Grief doesn’t have a timeline. It occurs at all stages of the person and their whānau’s  journey. It’s also normal to struggle with grief weeks, months, years or even decades after losing a loved one. Hospice West Auckland provides a wide range of care services and resources to help you at each step of the way.

Our qualified therapists are here to support you and your whānau through the grief process. We provide the opportunity to express your thoughts and feelings, concerns and worries in a safe space. We can help you to understand how grief affects all of us differently, identify coping strategies and learn ways to help yourself throughout the experience. Contact our team on (09) 834 9750 or email admin@hwa.org.nz for more information on bereavement counselling sessions, or to make a booking.

We regularly hold Remembrance Events for those who have lost loved ones. This is a chance to reflect, honour and share memories of those we have lost. Visit our Events page for details of our next Remembrance Event.

Helping children come to terms with grief can be difficult. This list of recommended reading suitable for children dealing with grief can be helpful for children, parents and caregivers.

Cloud Workshop

Cloud Workshop is a creative group space for children who have lost someone they love. Not formal therapy, instead it is a space for kids to come together and be creative on a project. Sessions are free of charge to Auckland kids aged 5 – 18 years, bookings are essential.

Kenzie’s Gift

Kenzie’s Gift supports the mental health of tamariki (children), mātātahi (young people) and families affected by serious illness or grief within the family. We do this by providing one-on-one therapy with registered mental health professionals, grief kits and an extensive online resource.

Skylight is a resource hub that supports people of all ages throughout New Zealand who are facing any kind of tough life situation, particularly specialising in grief, loss and trauma.

Hospice New Zealand have created the range of “5 ways” resources based on their experiences caring for people who are dying.

Talking about death and dying can be tough. This collection of resources from Hospice UK will help you, your family and friends to start the conversation.

Practical and useful information on the challenges of caring for someone facing end of life, with topics that include looking at different forms of grief and helpful tools.

If you need additional support, there are many additional community services.

Grief Centre 0800 331 333 www.griefcentre.org.nz

Lifeline (24/7) 0800 543 354 or text 4357 www.lifeline.org.nz

Suicide Crisis Helpline (24/7) 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) www.lifeline.org.nz/services/suicide-crisis-helpline/

Depression Helpline (24/7) 0800 111 757 or text 4202 www.depression.org.nz/

Samaritans 0800 726 666 www.samaritans.org.nz/

Youthline (24/7) 0800 376 633 or text 234 www.youthline.co.nz

0800 WHATSUP (0800 942 8787) www.whatsup.co.nz

Healthline 0800 611 116

Mental Health Foundation www.mentalhealth.org.nz

1737 Need to Talk – phone or text 1737 or visit www.1737.org.nz