Suicide - Info for Family and Friends

Supporting whānau and friends after a suicide

Te Whatu Ora Lakes has developed an organised response in the aftermath of a suicide.

This is to help:

Facilitate the healing of the grief, trauma and distress resulting from a suicide death
Lessen other negative effects of exposure to suicide
Prevent suicide among people who are at high risk after exposure to the suicide
Help organisations (such as workplace settings, schools and other community groups) respond more effectively after a suicide has occurred.

Who are we for?

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)

We can see you at home, in a community setting or in a clinic.

We work alongside multiple agencies in the Te Whatu Ora Lakes area to give the best support possible.

We also have a range of skilled and experienced whānau to work alongside you.

Deirdre Orford, the Te Whatu Ora Lakes Postvention Consultant can be contacted by email:

In case of 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