Community Agencies

Home to

40+ Employment Support Trust

Set up as a resource for Job Seekers (40 years & over) to help find a Job including help with CVs and writing cover letters, interview skills, and one-to-one support in general. 40+ Employment Support Trust is a FREE SERVICE for mature job seekers. New Job Vacancies are advertised on our website and on the Noticeboard outside our office on the Fifth Floor.

back to the top

Agender Christchurch Inc

Agender is the New Zealand support organisation for transgender people both FtM & MtF. Agender Christchurch provides both residential and day drop in services. The Rainbow Room in the Christchurch Community House offers a safe, inner city drop in center for trans people, their significant others, friends and anyone seeking support, advice or help with issues of gender identity or sexual orientation. Rainbow House provides friendly, supportive short to medium term accommodation for trans people and others in the Rainbow community. All enquiries should be made to the Rainbow Room office in the Community House.

back to the top

Al-Anon

A worldwide, self supporting 12 step support fellowship that offers hope and an alternate way for families and friends of alcoholics to live with the affects of some one else’s drinking.

back to the top

Art of Living Canterbury

The Art of Living Foundation is an international not-for-profit group dedicated to serving society by strengthening the individual. We do this by offering programmes that eliminate stress, create a sense of belonging, restore human values, and encourage people from all backgrounds, religions and cultural traditions to come together in celebration and service.

At the core of Art of Living programmes are innovative breathing techniques that create an inner reserve of energy and calm, help recovery from traumatic situations, heighten mental clarity and awareness, and enhance quality of life. These techniques have a proven record in reducing stress and depression, as well as improving health and wellbeing

Canterbury Art of Living Facilitator Peter Mittermuller will be using Christchurch Community House as a base for Art of Living activities. He is keen to organise specialised courses for Community groups on arrangement.

back to the top

Birthright (Christchurch) Inc

Supports the children of one-parent families by ensuring those children have the same rights and privileges as all children

back to the top

Canterbury Business Association

CBA is a not for profit organization supporting migrants and refugees into employment and business. CBA is a membership based organization both for individuals or business persons and offers a range of services including business advice, business support, advocacy, mentoring and job placement . CBA also organizes various cultural events to promote the richness of our diverse ethnic cultures, all aimed at empowering and promoting the successful integration of migrants in New Zealand.

back to the top

Canterbury Men's Centre

Canterbury Men’s Centre is an organisation set up to improve the health and well being of men in Canterbury. CMC uses a social agency approach to provide charitable facilities to all males, of all ages, culture, race and occupations. Their work focuses on promoting the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical well being of males in society and to discover and clarify their needs, rights and responsibilities.

back to the top

Canterbury Tamil Society

Is a not for profit charitable organisation set up to promote the Tamil language, education, culture and sports. Their aim is to improve the relationship between the Tamil community and other communities in New Zealand. The Society also wishes to show solidarity to and support for humanitarian causes relating to the Tamil communities.

back to the top

Christchurch Budget Service Inc

Provides free and confidential budget advice on a one to one basis, assisting people, who self refer, to become financial independent and manage their own monies.

The Christchurch Budget Service Inc., is a Government recognised budget service that is annually audited for a Level 2 Provider Status

Education sessions are proved to schools, and the community free of charge.

back to the top

Christchurch Citizens Advice Bureau

Offers a friendly, confidential and free service to anyone needing help, advice or information on any matter. For admin enquires please phone 366 6509.

back to the top

Christchurch Zhonghua Chinese Society

Aims to provide opportunities for communication, interaction, recreation, and mutual support among New Zealand Chinese: CZCS will organize and participate in social activities beneficial to the New Zealand society. They will also provide a support base for Chinese immigrants and visitors to New Zealand.

back to the top

Christian Arabic Fellowship Trust

CAFT offers help and support to NZ immigrants to establish themselves and services the needs of the Arabic Community through the media (Radio & TV Production).

They also provide values and resources to the Arabic Community members regardless of age, religion, gender or race and run spiritual meetings for those who are interested.

back to the top

Council of Social Services

Promoting social equity, justice and well being by advocating on issues, empowering groups and facilitating collaboration in the social services sector.

back to the top

Deep Wells Trust

Deep Wells Trust’s aim is to encourage people to take control of their lives, become more effective and plan positive steps to move forward in the direction of self-sufficiency. Deep Wells Trust’s personal growth programmes are designed to encourage people to:
· Develop and/or regain motivation, direction and the ability to achieve clear, realizable goals.
· Gain self-awareness in order to overcome personal barriers to change.
· Take responsibility for their daily lives in the belief that lasting change is possible.
· To improve their ability to communicate with people in order to be more effective at home, in work and in their communities.

