Social Workers
Qualified Navy social workers are available to provide advice, support and counseling to Navy personnel, their families, and civilians employed by Navy .
Social workers provide a 24-hour, 7-day a week service
Contact:
Office Hours 8am-4.30 pm:
At any time and after Hours:
0800 NAVYHELP (0800 6289-4357).
There is also a number (0800 AOD HELP) for more information on substance abuse.
Services
Social Workers provide the following services:
- a case work service
- crisis support
- counselling for personal, marital or family issues
- counselling in cases of drug, alcohol or gambling problems
- liaison with welfare organisations relevant to the Navy community
Social workers should be contacted when there is a requirement to get in touch with a sailor who is on a ship's deployment, especially if there is a need for the sailor to be advised of a death of a family member or a close friend, or if consideration needs to be given for a sailor to return to New Zealand for a serious situation that has arisen in the family.
The correct person to be contacted will be known to the social worker, who will be able to expedite the required action and reduce the stress level for all those involved in such a situation.
Relationship, drug, alcohol, gambling or any personal issues will be dealt with promptly by social workers, and they work closely with other agencies to ensure the client receives the correct advice. There is funding available for specialised counseling and social workers work closely with agencies such as CADS (Community Alcohol and Drug Service) and the Family Court Co-coordinators.
Confidentiality is maintained unless there is a safety issue for the client or the RNZN as a whole. The NCO Social Work service is well used and respected by the RNZN.
Call: 0800 NAVYHELP (0800 6289-4357) or 445-5915 (Auckland Area only).
Family Liaison Officer
The RNZN employs a fulltime person to provide practical support and advice to Naval and Civilian families employed by the RNZN who have pre-school children. They visit them in their home, and either stay in the home, or take the child/children out to give the care-giving parent a break.
This is not an emergency service, and priority is given to families who have a partner deployed on a ship or posted out of Auckland. If there is an emergency situation, NCO will do their best to respond or to seek an alternative support service, which the RNZN will pay for with home aid funds as available.
The FLO works closely with Plunket and other outside agencies such as Barnados to identify families who could do with a helping hand. They liaise closely with the Naval Community Office (NCO) Social Workers and comes under their supervision.
They also assists the NCO organisation when family orientated events are organised.
Two bookings each day: 9am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 4pm.
Bookings for service should be made through the NCO receptionist on (09) 445 5534.
Read about early childhood centres.