There are few people in current times who haven't been touched in some way by suicide. Grief Support Services offers a range of free support options for those experiencing suicide bereavement or have been impacted by someone's suicidal behaviour.

This range is offered so people can choose what suits their unique situation best at any particular time.

While counselling is offered, 'sometimes people aren't comfortable speaking to a counsellor but just want to connect with someone who ‘gets it',” says Grief Support Services suicide bereavement support coordinator Jeanette Jones.

'If they wish to connect with an individual, we have volunteers trained as suicide loss support peers who have lived experience of suicide loss and are able to meet with the person informally, in a community space or even their home.”

Horizons

If anyone wishes to connect in a small group setting, GSS offers Horizons in both Pāpāmoa and Greerton. Horizons runs every second Tuesday of the month at Papamoa Family Service, Hartford Ave, from 10am-11.30am; and every third Tuesday of the month from 6pm-7.30pm at Grief Support Services in Greerton. There is no need to book and participants are made most welcome.

Jeanette says there's also the WAVES programme – an eight-week psycho-educational group especially designed to support those who've lost someone to suicide and are ready for a group like this. The facilitator meets with each person prior to the group starting to ascertain this.

Waves

'Some of our WAVES attendees stay in contact after the programme has finished,” says Jeanette, 'which starts to build a potential community of support. Some of our WAVES participants have gone on to become peer supporters themselves.”

Jeanette says the experience of suicide loss may have happened many years ago. 'Sometimes people notice that there are issues occurring presently for them that stem back to that time and that loss.

'Sometimes the stigma surrounding suicide meant that it was not well-talked about at the time. Also, emotions in general used to be pushed aside more, with an attitude of ‘Harden up!'

'Now, there's a recognition within the community that our mental health benefits from being able to explore and communicate what we are feeling and those events in the past that had a significant impact on us.”

Jeanette and her job-share partner, Amy Colonna, can also share information and support after loss to suicide with workplaces, schools, and other organisations. For more information, visit: www.griefsupport.org.nz or phone Grief Support Services: 07 578-4480.