Mental Health (Community)

New Zealand has a strong emphasis on community. Across the country, you’ll find a range of formal community services that support people and their families as they get older.

Some of these are focussed on connecting you with healthcare and support that suits your needs (like the Cancer Society of New Zealand, Stroke Foundation NZ, or Alzheimers New Zealand and Dementia New Zealand, for example), as well as your local Te Whatu Ora or health hub (which might be your nearest doctor’s office or pharmacy, for example).

Advocacy groups, such as Grey Power, are there to be a voice for you, while organisations including Age Concern offer a host of support services, classes, workshops, and courses that help people build friendships and better connect with their community. If you’re looking to grow your skills, improve your fitness or meet new people, you’ll discover places for that too. Have a browse of what’s on offer and think about how they could make your life easier.