Anxiety New Zealand Trust supports people living with anxiety and other mental health experiences.
We offer specialist clinical services, ongoing peer support groups, educational resources, and immediate help via our free 24/7 national 0800 ANXIETY Helpline.
We are passionate about working with children, youth, adults, and whānau across Aotearoa to help grow resilience and positive mental wellbeing strategies. We also advocate, partner, and provide leadership in mental health to empower and support our communities to thrive.
We are here to help grow the mental health and wellbeing of people in Aotearoa New Zealand, and to provide support, education and treatment for tamariki/kids, rangatahi/young people, pakeke/adults and whānau/families living with anxiety and other mental health experiences.
Ko ngā tāngata, te mātua mahi.
Putting people at the heart of all we do.
- Free National 24/7 0800 ANXIETY Helpline
- Free Peer Support Groups
- Workshops / Courses
- Community Education
- Resiliency Programmes
- Community Collaboration
- Volunteer Training and Support
- Internship Programme to Support Mental Health Workforce Development
- Psychological Assessment
- Therapeutic Interventions Using a Range of Modalities (CBT, ACT, DBT, EMDR etc)
- Psychiatric Assessment with a Doctor and Medication Monitoring
The Anxiety New Zealand Trust (once known as The Phobic Trust of New Zealand Inc.) was first conceptualised by Marcia Read QSO and the late Mr David Ludbrook. Marcia went on to form the Phobic Trust in 1980. A 24 hour voluntary phone line was established in 1983 and from this, a trial clinic started in Parnell, with the main St Luke's clinic being created soon afterwards. It was officially incorporated in 1987.
Over her time with the Trust, Marcia’s tireless advocacy helped to create a service user led and pioneering service.
The Trust has evolved as a leader to:
- Pioneer a New Zealand therapeutic field in the face of indifference, ignorance and opposition
- Raise conversations about severe funding shortfalls
- Secure dedicated patrons like the late Sir Robert Muldoon and Sir Edmond Hillary, and including Kylie Bax
- Organise and host international conferences relating to the treatment of anxiety conditions
- Write and publish a number of books on anxieties and phobias through the experience and dedication of Marcia Read.
Marcia was awarded national validation as a QSO (a single class New Zealand Order) and was a finalist in the 2013 Kiwibank Senior New Zealander of the Year Awards.
Marcia was also involved in the Like Minds Like Mine campaign in October 2000 appearing in television and printed materials. The ‘know me before you judge me’ message was influential in helping reduce stigma and discrimination towards, and for people experiencing mental illness.
Marcia is now taking a well-deserved break and stepped into retirement.
