WellSouth Suicide Prevention Postvention
Helplines for immediate support
Support For Youth/Rangitahi: The Low Down
The 1737 website has many links to support as well as more information about their service
Lifeline Tautoko Suicide Crisis Line: 0508 828 865
Rural Support Trust for the rural community: 0800 787 254
Safe to Talk Sexual Harm helpline: 0800 044 344 or text 4334
Are you OK? Support around unsafe relationships: 0800 456 450
Alcohol and Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797 or text 8681
Rainbow Support OutLine: 0800 688 5463 and chat on their website
Websites for ongoing support
Just a Thought – free online therapy courses
Small Steps – wellbeing toolbox
Tough Talk – men’s wellbeing
Meet the Suicide Prevention Postvention Team
The Suicide Prevention Postvention Team (SPPC) role is funded through Te Whatu Ora/Health New Zealand to support suicide prevention and postvention efforts in the Otago and Southland Region (everywhere from Waitaki to Bluff/Rakiura).
Wellsouth holds the contract to provide this mahi with two core objectives:
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Prevention: increasing early detection, help-seeking and visibility of pathways to care
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Postvention: co-ordinating community responses after a suspected suicide
We align with Every Life Matters – He Tapu te Oranga o ia tangata: New Zealand’s Suicide Prevention Strategy (2019-2029) and Action plan (2025-2029).
Roger Shave - Team Lead, Registered Clinical Psychologist
I’m a registered clinical psychologist with over 30 years’ experience in trauma management and recovery generally, and the last 15 years specifically in suicide postvention throughout Aotearoa. Since 2025, I am delighted to be back in Ōtepoti Dunedin to lead and support the new team and WellSouth’s vision for suicide prevention and postvention across Otago & Southland. My work highlights to me the taonga that is whanau and friends.
Thomas Jenkin – Prevention Lead
Kia ora koutou, I’m a psychologist with a background working with a range of neurodiverse populations, taking a holistic and trauma informed approach. I see suicide prevention as important and fulfilling mahi. There is so much valuable work going on and resilience within our peoples and communities, it’s a privilege to be a part of it.
Whāia te mātauranga hei oranga mō koutou - Seek after learning for the sake of your wellbeing.
Kerry Cross – Postvention Lead
I am a registered nurse with nearly 20 years of experience working in adult mental health services. During my varied career I have worked with many people in distress, along with those who have lost someone to suicide.
My role as the WellSouth Suicide Postvention Lead is not only about coordinated efforts following a suspected suicide, but an opportunity to support suicide prevention.
Connections
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Aunty Dee
Having someone there who can help you sort out your problems could make all the difference. That’s what Aunty Dee is all about.
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Aoake te Rā
Aoake te Rā is a free service that provides support and manaaki to individuals and whānau who have lost someone to suicide.
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Need to talk?
‘1737, need to talk?’ is New Zealand’s national mental health & addictions helpline number. Free call or text 1737 any time to talk with a trained counsellor. It’s completely free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Te Aho
Te Aho weaves together lived experience, mātauranga Māori, and clinical expertise to prevent suicide and promote oranga (wellbeing).
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Huarahi Ora
24hr National Bereavement Coordination Service for all people impacted by suspected suicide. 0800 437 009
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Te Rau Ora
We strengthen Māori health and wellbeing through nationally navigated and locally led solutions.
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Manawa App
Manawa - my own survival plan app. A personal safety plan mobile app that allows you to record a plan on your phone to keep yourself safe. By the Mental Health Foundation
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Training
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Life Keepers
Aotearoa New Zealand's national suicide prevention training programme.
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Safeside Prevention
We support government, healthcare, and community organisations define and achieve their suicide prevention goals through a suite of programs that promote a healthy, skilled, and supported workforce ready to support people at risk.
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