But it’s really important to do so as talking about it helps them make sense of what has happened. We’ve put together a free guide to help you talk to and support tamariki when a loved one dies by suicide.
With our guide you’ll learn:
Tips to help you talk about suicide with your tamariki.
Common questions tamariki and mātātahi (young people) may ask and ideas about how to answer them.
Practical ways you can help grieving tamariki.
This isn’t intended to replace professional help and support when needed. If you feel you and your tamariki may need help from a professional, please reach out to Kenzie’s Gift.
This guide is a digital version - if you need a print ready file for sending to your printers, please contact us.
If you need further help and advice about talking to your tamariki about suicide, there are so many services available.
As well as here on the Kenzie’s Gift website, where you can find lots
of helpful free resources about dealing with grief, you could
try the below.
National helplines
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Healthline – 0800 611 116
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Helplines for tamariki and mātātahi
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
thelowdown.co.nz – or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626
What’s Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, 12 noon – 11pm and weekends, 3pm – 11pm. Online chat is available from 3pm–10pm 7 days a week, including all public holidays.
Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) for mātātahi up to 18 years of age. Open 24/7.