Support for bereaved families
John Rhind grief care
Families going through the stress of bereavement can require ongoing care and support, which is why we offer free bereavement care to our clients.
Free grief support
We offer families who have organised their loved one’s funeral with us a free grief support service with our bereavement counsellor.
We use a qualified counsellor who understands the challenges grieving can bring. They offer support, reassurance, and education, and can also refer you to other services if you need long term support.
We’ll contact you a few weeks after the funeral to see how you are coping and ask whether you’d like to use our grief support services. If you’d like to speak with someone before this, please call us on 03 379 9920 to book an appointment.
We also offer you a free copy of the book, Now What? A guide for people living with the death of someone close, written by grief counsellor, Lois Tonkin. A free poster called ‘Remembering to Live’ is also available for children.
Ways to help yourself through grief
Grief is our natural response to losing someone we love. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and people experience grief differently. When you’re grieving be gentle with yourself. Here are 10 ways to care for yourself as you grieve:
- Exercise regularly and choose an activity that you enjoy.
- Maintain a balanced diet and take supplements if you need to.
- Limit your use of drugs or alcohol.
- Structure your time. Keep routines as normal as possible, especially where children are concerned.
- Keep important decisions for later. Your judgement may not be sound.
- Ask for help when you need it.
- Spend time with others.
- Talk to people you trust about how you feel.
- Write down some of your thoughts or feelings.
- Allow yourself time out and do things that make you feel good.
Grief takes time. Be patient with yourself and others.
Resources to help you in your grief
Loss & grief
Skylight Trust
Clear, compassionate guides for people navigating loss and grief.
Someone’s died
Te Hokinga ā Wairua
Information about what to do, and services that might be available to you, following the death of a loved one.
Grief & loss
Mental Health Foundation
Signs to look for, how the doctor can help, treatment options and strategies to support recovery.
Suicide loss
Skylight Trust
Clear, compassionate guides for people navigating loss and grief.
Grief centre
Grief and loss support for children, youth, adults, families, or whānau.
Wish you were here
A community for young people living with grief and loss in Aotearoa New Zealand.
We're here for you
If you need our help following the death of a loved one contact us any time of the day or night.
Christchurch (03) 379 9920
North Canterbury (03) 327 7499