The Loft Marks Decade Of Support With Digital Expansion Of Crisis Response Service Through Community Partnerships

Christchurch’s community wellbeing service, The Loft, has launched a new digital expansion of its crisis response support, thanks to funding from the Mental Health Innovation Fund and Te Whatu Ora.

This project extends access to help through secure tablets in libraries and other trusted community spaces, alongside mobilefriendly online access.

The initiative builds on 10 years of frontline community support and strengthens The Loft’s role as a community hub, partnering with 15 colocated community agencies to provide coordinated, wraparound support.

The digital expansion extends this onestopshop model beyond the walls of The Loft, meeting people where they already are.

Since its soft launch in March this year, the digital service has already resulted in over 100 connections, with people reaching out through the chatbot, website connection form, or email.

“For many people, the hardest part is taking the first step,” says Kate O’Grady, General Manager of The Loft.

“This project gives people safe, lowpressure ways to explore support, ask questions, and connect with us when they’re ready, whether that’s on their own phone or by using a tablet in a familiar place like a library.”

A community hub, extended digitally

The Loft operates as a community wellbeing hub, working alongside 15 partner agencies to help people navigate complex social systems.

The hub model reduces duplication, shortens pathways to support, and ensures people do not have to retell their story multiple times.

“Connection has always been at the heart of our work, connection between people, services, and communities,” says O’Grady.

“This digital expansion builds on our hub model by extending those connections into libraries and community spaces across Canterbury.”

Partnering with libraries as trusted community spaces

Libraries play a key role in the project as welcoming, inclusive, and nonjudgemental spaces where people already seek information and support.

By partnering with libraries, The Loft is able to place discreet access points for help in locations that are familiar, accessible, and trusted.

“Libraries are one of the few truly public spaces left,” says O’Grady.
“Partnering with libraries allows us to reach people earlier, in places they already feel comfortable walking into.”

How the digital service works

People can:

• Access support on their own phone via www.theloftchristchurch.org.nz
• Use dedicated secure tablets placed in libraries and community sites
• Explore information privately and at their own pace, with no obligation
• Use a chatbot to help navigate services and support options
• Choose to connect directly with The Loft team, who will follow up to talk things through and help coordinate next steps

The tablets are designed with privacy and safety front of mind, locked to The Loft website, they automatically clear data after short periods of inactivity, and allow people to discreetly seek support without leaving a digital footprint.

Tablet locations

Tablets are currently available or being rolled out at the following locations:

• Linwood Library
• Community House
• Rangiora Library
• Lincoln Library
• Hornby Library
• Upper Riccarton Library
• New Brighton Library
• Aranui Library
• Halswell Library
• Fendalton Library
• Papanui Library
• Shirley Library
• Tūranga Library
• Ara Central Campus
• Spreydon Library
• South Colombo Library
• Bishopdale Library
• Parklands Library
• Redwood Library
• Lyttelton Library
• Akaroa Library

As the rollout continues The Loft is also open to conversations with other organisations who would see benefit in hosting a tablet.

About The Loft

The Loft is a Christchurchbased community wellbeing hub that has supported individuals and whānau for 10 years. Working alongside 15 partner agencies, The Loft provides a coordinated, onestopshop support for people navigating challenges such as housing, financial insecurity wellbeing, and needing connection to specialist services.

By combining inperson support with accessible digital tools and strong community partnerships, The Loft aims to reduce barriers, provide earlier intervention, and ensure support is available when and where people need it most.

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