전문적인 대면 혹은 전화상담 지원, 비밀보장

Better relationship with children thanks to counselling

She not only taught me how to communicate with my children, but also told me how to treat my children better so that we live a good life. Now the relationship between me and the children is very good, our family is now very harmonious. Jiali also taught me how to look after myself.… I love to attend her counselling sessions. It doesn't matter if I could go back to the casino or not, I know I now have self-control and I will change myself.

I was rescued from gambling thanks to AFS

I had experienced severe gambling problems and its negative impacts on my business, marriage life, and physical and psychological health. I felt hopeless, and lost self-confidence and motivation, when I knocked at the door of the Asian Family Services, counsellor Sunjin Heo, listened to my stories, and supported me to recover self-confidence for rebuilding my life.

COVID lockdown stresses drove me back to gambling…

“…Covid19 lockdown has caused lots of financial burden to my restaurant business, and sponsorship visa process for my fiancé is also delayed. All the stresses pushed me to go back to the TAB for gambling on pokie machine last December… I decided to seek help from Asian Family Services once again. I feel so relieved that AFS counsellor Im Soo gives me not only lots of emotional support but also practical advice by helping me with the application of multi venue exclusion to the TABs or pubs where I am visiting for gambling.

I overcame gambling thanks to AFS counselling

I have newly started religious study, and recovered the relationship with my son. My business is also going ok as I can concentrate on my work without the gambling issues. I really appreciate that Asian Family Services’ counselling services have helped me to overcome the gambling problems and to make my life better.

Feedback from Asha Group in prison

"Its a good program to know and learn about so that one doesn't get into gambling while in prison. It's very insightful and helpful for future". "Really good & informative. Should have more programmes like this". "Great + well presented. Answered all questions + were very supportive + understanding".

Feedback from an international student

"I'm really really grateful for the support you have given me. Will soon get better completely and come back to finish my course and get back on my career path. I'll always remember your help".

Inmate out of gambling addiction

I am still on my medications and reading the book on gambling that you sent me… When I gambled, it would lead me to steal and/or borrow money to support my addiction. I even lied… Your programme was a wake-up call and allowed me to realise the man I can become. I want to have a normal future when I get out… without any stress of gambling. I know I can stop gambling because of your support.

Counselling reduced my anxiety

Counsellor Jiali listened to me very carefully and helped me analyse my situation. Before my sessions, I had really bad mood swings and with her help, I no longer do. She taught me several exercises and breathing methods to better manage my anxiety and improve my quality of life.

A gambling client’s voice

Billy is patient and used step-by-step guides to help me understand things that seemed out of control for me…He gave me many examples of how gambling can negatively affect your financial situation and family relationships…He also gave me practical information about how to deal with my financial problems. He helped me decide what actions to take to manage my stress, anxiety and depression.

Covid-19: Chinese Kiwis have lowest vaccination rates in over-65 age group

Chinese Kiwis over the age of 65 have the lowest Covid-19 vaccination rates. 81% of Chinese Kiwis over 65 have had their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, while just 67% are fully vaccinated. Among all ethnic groups, 92% of over 65s have had their first dose, while 82% have had their second dose. AFS director Kelly Feng said she was “disappointed” at what she saw as a lack of Government support for the Chinese community. In August, AFS tried to get support from the Northern Region Health Coordination Centre (NRHCC) for a vaccination for elderly Chinese and migrant workers but was declined. link：Covid-19: Chinese Kiwis have lowest vaccination rates in over-65 age group | Stuff.co.nz

More support needed for Asian mental health

Demand for mental health support amongst Asian New Zealanders has soared since the beginning of the pandemic, but the community remains underserved. One provider, Asian Family Services, is trying to meet the demands of the Asian population, but says its funding is limited and is managing a three week long waitlist. In a recent 2021 survey commissioned by the health provider, 44 percent of respondents reported symptoms of depression, increasing to 61 percent for those under 30 years of age. National director Kelly Feng tells Lynn how more funding and a clearer national strategy is needed to support Asian mental health. Link:https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018835657/more-support-needed-for-asian-mental-health

