Vaka Tautua Launches FREE Pacific Helpline

Today Vaka Tautua launched a new FREE Pacific helpline for the Auckland region. 0800 OLA LELEI (0800 652 535) is a freephone service where people can talk to a trained Pacific mental health or social worker about any worries, issues or concerns they may have due to COVID-19 (coronavirus).

“We know there are people in our communities who may be feeling a bit stressed, worried or anxious because of coronavirus and the challenges they and their families are facing, and need someone to talk to. That is what 0800 OLA LELEI is for. And for us to listen, and to help and support our Pacific peoples however we can,” said Vaka Tautua Chief Executive Officer, Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop.

0800 OLA LELEI will operate Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 8.30pm. All conversations are confidential. The languages offered are Cook Islands Māori, Samoan, Tongan and English. If callers need additional help and support, the Ola Lelei team will connect them to the appropriate services.

“At Vaka Tautua, we are fortunate to deliver a wide range of services for Pacific peoples across the Auckland region such as mental health, disability support, social services (family violence), older people support (elder abuse response services) and financial capability services, and so if required, we can transition callers into our services,” said Dr Dunlop.

“However, if we do not deliver a specific service, then we are able to refer the callers, with their consent, to one of our many partner organisations. Ensuring our Pacific peoples get the help and support they need is our top priority.”

0800 OLA LELEI is the first known service of its kind for Pacific peoples in New Zealand. It is supported by funding from the Ministries of Health and Social Development.

Vaka Tautua is a national Pacific health and social services provider. It delivers disability, mental health, older peoples, financial capability and social services in the greater Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury regions.