As September 10’s International Suicide Awareness Day approaches, reporter Briar Allen talks to counsellor Matt Cameron about a bereavement programme to help people with grief, and to mental health advocate Michelle Cogger about the upcoming Hope Walk.
Timaru counsellor Matt Cameron has carried out special training in order to help those who have been bereaved by suicide.
Mr Cameron is one of the providers of the Aoake te Ra prevention service that is available in the South Canterbury region.
Aoake te Ra is free for anyone of any age at any stage after bereavement.
The national service is funded by the Ministry of Health and was developed from the Mental Health Inquiry and the suicide prevention action plan.
Mr Cameron said he had done specific training relating to the programme which has helped him become more confident helping in this area of grief.
‘‘Every grief is different and there are layers to it in relation to how a person a died; the people who have gone through this kind of grief are strong.’’
Aoake te Ra means a new sun rises, the emerging light being a symbol of hope as people adapt to their loss.
The programme offers four sessions of counselling, which can be done in person, online or over the phone.
People can attend by themselves, as a couple or as whanau groups.
Mr Cameron said providers received ongoing training and people using Aoake te Ra did not necessarily need to be based in Timaru.
‘‘The clients I have currently are not based in Timaru but the big thing about this service is that it is a prevention service, as those who have been bereaved by suicide are more than likely susceptible to it themselves.’’
Mr Cameron is available most weekdays from 3.30pm in his office in Church St. People can learn more about the service or get in contact through [email protected].