Deep Wells Trust is at the very bottom of the education ladder/employment staircase and fulfils a vital role in the community/social service arena. Long-term Deep Wells Trust wishes to increase their range of programmes to cater for more clients.

back to the top

DPA Christchurch & Districts

DPA is an advocacy and lobby organisation dealing with issues concerning people with disabilities, their families & support networks.

back to the top

Epilepsy NZ – Canterbury/West Coast

Providing support, information and advice to people and their families living with the condition called Epilepsy. We hold fortnightly meetings at ChCh Community House to support members and organise outings. Two field officers cover the Canterbury and West Coast regions; they are available for members and other interested parties to contact for information and advice.

back to the top

Greenpeace

Greenpeace has been a long-standing user of Christchurch Community House’s facilities and has recently been accepted as a Room-In-A-Box Group. Greenpeace’s aims are to campaign and raise awareness in the public eye on matters of environmental damage locally, nationally and globally.

back to the top

Grow Christchurch Centre

GROW is a community mental health group with a unique programme aimed to help people restore their lives and minds through regular group meetings and applying simple life principles.

back to the top

Heart Children NZ inc.-Canterbury Branch

Provides information and support to parents and families of children with heart conditions. Having a child with a heart condition affects the whole family.

back to the top

Interpreting Canterbury

Interpreting Canterbury’s aim is to provide access to affordable interpreting services which ensures that all members of the community who are not native speakers of English are able to clearly understand information presented to them and are able to be understood. Interpreting Canterbury can provide Interpreters for over 70 different languages.

back to the top

Japanese Society of Canterbury

The aims of the Society are to encourage friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and New Zealand. Their work includes assisting new immigrants to Christchurch by providing them with important information about living in NZ. The Society also endeavours to contribute and to fully participate in NZ Society. They support Japanese government programs such as the Japan Exchange Teaching Program and work with educational, cultural and sports groups.

back to the top

Keep Christchurch Beautiful

A voluntary community organization that aims to promote a litter free environment and a garden city image for Christchurch.

back to the top

Latin American Information & Resource Centre Inc

A new and co-ordinated approach to provide information, guidance support and development opportunities for Latin American and Hispanic people in Canterbury and for New Zealanders interested in Latin America and Spain. Our aim is to promote understanding between the cultures, encourage cultural exchange and awareness of the opportunities available.

back to the top

Launchpad – Employment Scholarship Trust

Launchpad is a support pathway from school to work providing young people with a 12-month scholarship helping young people to find full-time work by approaching suitable employers. Once the student has been successfully placed with a socially responsible employer they are enrolled in a 12 month National Certificate in Business Administration Polytech Course. During this 12-month programme, Launchpad’s Regional Coordinators keep in touch with students, employers and educators; mentoring progress and offering support and encouragement.

back to the top

Mensline (Christchurch)

Committed to working with men to explore issues that affect their lives. We provide counseling and support for men seeking help. A group of experienced facilitators work with men to explore better ways of relating. We emphasise non-violence, respect and confidentiality.

back to the top

MSSAT

A non-profit agency in New Zealand, Advocating, Educating, Supporting Male Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse. This agency also provides one on one, peer and telephone support to those who require it.

back to the top

Muscular Dystrophy Association

Formally known as Muscular Dystrophy Assn. Provides services to members and clients affected by over 40 different Neuromuscular conditions. Neuromuscular conditions cause disabling loss of muscle tissue. This results in progressive deterioration of nerves &/or muscles depending on the condition involved. Mobility is typically affected and there can be problems with speech, breathing and heart function. All conditions are incurable and always progressive. The services offered by Neuromuscular Alliance are unique, diverse, and designed to meet the needs of members. Services include Social Worker services, education, information, advocacy services, camps and support groups.

back to the top

Natural Fertility NZ

Aims to be the leading provider of natural fertility knowledge and services in NZ. Providing education and promotes knowledge and awareness of fertility and it’s use as a family planning method as widely as possible.

back to the top

Network Waitangi Otautahi

Aims to provide a network for groups and individuals who are working for a society based on Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi).

back to the top

Niu Economic & Enterprise Development Trust (NEED Trust)

Provides programmes & facilities to cater for the welfare of Pacific peoples and others where appropriate, in New Zealand.

back to the top

Otautahi Family / Whanau Foster Care Association

Their aim is to support foster carers who care for vulnerable children in the community. Their carers come from Child Youth & Family, Open Homes or have undertaken this responsibility independently. Fostering in isolation is not advisable and members meet regularly to break down the isolation that some carers face, discuss issues and find solutions. The organisation also publishes a newsletter that focuses on topical foster care issues and communicates information from Child Youth & Family and the NZ Foster Care Federation.

