a stroke. Stroke is the greatest cause of major disability in New Zealand. Each day about 24 New Zealanders have a stroke.
Approximately one-third of the people who have a stroke will suffer some aphasia. This is roughly equivalent to 6 or 7 people every day becoming aphasic. This number does not include those who suffer from aphasia as a result of other causes such as a head injury, brain tumour and Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA).
Aphasia can affect people of any age. Statistics tell us that at least 25% of all stroke patients in New Zealand are below retirement age. In some places in New Zealand, for example in Auckland, this number is greater.
Aphasia affects not only the person with aphasia, but also their families and friends, and people in their community.
Other people can either help or hinder the person with aphasia depending on how they react and what support they offer.
-
Arthritis advocacy means we advocate for people with arthritis. Advocacy gives people with arthritis a voice on issues that affect them every day. To do this, we raise awareness about arthritis and promote your needs at every level. We engage with policy makers over issues that affect people with arthritis, and we partner with others to work together in your best interests.
Your voice is important too! Whether you have arthritis yourself or a member of your family has the condition, you can play a part in spreading the message about arthritis to those who can bring about change. If you’d like to join us as an arthritis advocate, phone 0800 663 463 or fill in the form below.
Here you will find links to pages that contain information about the issues that you have told us are important. These include accessible packaging, gout arthritis, the cost of arthritis, access to medication, rheumatology services and employment and benefits. You can also view our Reports and Submissions to government.
If you are interested in an issue that is not covered here let us know – call 0800 663 463 and tell us about it.
-
Supporting One Parent Families
Birthright Canterbury believes that all children have the right to a happy, secure and loving home environment.
OUR MISSION
Birthright believes that all children have the right to a happy, secure, and loving home environment.
Advocacy
We can support you during meetings with organisations and agencies such as Work and Income, Strengthening Families, etc.
-
Blind Citizens NZ is advocating for, and working towards New Zealand becoming a fully inclusive society, where blind, deaf blind and vision impaired people can lead rich, full and independent lives with confidence and dignity.
To support our work, we have created a social awareness campaign. The aim of the campaign is to educate the general public about some of the key issues faced by the blind community – and what they can do about it. It is based on the notion that…
“It shouldn’t be hard for our blind citizens to beat everyday obstacles”
To bring this idea to life, we wanted to exaggerate what it’s like for a blind person to negotiate everyday obstacles.
-
Canterbury Parents of Deaf Children Inc. is a Voluntary Organization that was formed in 1971 by Parents of Deaf and Hearing-Impaired Children.
We currently have 53 families as members. Cpodc is run by a team of volunteer parents (committee) annual elections are held for the committee.Cpodc is a member group of the New Zealand Federation of Deaf Children. They are an active body which has been working nationwide with the Government and deafness agencies since 1976, to continually improve the care and education options available to New Zealand’s deaf and hard of hearing children.
Having a child diagnosed with a Hearing loss whether from New born or later, can be a very confusing time, its important that we support one another through our individual journeys. We believe that if support is provided and positive attitudes fostered, the challenge of having a Deaf/hard of hearing child can be a rewarding experience.
By supporting one another it gives our children the opportunity to become the best they can be, feel confident, proud, achieve anything they want to and make friends for life. Children can become confident in their own identity by being with other children who are "like them".
Whether its Sign Language or Spoken language or both, we support families in which ever communication mode they choose for there Deaf/hard of hearing child.
The most important thing is that all Deaf/hard of hearing children develop a fluent language whether it be signed or spoken.
We work closely with professionals to improve the quality of services to Deaf/hard of hearing children and their families.
It is important that parents are able to speak freely and be heard when expressing their views and opinions and for these to be valued.
Together we can support our children to give them a great future, at Canterbury Parents of Deaf Children its our responsibility to promote positive public awareness about Deaf/hard of hearing children and their needs.
Its nice to be able to share our experiences and knowledge to help each other.
What support can we give you?Each year CPODC have a family camp, which brings everyone together for a weekend of fun, and opportunity to talk to other parents who understand you, and for the children to meet other children who are Deaf/hard of hearing.
Newsletters that keep you up to date with the up coming events, current events and issues relating to the Deaf/hard of hearing.
New Zealand sign language classes Saturdays 2-4pm for 6weeks a term (depending on funding) Free if you are a member of CPODC.
