As part of this work, we provide information, resources and advice to help set up and run support groups for suicide loss. Our team works alongside a range of other services that support communities and people bereaved after a suicide death. . This service was initially established as part of the New Zealand Suicide Prevention Strategy 2006-2016.
The service is now part of the Suicide Prevention Strategy 2019–2029 and Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2019–2024 for Aotearoa New Zealand, Every Life Matters – He Tapu te Oranga o ia Tangata: https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/every-life-matters-he-tapu-te-oranga-o-ia-tangata-suicide-prevention-strategy-2019-2029-and-suicide
We also provide information about suicide bereavement for people who have lost a loved one to suicide. Through this website and the Mental Health Foundation's information service, we can link people directly to information about the support available, so no one has to go through suicide bereavement alone.
Also, our Support groups for suicide loss: a handbook for Aotearoa New Zealand is the first resource of its kind in New Zealand and includes practical steps for setting up and running a group, the personal experiences and comments of support group facilitators around New Zealand, and plenty of examples to help those who wish to establish a support group of their own. If you're running a support group, or interested in setting one up, you can contact us for more information, resources and advice.
If you're bereaved by suicide and are considering starting a peer support group for suicide loss but you aren’t sure if you’re ready to start a group, take this self-assessment checklist. It will help you to see where you are with your own grief and if you're ready to help support others in your community.