Whangarei Lifeline shutting indefinitely

Whangarei Lifeline has closed

Lifeline Northland is closing with the organisation ceasing to offer face-to-face counselling locally and calls to be diverted to other branches around the country.

A spokeswoman says the closure from tomorrow is only temporary but is unable to say, at this stage, when the Whangarei branch will reopen.

One of the volunteers said they understood the closure would be permanent.

Lifeline has operated in Northland since 1971 and is a 24-hour telephone counselling service.

Volunteers are trained to support people through psychological and emotional distress; financial and work issues; marriage and family problems; those who were lonely, ill, depressed or the victims of abuse.

Lifeline Northland also formerly offered face-to-face counselling, with local operations reportedly ceasing on August 28.

The volunteer said all the assets from the organisation's Whangarei office had been removed from the premises and donated to other charities.

The volunteer said the closure was "a big grievance" for the volunteers, one of whom had been with the organisation for more than 40 years.

"It's a big loss, it's been a big part of our lives."

Lifeline Aotearoa national branches manager Michelle Cooney said the closure was only temporary, as the lease on the Kamo Rd building had expired.

She could not say where or when the branch would reopen.

"Lifeline Whangarei is temporarily closing and will reopen when we find suitable premises that are more visible and accessible to the Whangarei community," Ms Cooney said.

"Over the past two years, volunteer numbers have been declining and, last month, we only had three active volunteers in Whangarei."

Ms Cooney said Lifeline had advertised for a new Whangarei manager, but had been unable to find a suitable applicant.

"Once we find new premises, that are suitable, and recruit a new manager, we will contact existing volunteers and recruit new volunteers for the Whangarei branch."

Meanwhile, calls to counsellors would be diverted to branches in other regions.

That happened regardless when Northland counsellors were already busy on calls, Ms Cooney said.

She said the Northland branch supported few face-to-face clients.

"We haven't had a lot of people coming through there anyway," she said.

Help is available

If you need help, you can contact Lifeline's 24-hour national support line on 0800 543 354