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 

Support following a suspected suicide

If you or anyone you know has been impacted by someone taking their own life, we acknowledge your loss and offer our heartfelt condolences.  Please know that there is support available, you don’t have to go through this alone, so do reach out for help.  Some options for support: 

1. Contact Huarahi Ora the interim 24-hour National Bereavement Coordination Service for anyone impacted by suspected suicide on 0800 437 009 or via their website at Huarahi Ora - Te Rau Ora 

2. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss any immediate concerns. Many medical practices have extra support available such as Health Improvement Practitioners (HIPs), Health Coaches (HC), or Community Support Workers (CSW). The WellSouth Brief Intervention Service and Family Mental Health Service can also be accessed via referral from your GP or your Kaupapa Māori Service. 

3. Speak with your manager if you are struggling at work. 

4. Utilise your Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) if this is available through your workplace. 

5. Contact your local WellSouth Suicide Prevention Postvention Coordinator at Suicide Prevention Postvention » WellSouth for a Sudden Loss Support Pack. This pack provides resources on sudden loss, grief and where to get support.  

6.Visit the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand for a variety of free downloadable resources regarding wellbeing and support after suicide loss at Mental Health Support | Mental Health Foundation 

7. When you are ready, contact Aoake te Rā for free therapeutic suicide bereavement support by phone on 0800 000 053 or via their website at www.aoaketera.org.nz 

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:  

  • Prevention: increasing early detection, help-seeking and visibility of pathways to care 

  • 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 

Roger.shave@wellsouth.org.nz 

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 

Thomas.jenkin@wellsouth.org.nz 

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 

Kerry.cross@wellsouth.org.nz  

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

Training