Covid-19: Chinese migrants struggle to get jabs due to language barrier

Chinese migrants with language barriers are struggling to book and get Covid-19 vaccinations. Community leaders and an organisation working with the Chinese community say there needs to be more proactive dissemination of information through ethnic platforms, and dedicated group vaccination events could help. Kelly Feng, director of support organisation Asian Family Services (AFS), acknowledged the Government’s efforts in translating vaccine related information into other languages, but said it needed to go beyond the Ministry of Health’s website. It’s still on an English [language] website and can’t be accessed by ethnic communities,” she said. link： Covid-19: Chinese migrants struggle to get jabs due to language barrier | Stuff.co.nz

Asian New Zealanders wrestle with Covid-era dilemma: To stay or to go

Not being able to return to their home country to see family is the biggest challenge of Covid for Asian New Zealanders, followed by the possibility of a recession and racial discrimination, AFS national director Kelly Feng said. Since the pandemic began, AFS had seen a surge in demand for mental health support, she said. A survey of 580 Asian New Zealanders, published in June 2021, found 44.4 per cent showed symptoms of depression. The rate was even higher for younger Asian Kiwis at 61.3 per cent. “The pandemic has been taking a huge toll on mental health among Asian communities across the country. This is partly because of the cultural and language barriers,” Feng said. Link: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/127528331/asian-new-zealanders-wrestle-with-covidera-dilemma-to-stay-or-to-go

National calls for better mental health services for Asians

The government is being urged to make the mental health of Asian New Zealanders more of a priority, with suspected suicides among Asians more than doubling in recent years. Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, Asian Family Services said demand has been growing for mental health support. But those with the cultural knowledge to help people in need aren't being provided with enough resources. Data on the Ministry of Health website showed that between 2014 and 2018 confirmed suicides increased from 20 to 34. And in 2020 there were 55 suspected suicides amongst the Asian population. The rate of suspected suicides among New Zealand's wider population also rose from 4 to 6.5 per 100,000 people. However, stigma within Asian cultures around mental health makes people reluctant to seek professional help. link: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/459871/national-calls-for-better-mental-health-services-for-asians

Calls for strategy to address needs of increasing Asian population

It's our fastest growing population - Asian New Zealanders are set to make up a quarter of the New Zealand population in 20 years' time. Asian Family Service’s Dr Kelly Feng says that "at our service level there are an increasing level of people being bullied at school, depression, stress, having an eating disorder or gambling addiction”. She says a national strategy is needed, one that is culturally appropriate. “To really put in place an equity lens on Asian people in New Zealand as well,” Feng says. Link: https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/calls-strategy-address-needs-increasing-asian-population

Ivan Yeo and Dr Aram Kim interviewed on deteriorating Asian mental health

The Asian Helpline, a telephone counselling service offered in eight languages, recorded a 150 per cent surge in the number of calls from May to July this year. Referrals for non-gambling counselling sessions saw a 138 per cent increase over the same period, says Ivan Yeo, deputy director of Asian Family Services. "There is a strongly held stigma and discrimination against mental health issues across many Asian communities, so people struggle to identify issues that are developing, and get life-changing help early," Dr Aram commented. link：https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12371297

Asian Parents remove the child from school as COVID-19 racism

...the Human Rights Commission has received 252 reports relating to coronavirus. Foon said 86 were considered race-related, with the bulk of those reports geared towards Asian people. Asian Family Services and Netsafe are also gathering data in relation to racist abuse and hate speech. link: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/121393022/coronavirus-asian-parents-remove-child-from-school-as-covid19-racism-spikes

