Aoake te Rā is a Ministry of Health funded service being rolled out across the country to support individuals and whānau who have lost loved ones to suicide.
Today, Aoake te Rā launched their service through an online connection event. The event brought together those who have lost people to suicide, many of whom have already accessed the service; and those who are providing the service in their community.
Project Lead Kirsty Louden says “Aoake te Rā is about offering support to individuals and whānau as they navigate life after a loss by suicide. Aoake te Rā means a new sun rises, with the rising sun representing how we can support people to find and centre themselves in
hope, whilst remembering those they have lost.”
One of the event speakers, Gen says her experience using the service has been a helpful one.
“At first I thought I didn’t need it but I ended up finding it so helpful and validating. It was okay for me to be there. I loved that I could choose who I saw. I felt heard, and it was so specific to my individual needs.
Since operational, Aoake te Rā has supported over 300 individuals and whanau. The response has been overwhelmingly positive from those who have accessed the service.
Aoake te Rā, provided by Clinical Services Advisory Services Aotearoa (CASA), is rolling out as a nationwide programme providing free brief therapeutic support for those bereaved by suicide. With over 80 Providers currently available they have already begun providing services in a number of places including Auckland, Wellington, much of the South Island, and anywhere via telehealth.
For more information about the service, you can visit https://www.aoaketera.org.nz/
For all enquiries please contact Aoake te Rā Project Lead: Kirsty Louden
Phone: 021837032
Clinical Advisory Service Aotearoa Chief Executive: Dr Maree Inder
Phone: 021837685