Mental Health Communities & Support Groups — NZ
Find connection, understanding and welcoming community-based mental health support throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
A gentle note
This page helps you explore communities and support groups. Some groups offer peer connection or practical guidance rather than clinical treatment. Check their eligibility, privacy, costs, accessibility, and meeting arrangements before attending. You can take things at your own pace.
Need urgent support?
If anyone is in immediate danger in New Zealand, call 111. For free emotional support, call or text 1737, any time. For a mental health emergency, contact your local mental health crisis team or hospital emergency department. Community groups are not a substitute for urgent crisis care.
Find a support pathway
Search these guidance cards by interest, type or audience. This finder filters information on this page; it does not check live group availability.
Showing all 6 pathways.
Peer-led support and groups
Meet people with lived experience who can offer understanding and mutual support. Ask about facilitation, confidentiality and meeting formats.
Find community support groups ↗Community organisations
Explore local community centres, wellbeing activities and organisations offering opportunities for social connection and practical support.
Explore broader communities →Family, whānau and carers
Find information and groups for those supporting someone experiencing mental health challenges, including opportunities to share experiences safely.
Explore support for others ↗Youth and rangatahi connection
Look for welcoming, age-appropriate groups and support activities, with clear safeguarding, consent and privacy arrangements.
Youth support starting points ↗Cultural and identity-aware groups
Explore culturally responsive, disability-inclusive, neurodivergent-friendly and LGBTQIA+-affirming community spaces where suitable.
Cultural & community pathways →Regional, rural and online support
Check whether groups meet nearby, online or by phone. Ask about transport, interpreting, access needs and whether joining requires registration.
Browse groups by region ↗No pathways matched. Try another word or select Reset.
Ways to find a real group
The Mental Health Foundation provides a searchable collection of community groups. It is not a complete list, and a group may change its hours or availability.
Young people, adults & whānau
Different groups serve different ages and life situations. Ask whether a service is designed for young people, adults, older people, carers, or families — and whether it offers peer connection, counselling, or both.
People can also ask a GP, local kaupapa Māori health provider or community organisation about suitable services.
Family and community connection
Support can include family education, carer peer groups, community participation and shared wellbeing activities. Respectful access means checking physical accessibility, sensory preferences, languages, privacy and cultural safety.
Explore additional support options ↗Related support pathways
Helpful questions
Are peer support groups the same as therapy?
Not usually. Peer support often focuses on shared experience and mutual understanding, while clinical therapy is provided by appropriately qualified professionals.
Can I bring a support person?
Some groups allow it and others have their own guidelines. Contact the organiser before attending.
How do I find a group near me?
Use the external NZ group directory or ask local community and health providers. Check current meeting arrangements directly.