Asian mental health neglected by government policies, charity says

AFS says Asians’ mental health needs are not being properly addressed by the government. “Currently, the Ministry of Health has no policy for Asian mental health, which means no strategy,” Asian Family Services (AFS) national director Kelly Feng said. A 2019 report on understanding suicide in the Asian population said government mental health policies for Asian and refugee communities are under-developed. “Many [Asian people] don’t know the New Zealand health system ... even if they know how to access [it], there is a lack of culturally appropriate services,” she said. Link: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/124833565/asian-mental-health-neglected-by-government-policies-charity-says

Asians reluctant to seek help for mental health reach out during pandemic

Deputy director Ivan Yeo said it was concerning to see more diverse distress, mental health and social needs of their clients and discrimination issues in schools and workplaces. AFS has been receiving a higher number of cases involving immigrant Asian women experiencing family violence too. AFS national director Kelly Feng said she was appreciative of a six-month grant from the Ministry of Health which allows them to expand services but more can be done. link: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/417933/asians-reluctant-to-seek-help-for-mental-health-reach-out-during-pandemic

Survey shows Asian Kiwis suffered high anxiety, depression and racism during lockdown

The New Zealand Asian Mental Health and Well-being report, commissioned by Asian Family Services, found high levels of anxiety and nervousness, as well as racism. The research surveyed 580 Asian New Zealanders across the country and found almost 44 percent experienced some form of mental distress since level 4 lockdown. AFS director Kelly Feng said isolation, lack of support, family issues, academic or work pressure, new migrants adjusting to a new environment can all cause mental stress. links: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/420056/survey-shows-high-anxiety-and-depression-among-asian-kiwis

NZ’s Asian population under-represented in 53rd Parliament

The Asian population is not well represented in the Parliament after last week’s election. About 5% of the 120 MPs are of Asian descent, despite 15% of NZ’s population identifying as Asian in last Census, made up of more than 30 ethnicities. AFS national director Kelly Feng commented, culturally and linguistically appropriate approaches are needed to know better the issues of Asians, and engage with the Asian community. link: https://www.rnz.co.nz/audio/player?audio_id=2018769026#

Big rise in number of Asians seeking mental health help in Auckland

The number of Asians in Auckland seeking help for mental health in the last five years has risen dramatically with one DHB reporting an 82 percent increase in cases. Kelly Feng from Asian Family Services expected the real number of people needing help to be even higher. "We do not really talk about those issues because you feel shame and stigma to talk about - you're going to keep it in the family," she said. link: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/405561/big-rise-in-number-of-asians-seeking-mental-health-help-in-auckland

Urgent action needed to address poor mental health in Asian community

Figures released today show a marked increase in the number of suicides among Asian ethnicities, increasing by 20 deaths in the year to the end of June to a rate of almost 8 suicides per 100,000 people. That's despite an overall decrease in the number of suicides in New Zealand. The National Director of Asian Family Services Kelly Feng said the increase is very concerning, and the government isn't doing enough to address the underlying problems. Link：https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/middayreport/audio/2018760529/urgent-action-needed-to-address-poor-mental-health-in-asian-community

Experts urge support services for International students

More international students were suicidal or suffered problems including anxiety and drug, alcohol or gambling addiction. AFS Counsellor Shirleen Prasad said the organisation saw 200-300 foreign students last year for a variety of problems including gambling, drug and alcohol addiction and depression. Asian Family Services National Director Kelly Feng said it was getting more referrals from tertiary institutions and more direct contacts from foreign students. link: https://www.indiannewslink.co.nz/experts-urge-support-services-for-international-students-2/

Calls for more Korean mental health resources

Korean mental health workers are calling for more resources in their communities in New Zealand, especially when the cultural norm is to turn to alcohol instead of counseling. There are about 30,000 people from the ethnic group living in New Zealand, and two-thirds of them are in Auckland. Consultant psychiatrist Aram Kim said it was a tight-knit community and that had consequences. Asian Family Services recently released video resources about mental health in Korean. Link：https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018720247/calls-for-more-korean-mental-health-resources

