Nationwide professional and confidential face-to-face or telephone support

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.

Ten-year Gambling Free

….I also went to a Gamblers Anonymous Meeting on Tuesday night. They gave me a ten year Medal for being gambling-free for ten years…Thank you so much for helping me with my counselling sessions in the past. They were very helpful. Your good work has kept me safe all these years and I remember your good work. I want to say thank you to everyone at the Asian Family Services. Jiali and Ivy helped me a lot.

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.

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.

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".

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".

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.

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.

Questions on absence of Asian New Zealanders in Te Whatu Ora Health's leadership

Almost two months since the new health entity was launched, no Asian names are on the organisation's 51 leadership. Recent figures show Asian New Zealanders have the lowest cervical and breast screening rates and are falling behind in engagement with primary healthcare. Diversity strategies in health systems needed to go beyond cultural competency training, to address structural issues, including representation in leadership and decision making. AFS director Kelly Feng said Te Whatu Ora needed to consider how it could attract more ethnically diverse leaders. It needed to be more transparent with recruitment for its leadership positions. Link: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/473181/questions-on-absence-of-asian-new-zealanders-in-te-whatu-ora-health-s-leadership

Advocacy for more awareness raising work for migrants in filling out Census 2023

There's still time to fill in your census form to avoid the possibility of being stung with a $2000 fine. More than 2.6 million people did get theirs in on time, but that's just over a 50 percent response rate…For people who don't speak English, it's a challenge to work the system. "People coming from different countries don't have the same system and that's why they don't understand why they should do it and they don't really understand why they should disclose private information and they're worried about confidentiality," AFS CEO Kelly Feng told Newshub. www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/03/kiwis-urged-to-fill-out-census-form-to-avoid-possibility-of-2000-fine.html

Call for Asian views to be canvassed for healthcare planning

Health practitioners and experts are concerned that Te Whatu Ora has failed to address Asian health needs in its latest plan. AFS CEO Kelly Feng said their feedback to Te Whatu Ora has fallen on deaf ears. "We've been to all the meetings they had and all the submissions we had to highlight Asian needs to be prioritised, and what we see now in the plan, again nothing about us. It's really disappointing." Meanwhile, Auckland GP Carlos Lam said policymakers were out of touch with Asian communities. Transformation and enablers director Haggerty they will look at access to interpretation services for ethnic groups and will also assess mental health services for Asian and ethnic providers. Link: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/480153/call-for-asian-views-to-be-canvassed-for-healthcare-planning

Breaking the stigma - South Asians and mental health

As New Zealand marks Mental Health Awareness Week, we talk to South Asian health advocates about the gaps and challenges they see in the community. The stigma toward people with mental illnesses in New Zealand is a huge cause for concern. 98.7% of Asians believe the public holds negative stereotypes against people with mental illnesses, while 47.9% of Asians cannot access language and/or cultural support regularly when they use health services. Fiji-born Shirleen Prasad is an AFS counsellor. Shirleen speaks about the several challenges South Asians face when it comes to dealing with mental health - including stigma, language and cultural barriers. link： https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/voices/audio/2018858858/breaking-the-stigma-south-asians-and-mental-health

Study Shows Asian Online Gamers Keen On Buying Loot Boxes

A recent study shows over 70 percent of Asians living in New Zealand who have played online video games in the last 12 months have purchased loot boxes at least once, or a similar reward mechanism to increase the chance of winning. The study, conducted by Trace Research and commissioned by Asian Family Services, looked at the online gambling and gaming habits of Asians living in New Zealand. Kelly Feng, Chief Executive of Asian Family Services, says the study shows online gamers are also at risk of gambling harm. “Video gamers are so competent online which can lead them to explore gambling as well,” she says. Link： https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2208/S00427/study-shows-asian-online-gamers-keen-on-buying-loot-boxes.htm

Asian NZers engaging in online gambling/gaming

A new survey of about 400 Asian New Zealanders shows more than 80 percent have engaged in online gaming or online gambling over the past year. The study was done by Trace Research and commissioned by Asian Family Services. Asian Family Services director Kelly Feng says many in the community suffering from gambling harm are struggling to access support. The first week of September is gambling awareness week, and Feng has presented the study this week at the addiction sector's "Cutting Edge" conference in Christchurch. link： https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018856989/asian-nzers-engaging-in-online-gambling-gaming

Large percentage of Asian New Zealanders taking part in online gambling, gaming - report

While online gaming might seem very different to online gambling, special gaming features mean the two things can often merge into one."They might start playing with no real money, but again that is a pathway and gateway to leading that to gambling," Asian Family Services national director Kelly Feng told Newshub. A survey looking only at Asian people found 84.6 percent had engaged in online gambling and gaming in the last 12 months. The top activities were purchasing lotto or scratchies online (73.8 percent), playing online video games (50.8 percent) and betting on sports events through TAB (41.1 percent). Link: https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2022/09/large-percentage-of-asian-new-zealanders-taking-part-in-online-gambling-gaming-report.html

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

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

Asian youth and racism: One in four students treated unfairly by teachers, study finds

A new study found 25 percent Asian students say they have been treated unfairly by a teacher because of their ethnicity. 14 percent Pākehā and other European students said the same….There's a need to make sense of these numbers because they're not good enough, says Ivan Yeo, deputy director of Asian Family Services. Yeo asks. "Is it because their English is not good? The colour of their skin? Asians don't tend to question, we try to be respectful. Are they not getting the same attention?...We need to build these narratives. ” Official population projections show Asians becoming the second largest ethnicity in NZ within the next 10 years, but Asians remain largely invisible in national health strategy and planning. Link:https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/youth19-survey-one-in-five-youth-unable-to-access-healthcare/43PVFV64V4CUUY3ILRYTYTSQAU/

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

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/

Outstanding work 2021

Covid-19 Response Recognition Award

Outstanding work 2022

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

Outstanding work 2020

Albert-Eden Board Award

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

Waitemata Local Board Good Citizens' Awards 2019

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

Honorary Certificate

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