Phone: (04) 380 2440 |
Email: administrator@wellelder.nz
Counselling Service for Older People
Wellington Region – Capital & Coast Area
About us
Our Story
WellElder began in 2005 with a simple question: who supports the emotional wellbeing of older people? A group of counsellors, social workers, and community advocates came together, recognising a gap in services for older people facing life’s changes and challenges. With the backing of local government and community funders, WellElder officially launched in 2008. Since then, we’ve grown into a trusted, specialist counselling service supporting hundreds of older people each year across the Wellington region.
Our Vision
We aim to be recognised and respected for providing high-quality counselling that supports the emotional wellbeing of older people in our community.
What We Value
Our work is guided by principles that reflect who we are and how we serve. We are committed to being client-centred, professionally competent, accessible, culturally responsive, financially sustainable, and governed with integrity.
What We Do
WellElder exists to provide specialist, community-based counselling for older people, supporting their emotional and mental wellbeing in a proactive and caring way. We offer counselling for individuals, couples, and family/whānau at venues in Newtown, Hutt Valley, Johnsonville, Porirua, and Paraparaumu—as well as in clients’ homes when mobility is a barrier.
As part of our commitment to older people, we:
- Provide affordable and accessible counselling
- Offer group support and learning opportunities
- Support research and education on the needs of older people
- Advocate and share information that promotes wellbeing
- Deliver services and resources aligned with our purpose
- Work alongside other agencies to ensure clients receive the most effective support
People
See the profiles of our counsellors, staff, and board members.
Funders
We obtain funding from a range of public organisations as well as community grants, and individual donations.
We gratefully acknowledge:
- Health NZ / Te Whatu Ora – Capital, Coast & Hutt Valley (formerly Capital & Coast District Health Board), which provides our major funding.
We appreciate the support we have received over recent years from:
- NZ Lottery Grants Board – Te Puna Tahua
- Nikau Foundation
- Hutt Mana Charitable Trust
- Kapiti Coast District Council
- TG Macarthy Trust
- St John’s in the City
- St Joans Trust
- Wellington Community Trust
- Community Organisation Grants Scheme (COGS)
Organisations that assisted us during our establishment phase:
- Ministry of Social Development
- Little Company of Mary
- Sisters of Mercy
- South East and City Primary Health Organisation / Well Health
Find out how you can support our work as an individual or organisation.