Losing loved ones overseas and can't say goodbye: Experts fear mental health fallout

Support services are seeing more people seeking help with grief and loss this year- a 40 per cent increase year-on-year in June alone at the Grief Centre. Experts say bereavement can manifest as symptoms of depression, like loss of appetite, change in sleep patterns, and losing interest in enjoyable things and activities. "You may not fit the diagnostic criteria for depression, but still be significantly affected by grief and loss," said Kelly Feng, director of Asian Family Services. Link: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/losing-loved-ones-overseas-and-cant-say-goodbye-experts-fear-mental-health-fallout/45NCVV4YGHLPB4L2DV7NQ2XQQY/

Asian Helpline heroes saved lives

A practicing Vietnamese monk, a one-time Korean business man and a former Chinese policeman are at the Asian Family Services office in Grafton…All are qualified counsellors manning the multi-lingual Asian Helpline, a mental health service for Asians in New Zealand that has been running since 1998. Helpline project lead Alex said, language is a significant barrier between ethnic minorities and mainstream support services, so it’s important to use a caller’s first language from the get-go… Counsellor Imsoo Kim says, fear of ostracism by their tight knit communities is top of mind for callers, so privacy is everything. link： https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/helplines-offer-a-refuge-for-migrants-domestic-violence-victims/THFDEX2VEP6LDPPQPBLGSV66S4/

Concerns over wellbeing of Chinese families separated by border closures on eve of Lunar New Year

It's Lunar New Year's Eve - a night when families typically get together for a 'reunion dinner' to celebrate, but there are concerns about the wellbeing of some families. A mental health helpline for Asians in New Zealand has seen an increase in demand for parenting help. Kelly Feng from Asian Family Services has noticed this need. "People needing more longer support. On average we spend about 40, 45 minutes per call." Link: https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2021/02/concerns-over-wellbeing-of-chinese-families-separated-by-border-closures-on-eve-of-lunar-new-year.html

To counter Covid, Government needs a long-term work plan with AFS

The government is still under fire for not reaching all communities with its COVID-19 messaging. Asian Family Services director Kelly Feng: “Since last year’s outbreak, the MoH approached AFS and contracted us to bridge the gap between the government information and the community… We have now get urgent request from regional public health that we start urgent translation…I think it is important that the government develop a long-term partnership with community-based NGOs like us.” Link: https://www.rnz.co.nz/audio/player?audio_id=2018785925

Albert-Eden Board Award

AFS has been acknowledged by the Albert-Eden Board for our outstanding contribution to the Asian community.

AFS national director Kelly (Meijia) Feng received NZ Order of Merit (MNZM)

Waitemata Local Board Good Citizens' Awards 2019

AFS received the Waitemata Local Board Good Citizens' Awards in 2019

Outstanding work 2021

Outstanding work 2020

Electoral Commission’s acknowledgement to AFS’ contribution

Kia ora koutou katoa On behalf of Asian Family Services and the Electoral Commission, thank you so much for helping us reach and motivate more people to enrol and vote. I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you all for contributing to what was a very successful election. 94.1% of the eligible population are enrolled;This is the highest result since 2008 … Special thanks to Ivan Yeo and Alice Wang for keeping you all well informed and adequately resourced to do a fantastic job. Kindest regards Jon Gabites Project Leader | Electoral Commission

Honorary Certificate

HIP helped me overcome bad habit and live healthy

Hi Linda: We were so impressed by your professionalism and excellent counselling services. You treated your patient like family and the method you taught us worked. My husband and I followed your health instruction. My husband is gradually changing his bad habit of staying up late. We really appreciate your help. Your scientific explanation based on testing evidence against timeline indeed set alarm on our lifestyle.

Unemployment stress alleviated

This year was a grim year for people working in the tourism industry. I was under immense stress and suffered a lot of pain. I turned to AFS for help. After three sessions, I was relieved from the pressure I felt and I gained further insight about my mental health.

