INFORMATION FOR WHĀNAU (FAMILY AND FRIENDS) After a Suicide

What do we do?

The Lakes District Health Board (DHB) has developed an organised response in the aftermath of a suicide.

The aim is to accomplish any one or more of the following:
• To facilitate the healing of the grief, trauma and distress resulting from a suicide death;

• To lessen other negative effects of exposure to suicide;

• To prevent suicide among people who are at high risk after exposure to the suicide;

• To help organisations (workplace settings, schools and other community groups) respond more effectively after a suicide has occurred. 

Who do we see?

• People of any age impacted by an identified suspected suicide of a loved one (family member or friend)

• People who are feeling low, sad and struggling to cope after suicide loss

• People who cannot understand why a suicide has occurred

• People who may not be related to the person who has taken their life but have been involved as a result of the death (e.g. found the deceased person).

Where can we see you?

We can see you:
• In your home

• In a community setting

• In a clinic at one of our premises

We work alongside multiple agencies in the Lakes DHB area to give the best support possible. We also have a range of skilled and experienced whānau to work alongside you.

Contact Person:

Suzy Taylor, the Lakes DHB’s Postvention Consultant can be contacted by email:
Post.vention@lakesdhb.govt.nz

Information brochures

Hope and healing - after a suicide

After a suicide attempt or suicidal thoughts

In case of an emergency:

• Lakes Acute Response Team (ART) – Rotorua & Taupo 0800 166 167 open 24 hours, 7 days a week

• Dial 111 for Police, Ambulance or Fire Services