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:

General Bereavement Support Groups by The Grief Centre
Our Support Groups run for 8 weeks. They provide 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.

If you would like to register your interest in an Auckland support group, please email the office choosing your relevant area:

Please add me to the wait list for a West Auckland (Henderson) support group

Please add me to a wait list for a North Shore (Birkenhead) support group

Please add me to a wait list for an Auckland City support group

NB: We are currently unable to run a support group in South Auckland at this time, but if you are interested then please email.

North Shore, Auckland

Takapuna
Music Therapy for Bereaved Children by Hospice North Shore
Hospice North Shore, 7 Shea Terrace, Takapuna, 0740

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 2018

Hibiscus Coast - Orewa

Orewa

Hibiscus Coast Community Centre (Behind Estuary Arts Centre) Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa

Suicide Bereavement Support Group by Empathy
Empathy is a support group for people who have lost family and/or friends to suicide. We offer an opportunity to share ideas and coping skills with others in a caring and confidential environment. Join us on a journey of learning to understand the process of grief and find inner peace and hope for the future.

All welcome from North Shore to Warkworth.

Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm on the last Monday of every month

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.
These are an opportunity to meet with other bereaved people and share your journey. Everyone has a different bereavement journey but sharing a little of this may help reduce loneliness and provide you with support.
Referrals are welcomed, please call 575 4555 to enquire into times

Dates: 18th Jan, 15th Feb, 15th March, 19th April, 17th May, 21st June, 19th July, 16th Aug, 20th Sept, 18th Oct, 15th Nov and 20th Dec 2018
Cost: Free

Howick
All Saints Community Centre, 30 Cook Street, Howick
"Exploring the Seasons of Grief" - Seasons For Growth Adult Programme (6 weekly sessions 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 a free group which is facilitated.
Referrals are welcomed, please email Richenda (griefandloss@allsaintshowick.org.nz) to enquire into details
Dates: Saturday 5th May 2018

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: 12th April, 21st June , 16th Aug, 18th Oct 19 2019
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.

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.