back to the top

Otautahi Womens Refuge

Community House acts as a collection point for donations of clothing, blankets, etc. For more information or emergency accommodation for women who have been abused please ring 352 6817 or our crisis line on 0800 117474.

back to the top

Parentline

Free, confidential telephone counselling for parents and caregivers.

back to the top

Project K Canterbury K2 Trust

Project K Programmes are designed to inspire 13 to 15-year olds to reach their full potential through building self confidence, teaching life skills such as goal setting, promoting good health and a positive attitude to educations. The fully sponsored 14 month programme for year 10 students comprises of three stages including a wildness adventure, community challenge and Mentoring by a Project K adult volunteer trained to support and encourage students for one year as they work towards achieving their goals.

back to the top

Restorative Justice Services Otautahi Christchurch

Restorative Justice Services works at promoting reconciliation and healing for people harmed by crime, for offenders and the wider community. Unlike the conventional justice system, restorative justice provides an opportunity for victims to meet with offenders in a safe environment, to ask questions, gain information and describe to offenders the impact of their actions.
For many victims, restorative justice conferences enable them to move on; for many offenders, conferences are the first opportunity they have had to confront and take responsibility for their actions.

back to the top

Russian Cultural Centre Trust

RCCT exists to provide support services for Russian speaking people living in Christchurch and the surrounding area. These services include Russian Language, literature and culture classes for children and youth, English Language classes for adults, aging and health programmes for our elderly members in the community, Russian Language Classes for speakers of other languages and adopted children, a Youth Theatre Project, performances events and festivals.

back to the top

Settlers Community Asset Bank

Is a community of friends used for various "intentional" community models to support isolated and marginalised people to join and form social networks. Our target groups are ex-prison inmates, people with disabilities and solo parents. Settlers Community Asset Bank can offer clients circles of support, interviewing, life coaching, small group meetings, planning and administration.

back to the top

Shakti Ethnic Women's Support Group, Christchurch

24 Hour Domestic Violence Crisis Line 0800 SHAKTI (742584)
This is a national organisation catering to the welfare of the ethnic migrant and refugee community, particularly Ethnic Women and their children. The Group provides various support services in several ethnic languages. Services include Information and Advocacy, domestic violence crisis response, refuge accommodation, referrals, and life skills education programmes including Road Safety Awareness.

back to the top

Students Against Driving Drunk

Students Against Driving Drunk (S.A.D.D) is a national organisation that works with Secondary School Students with the aim to educate and deliver a peer-driven message to youth to prevent drink driving. Also S.A.D.D is promoting safer and healthier decisions along with a better future for tomorrow’s youth.

back to the top

Te Runaka ki Otautahi o Kai Tahu

Is the local tribal council for Christchurch City. It was established in 1936 to promote the cultural, spiritual and social well being of Maori living in the Christchurch and Canterbury region. Over time this has evolved but the primary purpose remains the same. The Runaka initiates projects and programmes that have positive outcomes for Maori, and benefit the wider community.
Our kaumatua are the driving force behind our organisation. They are widely involved at the decision-making, advisory and participatory levels in all our activities. Projects run in the past include learning Wanaka and forums, Tikaka Maori counselling and whanau development such as language, culture, spirituality, sport & recreation.

back to the top

Te Waipounamu Maori Womens Welfare League

The main objective of the League is to encourage and play an active part in the health, education, training and economic development of whanau in the community. The League aims to revive, preserve and maintain the teaching of Maori arts & crafts, Te Reo Maori and to promote t Tikanga Maori and understanding between women of all races.

back to the top

Tenants' Protection Association

One in three people live in a house they do not own. Tenants Protection Association provides free and confidential advice, information, and advocacy services which includes assisting tenants through mediation and tribunal processes. TPA also provides education services and resources to assist renters to understand their rights and responsibilities.

back to the top

The Howard League For Penal Reform

Works to promote open & rational debate on issues of crime, punishment, rehabilitation & alternatives to prison in New Zealand. They provide support, information, educational material & advocacy services.

back to the top

The Polish Association In Christchurch

Resource Library
To unite all people of Polish descent living in Christchurch through group activities, and assist newly arrived Poles in assimilation to life in New Zealand.

back to the top

Vegetarian Centre (Christchurch)

There are an estimated 10,000 vegetarians in Christchurch and no other organisation exists to meet their needs. The service centre aims to provide information to vegetarians about nutrition, meal planning, recipes, social support, advocacy and other resources. The Centre will also provide information to health professionals, teachers and family members to help them support and assist a vegetarian patient, pupil or child.

back to the top

Volunteering Canterbury

Information and referral service for individuals interested in voluntary work and for not-for-profit organisations and projects, which involve volunteers. Support, training, advocacy and consultancy on all matters relating to volunteering.

back to the top