0800 Household Goods and Services helpline – Transition updates
As the West Coast begins to move into a Covid-19 recovery phase, West Coast Civil Defence is scaling down its support services, including the 0800 Household Goods and Services helpline.
In Alert Level 4, West Coast Civil Defence launched the 0800 number to support people needing urgent help accessing food, medication or other household goods and services.
Group Controller John Canning says, “as we move down in levels, and get closer to our new normal, the need for this temporary helpline has been reduced, and from 12pm Friday 5 June, will no longer be operational.”
“This number acted as a ‘safety net’ to ensure no one was left without the necessities during Level 4,” says Mr Canning. “Since the helpline was activated, we’ve taken around 300 calls, which directly supported a number of households around our region”.
The 0800 number was just one of the many ways people could access support during the response period on the West Coast.
“Over the past two months we have witnessed some amazing support right around the Coast,” says John. “From iwi authorities looking after vulnerable whānau, to community groups reaching out to members over email and phone, and other social services working remotely to provide continued support to their clients.”
“It’s important to know that help is still available to those who need it, please remember to reach out to local services if you need it.”
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please check the following options:
- For health advice – phone Healthline on 0800 611 116
- For emergency accommodation or support for food grants – phone Ministry of Social Development on 0800 559 009
- For immediate food needs please contact your local foodbank, visit www.foodbank.co.nz/west-coast
- For temporary accommodation related to COVID-19 isolation – phone the Temporary Accommodation Service on 0508 754 163
- For foreign nationals needing support please call 03 769 9323
- For support with grief, anxiety, distress or mental wellbeing, you can call or text 1737 to talk with a trained counsellor for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- If you aren’t sure who to talk to, the government helpline is available – Phone them on 0800 779 997
For everything you need to know about the New Zealand response to Covid-19 visit www.covid.govt.nz
Remember to play it safe during Level 2:
- Continue to keep a 2 metre distance from people you don’t know.
- Keep track of your movements. Record where you go and who you’re with.
- If you feel sick stay home, and contact your GP or Healthline to get tested.
- Washing your hands regularly and thoroughly is one of the best things you can do to stay safe.
- Continue to be kind.
