Linkage is a community organisation providing free, professional and confidential support and information services. Linkage was established in Hamilton in 1998 to service the Waikato community, and opened in New Plymouth in 2001 to service the Taranaki community.  Our commitment to community service is reflected on our Vision and Purpose.
Vision:  Strong communities, whole communities, connected communities
 
Purpose:  Your link to and within the community through information, support, assessments, advocacy, education and resources to benefit mental health wellbeing.
 
Our values are a commitment to people, and a belief in best practice through collaboration, participation, integrity, respect, common sense, imagination, consultation, flexibility, awareness and innovation. 

1. www.webhealth.co.nz is operated by Linkage Trust Hamilton New Zealand and is designed for community participation.
2. Online Chat Assistance option provides another form of access to Health and Social Services in the Waikato and Taranaki regions through the opportunity for people to discuss issues directly with Linkage Staff.
3. This is not an online counselling service or an avenue for meeting people but rather replicates the face-to-face services that Linkage offers. Face to face appointments with Linkage staff can be arranged at any time also.
4. Linkage Webhealth may keep transcripts Online Chat Assistance sessions.
5. The user accepts the risk that data transmitted electronically to Linkage via Linkage Webhealth otherwise may be intercepted before reaching Linkage.  Linkage does not assume responsibility guarding against the acts of such unauthorised third parties.
6. Linkage Services, excluding community website development, incur no cost to users of the site. 
7. Confidentiality of personal information relating to individual identity is respected by this website as per the Privacy Act 1993.
8. Linkage assures that any personal information will not be given to any third party unless written consent is given. The only instance where confidentiality may be broken is when we know you are at risk of harm to self or others. In this instance we will first make every effort to discuss this with you directly.
9. Online Chat Assistance is not recommended for people in crisis or people feeling suicidal or at risk of self-harm. If this is you please call the Crisis Assessment Team on 0800 50 50 50 or Lifeline on 0800 543 354.
10. The user assumes full responsibility for the protection of their computer system from viruses, worms, or other potentially destructive programmes.
11. Linkage guarantees a response commitment time of three days during the working week. This means there is no weekend responding.
12. Before anyone enters in to any ongoing discussions you can expect an initial discussion outlining what you can expect from Online Chat Assistance.
13. Linkage works within the realms of Privacy Act 1991, Health & Disability Commission Code of Rights, Human Rights Act 1993.
14. People seeking health and social service information through the Online Chat option are expected to use the service in good faith. This means you will use respectful language, honesty and integrity when using the Online Chat Assistance service.
15. Any information collected through cookies by Webhealth is solely used for the following purposes only: research and evaluation of site development and to distinguish common trends and themes for community development purposes. All information is non-identifiable.
16. Linkage does not take responsibility for the actions of people using Webhealth.
17. Community providers not employed by Linkage Trust and using Online Chat Assistance as a medium for engaging with people they are working with are bound by all terms and conditions and will use this medium with utmost integrity, respect and confidentiality.