Bereavement Support Groups
People often say ‘How will it help hearing other’s stories of loss? It will just increase my sadness’.
However, that is not how it works. People who have experienced a support group comment that they had not realised others were going through similar emotions. They also appreciate getting to know others who really seem to understand what they are going through.
The Grief Centre runs support groups depending on interest and need in the Auckland community. We've also aimed to provide details of other support groups being held nationwide, further below.
NB: This section is currently being updated:
South Auckland
Friendship House, 20 Putney Way, Manukau
General Bereavement Support Group by The Grief Centre - runs for 8 weeks starting 19th June 2017
Providing peer support in a therapeutic group environment, facilitated by one of our qualified counsellors. We aim to talk about grief and loss, sharing and reflecting; exploring different aspects of the grief experience and help develop new ways of thinking and help address participants’ adjustment to distress and loss. Please register your interest with the office before attending
Please email if you would like to register for our South Auckland support group
North Shore - Takapuna, Auckland
Hospice North Shore, 7 Shea Terrace, Takapuna, 0740
Music Therapy for Bereaved Children by Hospice North Shore
Music therapy can be helpful for people to express feelings in a safe and supportive space, and be creative and have fun. You do not have to have had any previous music experience to participate. A parent or caregiver needs to be present with the child each week.
Referrals are welcomed, please call Ali Talmage on 021 920 219 to register your interest and enquire into dates for 2017
North Shore - Birkenhead, Auckland
The Grief Centre at 92 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead
General Bereavement Support Group by The Grief Centre - this group has now started.
Providing peer support in a therapeutic group environment, facilitated by one of our qualified counsellors. We aim to talk about grief and loss, sharing and reflecting; exploring different aspects of the grief experience and help develop new ways of thinking and help address participants’ adjustment to distress and loss.
Please email if you would like to register for a North Shore support group in late 2017
East Auckland - Glendowie
Dove House at 207 A Riddell Rd, Glendowie, Auckland 1071
Grief and Loss Group Morning Tea by Dove House (monthly sessions, held 3rd Thursday of every month)
General bereavement support group – social occasion, no agenda’s. It is facilitated.
Referrals are welcomed, please call 575 4555 to enquire into details
Dates: 15th December 2016 and then for 2017: 16th Feb, 16th March, 20th April, 18th May, 15th June, 20th July, 17th Aug, 19th Oct, 16th Nov and 21st Dec 2017
Time: 10.00 – 11.30am
Cost: Free
East Auckland - Howick
All Saints Anglican Church, corner of Cook Street and Selwyn Road, Howick
Understanding Change, Loss and Grief - Seasons For Growth Adult Programme (6 weekly sessions in May/June and at regular intervals throughout the year)
Seasons is a non-religious peer support programme for people who have experienced a major loss in their lives. It is facilitated.
Referrals are welcomed, please email Leslie Houghton (griefandloss@allsaintshowick.org.nz) to enquire into details
Dates: Saturday 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th May, 3rd and 10th June
West Auckland - Henderson
Hospice West Auckland at the Living and Learning Centre, 206 Swanson Rd, Henderson
Referrals are welcomed, please call Maxine on 09 834 9755 to confirm attendance or register here
Grief and Loss Information Session by Hospice West Auckland (quarterly one off sessions)
This one off session provides information to help explain the impact that grief can have through all aspects of our lives; physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioural, spiritual and social
Dates: 9th December 2016 and then for 2017: 17th Feb, 21st April, 16th June, 18th Aug, 20th Oct and 8th Dec 2017
Time: 1.30 - 3.30pm
Cost: Free - although a gold coin donation would help cover the cost of refreshments
NB: Support Groups are held depending on level of interest.
West Auckland - Henderson
The Grief Centre at 214 Universal Drive, Henderson
General Bereavement Support Group by The Grief Centre - this group has now started
Providing peer support in a therapeutic group environment, facilitated by one of our qualified counsellors. We aim to talk about grief and loss, sharing and reflecting; exploring different aspects of the grief experience and help develop new ways of thinking and help address participants’ adjustment to distress and loss. Please register your interest with the office before attending
Please email if you would like to register for West Auckland 2018 support group
Central Auckland - Remuera
The Community of Saint Lukes at 130 Remuera Street, Remuera
Suicide Bereavement Support Group by Solace Support Group
For anyone who has had a bereavement by suicide: spouses/partners/parents/children/grandparents. It is a peer-support group (voluntary) to support people in their grief; not a lobby group. Cuppa, connection and conversations in a safe, respectful place. Somewhere to be heard and understood. Please register your interest with the office before attending by email or calling Mark Wilson on 021 998 949 or 09 3606410
Starts: Once a month, every 2nd Saturday of the month.
Time: 9.30am-12.00pm
Hamilton
Bereavement Support Groups by Hospice Waikato - all welcome
Held at Waikato Hospice, 344 Cobham Drive, Hillcrest, Hamilton. Contact Hospice directly
http://www.hospicewaikato.org.nz/patients-and-carers/family-services-2/
Informal ‘drop in’ bereavement group
When: 10am on the first Tuesday of each month, please register prior to attending
‘A Healing Journey’ bereavement group
When: Held three times a year consecutively over six weeks - please contact Hospice directly to enquire when
Wellington Region
Please refer to the Skylight website for support groups and counsellors in the Wellington area.
Further afield
Your local hospice may have details about support groups in your area.
