WAVES suicide support added to programmes

Palmerston North Methodist Social services has added WAVES Bereaved by Suicide to its education programmes.

“Everyone grieves suicide differently, and it can be a complex disenfranchised grief due to the stigma society attaches to suicide,” says MSS general manager Kim Penny.

The programme has been developed in New Zealand for New Zealanders by the Skylight Foundation of Wellington, and uses ongoing research as to how best to support adults bereaved by suicide to adjust and move forward.

“The programme combines learning about suicide and bereavement with discussion and support, and is facilitated by two experienced and sensitive facilitators who have extensive bi-cultural training,” says Kim.

WAVES aims to provide a safe, supportive environment to explore aspects of an individual’s grief, reduce isolation, and gain information and strategies about how to care for themselves after a suicide.

“The programme is suitable for all people from 18 years and older, and due to generous funding from Pub Charity, we may be able to support people who live outside of Palmerston North with transport costs.”

The programme runs over eight weeks on Tuesday evenings and bookings are essential. People interested in attending should call or e-mail the MSS education coordinator Laura Banks on 06 350 0307 or education@methodistsocial services.org.nz.