As part of the government’s response to COVID-19, temporary wellbeing support services are being centrally funded to support the education sector. All staff in state and state-integrated schools, kura, early learning centres (including Kōhanga Reo), kindergartens, playcentres and home-based services can access this support. Services include:

• an interactive online programme (Gold Star)
• EAP counselling support.

Gold Star programme

The Gold Star online programme can be accessed at any time once you have registered with the programme. Gold Star provides a range of resilience building resources to support wellbeing. The programme includes e-learning modules, webinars with topic specialists, and self-tests to check and monitor your own wellbeing. This is a temporary resource, with the programme remaining open until June 2024.

Gold Star programme

EAP counselling support

Centrally funded EAP counselling support is also available until December 2023. EAP is an employment-based programme to help with personal and/or work-related problems. EAP counselling support offers free and confidential assessments, short-term counselling, referrals, and follow-up services.

Up to three confidential in-person or online counselling sessions are available through the provider EAP Services.

Appointments can be booked online or by calling 0800 327 669 (select option 2). More information about the EAP Services counselling support and how to book an appointment can be found on the EAP Services website.

EAP Services website

While your school, kura or early learning centre have primary responsibility for your workplace wellbeing, the government’s COVID-19 website has an extensive range of information and support tools to help manage general wellbeing and hauora, not just COVID-19 related issues. These supports include:

• phone and text access to trained counsellors
• links and details of support organisations
• self-help tools and resources
• advice for at-risk groups.

Unite against COVID-19 - Looking after your mental wellbeing