Family activity days during the year at different destinations around Canterbury.
Links to Grants, Funding, Scholarships and Subsidies that might be of benefit to your family.
These might be: Willow Bank, Orana Park, Ferrymead historic park, Swimming, Antartic Centre, picnics, a variety of different activities.
These are just some of the ways we like to support families of Deaf/hard of hearing children. -
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou,
tēnā koutou katoaHe aha te mea nui o te ao?
Māku e kī atu...
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata...
What is of most value in this world?
And I have learned...
It is people, it is people, it is people...CCS Disability Action is the largest pan-disability support and advocacy organisation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
We support people with all types of impairments & have been working alongside disabled people since 1935. We are at the forefront of service provision, advocacy & information sharing in the disability sector. We partner with disabled people, their families & whānau to enable them to have choice 7 control in their lives. Our vision is to see every disabled person and whānau hauā interwoven into the lives of their whānau & community.
-
About Us
The Cerebral Palsy Society is a member-based organisation that strives to enhance the lives of people living with Cerebral Palsy (CP) – Hōkai Nukurangi in New Zealand by providing programmes, support and advice.Our members are at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud to support New Zealanders with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi at all ages and stages.
We run a variety of programmes and services for our members – from funding to subsidise taxi travel and physical activities, to grants, member events and support networks.
Here at the Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand, we value transparency especially for our members. As a means of displaying how departments and projects are connected, we produced the Cerebral Palsy Society connection.
The Cerebral Palsy Society is leading a number of initiatives so there are many ways that you can help support us in working towards enhancing the lives of individuals living with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi in New Zealand. Some of these include beach chairs, harness system, compression clothing, Boccia, children’s voices, youth voice and clinical partnerships.
The interconnected diagram shows a direct link that all initiatives, projects, and programmes all contribute to the intention of the Cerebral Palsy Society.
We welcome involvement and feedback from our members and are always looking at ways we can improve the services we provide. If you would like to know more about the Society and how we can help, please get in touch.
-
“We take on the hardest cases with love and optimism.”
We were born to help
The Christchurch City Mission was launched in 1929 when a few caring volunteers handed bowls of stew to unemployed men at the beginning of the Great Depression. Now we are a social service agency that positively impacts on the lives of 60,000 people a year through our wide range of services.
The Mission helps anyone who needs it regardless of their circumstances. We take on the hardest cases with love and optimism. While our emergency care is vital we also provide much more than that. Through education and training we help struggling people re-join society and gain the self-esteem and happiness that comes from work, independence and permanent housing.
We have seen people’s lives transform with our support and believe everyone should have the opportunity of a second chance.
Our headquarters at 275 - 276 Hereford St offers services that include: a Foodbank; learning and development programmes for men and women; emergency accommodation for men and women; a residential detox unit; a social worker hub, addiction counsellors, budget adviser, and a medical unit.
Vision - Whakakitenga
Enhanced social equity and wellbeing within our community.
“Ko te tika o te hapori me te oranga i roto i tō tātou hapori”
Mission - Moemoeā
The Christchurch City Mission is a social service agency working towards a just society. Guided by the values of the Gospel and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we work in preventative ways and in response to crisis, to walk alongside and advocate for those who need our support, regardless of their gender, ethnicity or belief.
Values - Ngā Uara
Respect - Whakaute: we value others and their contributions
Integrity - Tapatahi: we do the right thing (even when no one is watching)
Inclusion - Whakauru: we value diversity and cultural identity
Empathy: Manaakitanga: we stand in the shoes of others (compassion for a person)
Teamwork/collaboration - Mahi tahi: we’ve got each other’s backs
-
At CRS, we value our relationship with Ngāi Tahu through Sally Pitama, who consistently supports not only the work of CRS but also the refugee and migrant sector on behalf of the iwi.
MISSION STATEMENT
“CRS exists to support people from refugee and migrant backgrounds living in Ōtautahi/Christchurch to settle successfully in Aotearoa/New Zealand by providing a range of professional services that build on strengths to promote wellbeing and resilience”.
VALUES STATEMENT
“We recognize the settlement journey in Aotearoa/New Zealand context, committed to the Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We value the provision of a professional service delivered in a holistic, culturally responsive and collaborative way, with an emphasis on social justice which respects individual and community identity.
