Mental Health
Wellbeing Support
And
Caring for you and your whānau, during and after rugby.
There are times in all our lives when we encounter personal challenges — stress, relationship concerns, grief, addictions, or other difficulties.
The Hurricanes Alumni Foundation Trust ensures you have free, confidential access to professional support through Vitae, a leading nationwide provider of counselling and wellbeing services.
About Vitae
Vitae is New Zealand’s leading employee assistance provider, with more than 50 years’ experience. Their nationwide team includes NZAC and NZ Psychological Association accredited counsellors, psychologists, and trauma responders, each with a minimum of five years’ clinical practice.
Through Vitae, alumni and whānau can access:
- Up to five free counselling sessions per year
- Sessions delivered face-to-face, by phone, or via Zoom
- 24/7 contact centre and emergency support
- Self, informal, or formal referral options
The Tari Whakapakari Ngākau Counselling Service covers:
- Personal or work stress
- Relationship or conflict problems
- Anxiety, depression, or trauma
- Grief and loss
- Violence, harassment, or addictions
- Couples counselling
- Menopause support
Confidentiality
Everything you discuss with Vitae remains strictly confidential. Your details are never shared with the Hurricanes Alumni Foundation Trust or the Hurricanes organisation without your permission, unless there is a risk to yourself or others.
- Players: All Hurricanes and Hurricanes Poua players can self-refer directly to Vitae, as Vitae holds a current player database. Your sessions remain completely confidential — your name and information stay solely between you and Vitae.
- Management, staff, partners, and children of staff: require prior approval from the Alumni Foundation Trust. Contact Trustee Mike directly to organise your pre-approval.
Cost
Free of charge. All sessions are funded by the Hurricanes Alumni Foundation Trust.
If you cannot attend an appointment, please give at least 24 hours’ notice. Failing to do so may reduce your annual counselling entitlement.
We all hang up the boots one day
We’re here to make the transition to life after the game a little easier.
