E tautoko ana nga whänau oranga hinengaro

“To provide the best possible support, advocacy and information for families/whänau of people experiencing mental illness.”

SF Eastern Bay is a branch of Supporting Families in Mental Illness New Zealand (SFNZ), an independent voluntary community organisation which operates as a federation of independent branches and related organisations located throughout New Zealand.

To support family/whänau/caregivers of a person who either has a mental illness or may be developing a mental illness. To provide the best possible support, advocacy and information for families/whänau of people experiencing mental illness.

SF acknowledges, respects, and incorporates Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the services and supports we provide.

Our supporting families’ office is a place where families and caregivers can meet for:
* Emotional / Wellness Support
* Information & Education
* Linking to Services

* Is free & confidential
* Open to anyone
* interpreter support available
* Can travel to meet you at your home, business, or community

* Family/whänau Advocacy
* Family/whänau Emotional Support
* Home Visits
* Linking and liaison with mental health and wellness services
* Information and Education
* Peer Support
* Wellness Supporting Activities
* Youth Support Activities
Call us, or stop by, so we can help you . . .

* Matata to the West
* Minginui to the South
* Waihau Bay to the East
And everwhere in between (View Map)

We employ Family Support Workers to provide:
* Emotional Support
* Information
* Advocacy
* Linking to Services
For Families where a member is living with a mental Illness.

The Family Support Workers receives referrals from all sources and works closely with the Bay of Plenty District Health Board and all community services to facilitate personalized supports for each family / whänau. You can also call us directly, or stop by, for free impartial and confidential assistance.


* Emergency Travel Support
Emergency Travel Support may be available for families/ whänau living 30 km+ from Mental Health Services during the first week of hospitalisation emergency mental health care.

We like to promote greater community awareness and understanding of mental illness. Upon request, we can schedule educational workshops to all sectors of the community.

* Books
* DVDs and Videos
* Newsletters
* Pamphlets

Call our office, or stop by, to get information from National and International sources.

The Family /whänau has the right:
* To be treated with understanding & respect
* To receive information about a family member’s illness, diagnosis, treatment, strategies for coping
* To provide information re: their loved one’s history
* To be included in care & discharge planning
* To know the names & #’s of the care giving team to best support your loved one’s recovery.

If we out visiting with families and you need assistance, please call one of these community support agencies: