West Coast Crisis Support
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Immediate help on the West Coast
If someone may harm themselves or someone else, call 111, go to the nearest emergency department, or contact the local mental health crisis team.
West Coast crisis support
West Coast urgent mental health support is available through the local crisis response pathway, including after-hours urgent assessment and support for people experiencing acute distress or immediate mental health concerns.
Key local contacts
West Coast urgent mental health support: 0800 652 520
1737 call or text support: 1737
Emergency: 111
Find local support by area
West Coast communities can stay together on one regional page, with local areas grouped below for easier navigation.
Greymouth
For Greymouth and surrounding communities.
- Emergency: 111
- West Coast crisis support: 0800 652 520
- 1737 for free call or text support
Hokitika
For Hokitika and nearby communities.
- Emergency: 111
- West Coast crisis support: 0800 652 520
- Use GP, after-hours, or emergency department if urgent
Westport / Buller
For Westport, Buller and nearby communities.
- Emergency: 111
- West Coast crisis support: 0800 652 520
- 1737 if speaking or texting feels easier
Reefton / Inland West Coast
For Reefton and surrounding inland communities.
- Emergency: 111
- West Coast crisis support: 0800 652 520
- Distance may affect access — call ahead where possible
South Westland
For Franz Josef, Fox Glacier and surrounding communities.
- Emergency: 111
- West Coast crisis support: 0800 652 520
- 1737 for emotional support anytime
Remote Coast Communities
For smaller remote communities where travel and weather may affect support access.
- Emergency: 111
- West Coast crisis support: 0800 652 520
- Use local urgent health or emergency pathways if needed
Lower-pressure support options
Some people need quieter options before they can make a phone call. Lower-pressure support can include texting 1737, asking someone to stay nearby, writing down what is happening, or asking a trusted person to help explain the situation.
Call or text 1737
Useful when someone needs to talk or text with a trained support person.
Ask someone to stay nearby
A trusted person can reduce pressure, help with transport, or support the call.
Write down key details
Helpful notes include location, immediate risks, medication, support people, and what feels hard right now.
Support for different needs
Some people need crisis support that is identity-safe, neurodivergent-friendly, culturally safe, youth-friendly, disability-accessible, or whānau-aware.
Youth & teens
Use simple language, reduce pressure, offer choices, and involve safe adults where appropriate.
Parents, carers & whānau
Supporters may need guidance too when someone they care about is unsafe or overwhelmed.
Neurodivergent people
Lower stimulation, clear choices, written options, and extra processing time can make support safer.
Māori & kaupapa support
Cultural safety, whānau involvement, and trusted community connections can be important parts of support.
LGBTQIA+ support
Identity-safe support matters when crisis is linked to safety, belonging, gender, sexuality, or rejection.
Rural access support
Transport, distance, weather, and local service availability may affect how someone gets help.
What to do next
When someone is distressed, the next step does not need to be perfect. Start with safety, reduce immediate risks, stay connected, and contact the most appropriate support.
1. Check immediate safety
If there is danger now, call 111 or go to the nearest emergency department.
2. Contact crisis support
Use West Coast crisis support, 1737, or emergency services depending on urgency.
3. Plan follow-up
After the immediate crisis, consider GP follow-up, community support, peer support, whānau support, or practical support.