Social work in Whanganui

Registered social workers can provide help to you and your whānau (family) if you are experiencing problems arising from ill health or disability. We provide support in the community across the Whanganui region and while you are in hospital.

On this page

Contact us

To contact the Social work team at Whanganui Hospital:

Where to find us

  • Building F Lambie
  • 100 Heads Road
  • Whanganui

8am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Services we provide

Social workers are trained to respond to people's emotional, psychosocial and practical needs. We advocate on your behalf to ensure your rights, responsibilities and entitlements are respected.

We provide services across a wide range of areas, including:

  • psychosocial assessment and intervention
  • risk assessment and safety planning
  • response to trauma or crisis, emotional support and coping strategies
  • interventions to protect vulnerable people
  • complex problem solving
  • support during long-term illness and repeat admissions
  • sociolegal issues and ethical decision making
  • advocacy in relation to social inequity or stigma
  • pregnancy counselling, all options explored
  • grief and loss intervention and support
  • health promotion, preventative planning and early intervention
  • providing information on/referral to community agencies and health providers
  • work as part of the multi-disciplinary team supporting discharge planning.

Referral information

You can self-refer to the Social work services, or with your consent have your healthcare provider or other health professional involved in your care refer you.

Referrals can be sent to referral.centre@wdhb.org.nz