Psychological/Spiritual Care

"I just could not take any more chemo, it was really getting me depressed. So after a lot of discussions with people, including my keyworker, I stopped."
AYA patient

Resources

Support Directory

The following non-governmental organisations (NGOs) provides a range of support services including counselling, to young people with cancer and their whānau.

The following organisations can provide support for young people and their whānau who need emotional and mental health support:

Local hospital support teams i.e. social workers, psychologists, psychiatrist chaplaincy, Kaiatawhai and The Pacific Support Team

Whāraurau – National directory of DHB funded Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Addictions Services
wharaurau.org.nz

Web Resources

Health Navigator NZ: Te whare tapa whā https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/

This website provides an over view of Te whare tapa whā in action. It explains how each pillar; taha tinana (physical wellbeing); taha hinengaro (mental wellbeing); taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing) and taha whānau (family wellbeing) all work together to form hauora. 

 

Tools

Sparx | https://www.sparx.org.nz/

A fantasy game with skills young people can use to manage stress, anxiety and depression.

Aunty Dee | www.auntydee.co.nz

An online wellbeing tool that helps people cope with stressful life experiences through support with problem solving.

Common Ground | www.commonground.org.nz

A good place for family and friends to learn about useful ways to support themselves and teenagers with mental health issues.

Headspace | www.headspace.com

A meditation and mindfulness app.

Smiling Mind smilingmind.com.au

A meditation and mindfulness app designed for younger people.

Create to Heal App itunes.apple.com/us/app/create-to-heal/id882453467

Application ‘Create To Heal’ – aims to provide stress relief for cancer patients and their families through music, art, inspirational messages and meditation.

Maatawaka maatawaka.org.nz/referralform/

Located in the South Island. Te Runanga o Nga Maata Waka currently deliver a range of services in health, education, justice, social services, creative arts, housing, business development, community development, cultural identity and competence, Marae etiquette practice and customs, and the youth sectors.

SVRI | http://www.svri.org/sites/default/files/attachments/2016-01-13/HADS.pdf

Heidi Watson

The Clinical Leader is responsible for providing clinical leadership and national oversight of the network .

Heidi is a passionate and experienced health professional with a strong clinical, education and leadership background. Her enthusiasm for, and commitment to youth health has focused on improving the outcomes of youth with cancer and chronic health conditions. Previously, Heidi held the position of AYA Cancer Nurse Specialist for Auckland District Health Board. Alongside her AYA clinical leadership role she holds a youth health academic position at the University of Auckland.