Finding support after suicide

How Victim Support can help
Our Support Workers are available to support you personally, or as a family or whānau, for as long as you need us.  You can call us 24/7 on 0800 842 846 to be connected with a Support Worker. We are here for you and can offer help in these ways:

•     someone to listen, talk with, and support you to cope through trauma and loss
•     help to understand your rights and make informed choices
•     information and help to answer your questions
•     help to access local support services and counselling to suit your situation
•     practical support and assistance to deal with things like funeral and coronial processes
•     someone to assist and support you when dealing with police and other government agencies
•     practical support and assistance if you need to provide evidence at a coronial inquiry.

We are committed to providing quality support to strengthen the mana and well-being of all those who have discovered or witnessed a suicide death.

Other ways to find support

• See your doctor if you’re concerned that ongoing reactions are making daily life difficult, such as sleep problems, eating problems, an illness or troubling health condition, high levels of anxiety, distressing flashbacks, depression, or if you are having suicidal thoughts. Encourage others experiencing these kinds of issues to see their doctor too. Find a local GP

•  Ask your employer about any workplace support available such as bereavement leave, EAP services (Employee Assistance Programmes), or discretionary leave.
   

• Talk with a counsellor or psychologist. Many people find this helpful, even long after their loss. This can help you work through difficult reactions and complicated issues in a safe way. Your doctor may be able to connect you with counselling funded by your DHB. Find a local counsellor.
  
  Consider contacting Aoake te Rā , which is a Bereaved by Suicide Service that supports people bereaved by suicide throughout Aotearoa. This free service provides support and manaaki to individuals, whānau and communities who have lost someone to suicide, no matter if it was a recent loss or happened many years ago. Phone 0800 000 053 or enquire at referrals@aoake-te-ra.org.nz

•  Join a local suicide bereavement support group. Check if there is one in your area here

•  Contact community support groups, such as local churches or faith groups, marae or cultural centres, a local community centre or a community worker, a social worker, youth worker, or children’s worker.
   

• Ask around for local suggestions or use this online directory to find what support services might be available to meet your needs. Or phone or visit your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) on 0800 367 222. 

• Contact your nearest community law centre for free legal advice. https://communitylaw.org.nz/

• Contact Skylight, a national charity that offers support for children, young people, families, and whānau through loss and grief, including after suicide. Call weekdays 0800 299 100. Ask for a free personalised pack of support information made for your family’s situation. They also provide counselling services.  https://www.skylight.org.nz/

• Call a free phone or text helpline. All the services listed here are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, unless otherwise specified.
   

Support for children or young people
If a child or young person is affected by a suicide loss, they will need loving support and understanding from caring adults around them. They may also need help from professionals with trauma support skills.

See our information sheet After a suicide: Supporting your child or young person for more comprehensive information about supporting a child or young person after a suicide death.

Other useful websites and information

Support Services New Zealand Directory
Request a free Skylight Support Pack
Having suicidal thoughts?