-
Mō mātou
About us
Founded in 1958, HNZ is the only organisation in New Zealand that supports and advocates for people affected by haemophilia, von Willebrand Disease, and other inherited bleeding disorders.
About HNZ
Our mission is to improve the lives of people and whānau affected by bleeding disorders in Aotearoa New Zealand by promoting excellence in care, advocacy, support, and education.
Through our outreach team, educational camps & workshops, exercise & supportive footwear programmes, and educational grants, we support people with bleeding disorders through all stages of their life. We provide the tools to give our members a voice and ensure they receive the best care available.
Our work
The mission of HNZ is to promote excellence in haemophilia care, education, advocacy, and support. One way we work to fulfill our mission statement is to offer programmes and services for people with bleeding disorders and their families.
-
What we do
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission is New Zealand’s national human rights institution (NHRI) and works under the Human Rights Act 1993. Our purpose is he whakamana tāngata, a life of dignity for all.
We work to make Te Tiriti and human rights real and relevant in Aotearoa New Zealand
Our Commissioners and staff across Aotearoa work to make this happen using the powers provided by the Human Rights Act.
Advocate and Advise - Promote respect for human rights and Te Tiriti through our projects, research, campaigns and legal interventions.
Educate and Empower - Publish resources, guidelines and information promoting a better understanding of human rights and Te Tiriti.
Support and Manaaki - Provide support for people who have had their human rights breached through complaints and dispute resolution.
Challenge and Urge - Hold businesses and government to account for breaches of te Tiriti and human rights.
-
What we do
We support people with intellectual disabilities and their families within their community. We are a point of contact for families to help navigate the system and connect them with organisations and support.
Our responsibilities
Establish and maintain connections with families, especially those who have a young family member with intellectual disability
Keep strong links with community organisations and find out about initiatives that support people with intellectual disability
Keep up-to-date on issues for intellectual disability and supporting families
Build relationships with government agencies
Liaise with key teaching staff at local high schools to inform parents of options past high school
Examples of our connections
Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC)
Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ)
Enabling Good Lives (EGL)
Educational facilities, especially high schools
People First NZ
Regional organisations (For example CCS, CAB, Spectrum Care)
Parent to Parent
WEKA (equipment)
Community Connectors
Personal Advocacy Trust (PAT)
-
Our Vision
Ā Mātau Moemoea
JustSpeak’s vision is a society that gives everyone what they need while caring for each other and the planet. We dream of a world where everyone has a roof over their head, food on the table, and time to spend with loved ones. Where we’ve reimagined justice to be about health and not handcuffs and where we’ve closed the last prison - for good.Speaking about Criminal Justice
JustSpeak is a youth-powered movement for transformational change of criminal justice towards a fair, just and flourishing Aotearoa.
-
Support, advocacy and education for people affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long Covid in Canterbury and West Coast
Who are we?
We are a community health and clinical service organisation for people affected by the debilitating illness ME/CFS
(Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and Long Covid.
We exist to improve the wellbeing of people and whānau affected by ME/CFS in Canterbury and the West Coast by providing information, validation, clinical support, connection, practical support and advocacy.
We also provide education and support to health professionals and the wider community to improve the quality of care available for those affected by ME/CFS.
https://www.mecfscanterbu ry.nz/
-
The Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand, commonly known as MDANZ, began in the late 1950’s as a support group for families affected by muscular dystrophy. Since then, they have broadened their scope to support people with other neuromuscular conditions, not just muscular dystrophy.
As a registered charity, MDA rely almost entirely on voluntary donations from the general public, trusts and other businesses/organisations to provide specialist information and practical support to individuals and whānau with lived experience of rare neuromuscular conditions.
MDA have three regional branches based throughout the country that are supported by the National Support Office based in Auckland. Their governance structure ensures leadership of the organisation by individuals and whānau members with lived experience of a neuromuscular condition. Therefore, they are member driven in our approach.
-
Osteoporosis New Zealand is dedicated to improving bone health and preventing fragility fractures nationwide. Our website provides essential resources and guidance for individuals and families, healthcare professionals, and policy makers. To continue our work, your support is crucial in maintaining the programmes that make a difference in the lives of New Zealanders.
Who We Are
Osteoporosis New Zealand is a national charity specifically committed to improving the lives of people who are at high risk of developing or living with osteoporosis.
