If you have been affected by suicide, there is free support available across Aotearoa.
You don’t have to work with me to access support. What matters is that you are supported, in ways that feel right for you.
Below are services and organisations that offer support to those bereaved by suicide. You can reach out to any of these directly.
Free Support Available
Nationwide Support
Tony’s Place Charitable Trust
Tony’s Place provides age-appropriate support, programmes and resources for children, teens and adults affected by suicide. For more information phone 022 451 1979 or visit https://www.tonysplace.org.nz
WAVES programme
Waves is an 8-week, small-group support and education programme for adults affected by suicide. The programme is run across the country by trained facilitators and provides a space to connect with others who have experienced a similar loss. Groups, usually of 6-10 people, meet weekly to cover a range of specific topics, including grief reactions and different grief styles, understanding suicide, how the suicide has impacted on your social network, and ways to remember your loved one.
For more information on Waves, including if Waves is available in your local area, phone 022 451 1979 or visit the Tony’s Place website, here.
Aoake te Rā
Aoake te Rā offers free, short to medium-term therapeutic support for individuals, families and whānau bereaved by suicide. Support is available in-person, online or by phone. For more information phone 0800 000 053 or visit https://www.aoaketera.org.nz
Huarahi Ora
Provides a triage and coordination service, connecting people bereaved by suicide with available services. For more information phone 0800 437 009 or visit https://terauora.com/huarahi-ora-national-bereavement-triage-and-coordination-service/
Local-area Support
Peer Support Groups
There are a number of suicide-loss peer support groups that meet regularly around the country. Most of these groups have been established and are facilitated by people who are suicide-bereaved themselves. Peer support group meetings typically provide the opportunity for those affected by suicide to come together over a cup of tea/coffee and seek support from one another.
Visit here for a nationwide listing of suicide-loss peer support groups to see if there is one in your local area.