Support for adults
This section details the different types of support available, for adults, here at Tony’s Place.
WAVES programme (Wellington)
WAVES is an 8-week psycho-educational programme.
Groups, usually of 6-8 people, meet weekly to cover a range of specific topics, including grief reactions and different grief styles, understanding suicide, how the suicide has impacted on your social network, and ways to remember your loved one.
The programme is based on what research tells us is most effective in helping those affected by suicide. The sessions involve a mix of education (the facilitators sharing information) and participants sharing their own experiences, including what has helped them. In this way, the group learn from and support each other.
(Looking for a WAVES group outside of Wellington? Click here to view a nationwide listing of WAVES groups)
Our next WAVES group begins on Tuesday 25 February 2025
Contact us now to find out more and/or express your interest.
Tony’s Place hosts regular Topic Connect sessions. These are an informal opportunity for adults affected by suicide to come along, hear a speaker on the evening’s given topic and share in conversation with others who ‘get it’. Sessions tend to run 7-9pm. Please contact us to register your interest and receive venue details.
A small koha is appreciated to help cover supper costs.
If there’s a particular topic you’d like us to consider, please let us know.
Topic Connect (Wellington)
Upcoming Topic Connect sessions
Supporting Grieving Children
Coping with Guilt
Honouring Special Dates
Tuesday 11 February 2025
Tuesday 13 May 2025
Tuesday 12 August 2025
Free downloadable resource
Click on the image to download.
Other free supports available for adults nationwide
This sections details other support options available, in addition to those provided by Tony’s Place. For more information on these, please contact the providers directly. You do not need a referral to access these services, you can self-refer.
Free therapeutic support specifically for individuals (of all ages) and families bereaved by suicide. Up to 10 free sessions are available face-to-face, online or by phone – www.aoaketera.org.nz or leave a message on 0800 000 053.
Aoake Te Rā - Counselling
Free, nationwide support for people after a suicide. Be supported by a Support Worker.
Also be aware that the Victim Support website contains a number of suicide-specific resources (these are highly recommended and contain a lot of useful, practical information).
Phone 0800 842 846
Victim Support Manaaki Tāngata
WAVES is an 8-week grief educational programme for adults (18 years +) who have been affected by the suicide of someone they know. While Tony’s Place runs WAVES in the Wellington area, visit here to find out if WAVES is available in your local area.
WAVES programme
There are a number of peer support groups that meet regularly around the country. Most of these groups have been established and are facilitated by people who are suicide-bereaved themselves. Peer support group meetings typically provide the opportunity for those affected by suicide to come together over a cup of tea/coffee and seek support from one another.
If you live in the Wellington area, the Wellington Suicide-loss Support Group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the Newlands Community Centre. Contact Nerys on 027 340 8579.
Visit here for a nationwide listing of suicide-loss peer support groups to see if there is one in your local area.
Suicide-loss Peer Support Groups
Helplines
Free text of call 1737 anytime (24/7) to speak to a trained counsellor or a peer support person
www.1737.org.nz
Need to talk? 1737
Lifeline
Free telephone counselling 24/7 - phone 0800 543 354