Suicide bereavement support group starts

A suicide bereavement support group is starting in Marlborough, set to offer targeted help to those who have lost someone special.

Fifteen years after a similar programme was scrapped, WAVES will fill a gap in support services.

Organisers say the group will focus on the grieving process, feelings and resources available.

It will be a safe space where people who have lost someone to suicide can talk openly.

Whānau support worker Adriana Deliot-Deliot says there is an added complexity and stigma to grief when it involves suicide.

“Not everyone is ready or feel the need to discuss it,” she says.

“For some people it takes a long time. The blame – it’s more complex.”

The programme is funded by the Care Foundation and administered by Nelson Marlborough Health suicide prevention coordinator Paul Martin.

The counselling takes place over eight weeks, with six to eight participants over the age of 17.

It is expected to begin February 2022.

Adriana says there is also one on one counselling, Casa, provided by Aoake te Rā, available for all ages.

“Grief is accepting death,” she says.

“We want to help cherish and remember the person – and help people move on from the trauma.”

The programme was available in Marlborough more than 15 years ago but returns with a new funding stream and a new strategy.

Paul says the WAVES programme was in Marlborough some years ago, but the facilitators that were trained at that time are no longer able to deliver the programme.

“It’s important to get the word out,” Adrianna says.

“We feel the need is there.”

Paul says they would like to see at least one suicide bereavement support group established in the Marlborough region.

“We know that supporting people bereaved by suicide is a key part of helping people adjust to the loss and trauma of losing someone close to suicide and reducing further risk.

“Marlborough is also making good use of the new Ministry of Health funded one to one suicide bereavement counselling service.”

Adrianna says many people have been touched by suicide in one way or another.

“It’s not easy to get through,” she says.

“Some need the extra help. Grieving is a very painful process regardless of the circumstances.

“If a parent is grieving, they can be less emotionally available for other family members.

“You want to walk that journey with them, so they have those internal resources they had before.”

For more information, or to register contact Paul Martin. Email: everylifematters@nmdhb.govt.nz or phone 03 548 2798 ext 5.