Thanks for Asha’s financial support during Auckland lockdown

Thank you so much Asha. You have helped me and my family a great deal,.. I'm truly blessed to be around you as a blessings 🙌 🙏 over my families especially in this pandemic Thank you so much for the voucher I really appreciate your help and kindness. I just wanted to Thank you and your team for the voucher you've provided me and my Family...It helped a lot... Thank you so much for helping me and my whanau out during these difficult times.

Counselling helped a migrant out of down mood

I am very lucky that I could get help from Darcy of Asian Family Services when I deadly needed help. Her expertise, patience, active listening, and practical advice directed me out of the low and blue. This free charge service meant a lot for a migrant living far away from home country. I would like to give five- star feedback to this service and recommend it to our Asian friends.

Feedback from HomeStay NZ

Thank you so much for seeing XX. He has told us how helpful you have been to him and I was very happy to hear how successful his experience has been. I know that I can rely on AFS in the future if our students need further support.

Thanks for your support during COVID lockdown

I really want to say thank you to AFS and my counsellor Danny. Thank you for being patient listening to me and your trust on me with no judgement. You helped me apply for benefit when I was very difficult during the lockdown. With your support, I started to realise the importance of my wellbeing, and learnt how to deal with the relationship with my son.

Client’s voice

During the counselling, your attentive listening made me feel warm. When my words and my experiences was listened to and treated seriously, I felt like I mattered and that my issue mattered. You gave me advise carefully, you respected my opinions and you constantly communicated with me. I felt that you cared about my feelings. I felt respected.

I felt being heard, cared and validated

“I feel much better after the face-to-face counselling session. There are so many challenges I am facing in my life, but I do not know who I can talk to. I hid all problems, and everyone thought I was fine. But I knew I was not. AFS provides me an opportunity to tell my story, my feelings and thoughts in a confidential and safe place. I feel being heard, cared and validated by my counsellor (Carmen Wang) in the session.”

AFS counsellor helped me with family conflict

“Hi Ms Li (Jiali LI), thank you for your counselling. During the time I talked to you, I gradually felt my growth. The past of grievance, sorrow, distress and helplessness is all gone. There are always happy things in my mind. With your care and support, the conflict between my daughter and my son in law has gradually decreased. We all felt the happiness of the family! Thanks again, Ms Li”

Counsellor helped me with parent-child conflict

“Thanks to my counsellor Danny for helping me face the conflict within myself and the conflict between me and my kids. He is calm and patient with no judgement. Now I can accept myself still being a good mother and work to improve my communication skills and my anger management skills. I really appreciate the service from Asian Family Services. I believe many individuals and families should come for help instead of letting their issues getting worse. “

Programme for International Students

AFS is regularly invited by schools and tertiary groups to provide workshops for their international students. In July, AFS visited the ACG Education group to speak to over 300 students.

Culturally appropriate solutions

These counselling sessions really helped me. I would like to thank Asian Family Services for offering free and professional counselling services that enable us to express our emotional problems in our mother tongue and provide us with culturally appropriate solutions. Thank you.

A Chinese client’s voice

My counsellor's empathy helped me to realise that I am not alone and helped alleviate my loneliness when I faced my mental health issues. During the counselling sessions, he was very patient, listened to my thoughts and used different methods to help me. He would answer all my questions on WeChat and helped me with my anxieties.

Counselling solved our family conflict

Thank you so much for your service. During the sessions, I gradually felt myself growing and learning. My grief, distress and hopelessness are gone and I am happier. With your help and support, our family conflict between my daughter and my son-in-law reduced and my family has regained our happiness. Thank you so much, Counsellor Li!

I learned to manage my anger

A three-hour counselling helped me grow inner wisdom. I used to use anger to express my dissatisfaction. I feel abased due to my bad temper. Counsellor Jiali made me realise that my anger was rooted from not being paid attention to when I expressed my thoughts in my childhood. I started to use language to express my thought and communicate with others in a more active way.