-
We support and connect the families of disabled people throughout Aotearoa
Often, having a disabled or neurodivergent family member is an experience that brings many new things to learn along the way. And we know it can be a challenging journey. We can inform, educate, inspire and support you as you navigate your way through your family’s experience with disability. We want you to know that our services are:
for parents and whānau of disabled, neurodivergent and health-impaired family members,
free and confidential.
-
Social Equity and Wellbeing Network (SEWN) -
Formally the Council of Social Services
About Us
We are the Social Equity & Wellbing Network (SEWN), dedicated to supporting a vibrant and thriving community sector in Ōtautahi. Our mission is to work towards a just society and to support local community organisations through advocacy, connection to resources and strategic partnerships.
Here's how we contribute
Information Sharing: Through our newsletter we provide regular updates and valuable information to keep community groups informed.
Connecting with resources: We connect community organisations with resources, training, and tools to foster growth and resilience.
Capacity Building: We offer free or low-cost organisational development support and capacity-building services tailored to the needs of grassroots groups.
Collaboration: We work with decision-makers and other organisations on community projects to ensure local voices are heard and included.
Advocacy: We advocate for equity, social issues, and the concerns of grassroots community groups.
Networking: We participate in networks and advisory boards to help build a stronger, more connected community sector.
Umbrella Support: We assist with administrative and governance needs for community groups who may not otherwise have this support.
Cross-Cultural Learning: In collaboration with InCommon, we enhance cross-cultural relationships and promote understanding across diverse communities.
OUR VALUES
Mutual Respect: We value the unique contributions of individuals, groups, and organisations, seeking to work collaboratively and respecting the cultural contexts, strengths, and insights of our partners and those we work with.
Creativity: We recognise that community work thrives on flexibility and collective action, so we foster a culture of innovation and support community-driven solutions to local challenges.
Promoting Equity: We are committed to ensuring everyone has fair access to resources and opportunities regardless of background or circumstance.
Good Stewardship: We manage resources responsibly, use sustainable practices and make decisions that benefit the community and our organisation.
Open and Honest: We build trust through transparency and honesty in what we do, ensuring everyone is informed and can choose how they would like to participate in our activities.
OUR WORK IS INFORMED BY:
SEWN’s work is guided by principles that focus on fairness, respect, and supporting communities. We use ideas from community development, youth empowerment, human rights, and ethical research to ensure our work helps create positive change and stronger, more inclusive communities.
Community Development: We draw from the principles of community development to support local groups, prioritise grassroots leadership, and foster strength-based and collective solutions to shared challenges.
Positive Youth Development: Our work embraces Positive Youth Development, which recognises the strengths, potential, and active contributions of young people, fostering environments that support their growth, well-being, and meaningful participation in the community.
UNCROC – United Nations Rights of the Child: Guided by the United Nations Rights of the Child, we champion the rights, safety, and well-being of children in our work.
UDHR – Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights inspires our commitment to equity and dignity for all, ensuring every individual, whānau, family, and community has access to opportunities and resources.
Royal Society Te Apārangi Code of Research Ethics: We uphold the Royal Society Te Apārangi Code of Research Ethics, ensuring that our work is ethical, culturally responsive, and grounded in respect for all communities we engage with.
TE TIRITI O WAITANGI
As a Tangata Tiriti organisation, we are guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi, respecting its status as Aotearoa's founding document. This commitment ensures we uphold Māori rights, work in genuine partnership with tangata whenua, and incorporate te ao Māori perspectives into our work to support equitable and inclusive outcomes for all communities.
OUR KEY OBJECTIVES:
Enhance Information Access and Sharing: Provide grassroots organisations with resources and opportunities through our newsletter and website.
Strengthen Organisational Capacities: Support community organisations with the Purpose into Action tool and resource navigation to enhance their growth and effectiveness.
Champion Grassroots Advocacy and Research: Advocate for community needs by influencing policies, submitting feedback, and engaging decision-makers.
Build Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with decision-makers to ensure grassroots voices are included in decision-making processes.
Promote Cross-Cultural Learning and Relationship Building: Work with InCommon to foster diversity, understanding, and stronger community relationships.
Umbrellaing: Provide ongoing governance, administrative, and project management support for community groups and projects.
NATIONAL AFFILIATIONS
SEWN is a member of Community Networks Aotearoa, formerly NZ Council of Social Services
