Support for young people
If you’re a parent, seeking support for a child or children in your care, we invite you to share this website, with your child. We know the importance of children having a say (voice and choice) in their care and support. At Tony’s Place, we see care and support of young people as something that happens with them, rather than to them. We have designed a page especially for them – you’re find it here
This section details the different types of support available, for children and teenagers, here at Tony’s Place.
My Space Programme (Wellington)
My Space is a 10-week psycho-educational programme for children aged 6-12 years.
Groups, usually of 6-8 children, meet weekly to cover a range of specific topics, in a fun, activity-based way.
The programme is based on what research tells us is most effective in helping young people affected by suicide, allowing the children to learn and be supported together with others who ‘get it’
(Looking for a My Space group outside of Wellington? My Space is only currently available in Wellington, yet we have plans to roll this programme out nationwide from 2026)
Our next My Space group begins February 2025
(funding dependent)
Contact us now to find out more and/or express your interest.
Teens Peer Support (Wellington)
One of our big projects in 2025 will be the development of a group peer support option for teenagers (aged 13-18 years), likely to be called YANA (You Are Not Alone).
We are looking forward to launching this in early 2026.
Contact us to register your interest and we will let you know the dates of the first programme as soon as this is finalised.
Free downloadable resources
Click on the image to download.
Resources for children
My grief activity book This 23-page activity-based resource is designed to support children under 12 years of age, after someone close to them has died. Topics covered include:
My many feelings
My questions
My support crew
What has and hasn’t changed
What helps me
Ways to remember the person.
Additional 1-2 page resources for children
Resources for teens
My grief journal This 20-page resource is designed to support teens aged 13 to 18 years, after someone close to them has died by suicide. Topics covered include:
My emotions
My questions
My support crew
Inside vs outside
What helps
Useful apps
Remembering
Additional 1-5 page resources for teens
Other free supports available for young people 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.
Aoake Te Rā - Counselling
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.
Helplines
Support for young people up to the age of 18 years. Phone 0800 543 754 (0800 kidsline). Between 4-9pm calls are answered by specifically trained Year 12 & 13 year students (Kidsline buddies).
Kidsline
Free text or call 1737 anytime (24/7) to speak to a trained counsellor or a peer support person - www.1737.org.nz
Need to talk? 1737
Youthline
Phone 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
Free phone counselling is available for 5-18 year olds, 11am-11pm, phone 0800 942 8787. Online chat is available 11am-10 30pm via www.whatsup.co.nz
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