CAB – Where to turn for support

Facing challenges in your family or partner relationships? Whether it’s parenting struggles, relationship difficulties, separation, financial stress, or family violence – support is available.

At the CAB Hibiscus Coast Branch, our volunteers regularly assist with separation and divorce, strained relationships, child custody, and relationship property conflicts. While we often see people after separation, there’s plenty of support available beforehand.

Parenting and families. If your family is struggling, seek advice early. We can guide you to free and fee-paying services including:

• Personalised parent coaching and education programmes
• Counselling and therapy for families, couples, individuals, children, and youth
• Support for parents managing toddlers or challenging adolescent behaviour
• Every situation is unique. Talk to us so we can recommend services tailored to your needs.

Partners and relationships. Before considering separation, explore relationship counselling. Also known as couples or marriage counselling, it helps partners understand themselves and each other, identify sources of conflict, and make positive changes. Free and paid options are available. Visit www.cab.org.nz and search:

• What can I expect from relationship counselling?
• Is there any way we can get free relationship counselling?

Family violence or harm. If you’re experiencing family violence, you are not alone – it’s not your fault, and help is available. Abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial.

We can direct you to urgent support or advise you about counselling and education programmes for both victim-survivors and users of violence – available online or in person for women, men, youth, and children.

The Shielded Site. If you are experiencing family violence you can search for advice online without it appearing in your browser’s history. Look for The Shielded Site logo at the bottom of the CAB website or on major NZ retailer, banking, and government sites like WINZ or IRD.

Ashley’s Law. From October 2025, victims of family violence may be able to end their marriage or civil union without the previously required two-year separation – making it easier to access protection and move forward.

Financial stress and budgeting. Financial hardship affects individuals and families deeply. Free, confidential services can help with budgeting, debt support, and financial mentoring.

Low-income individuals and beneficiaries may qualify for extra assistance through WINZ (e.g. food grants, accommodation supplements, emergency help) or IRD (e.g tax credits, family support). We can connect you with free advice and advocacy to understand your rights and entitlements.