Media release
20 November, 2009
Friends and family members lost to suicide will be remembered at a candlelighting ceremony in Grey Lynn on Sunday 22
November.
The non-denominational service, organised by Solace Support Group – An organisation offering group peer support to those
who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide, will be held at the St Columba Church and Community Centre
92-96 Surrey Cres, Grey Lynn at 5.30pm. The remembrance service is open to anyone who wants to remember a loved one lost
to suicide from throughout the wider Auckland region.
This year the guest speaker is Sabrina Zoutenbier, a counsellor specialising in grief, loss and spirituality. Sabrina
will reflect on how hope can inspire during a time of crisis. Hope has a very strong healing power when dealing with
loss, grief and trauma.
People attending the ceremony are invited to bring a photograph of their loved one for the Remembrance Table and candles
will be lit in their memory. There is also an opportunity for people to share a memory of their loved one during the
service.
Mark Wilson, Solace Support Group Co-ordinator says “Sadly, far too many New Zealanders have experienced the loss of a
loved one to suicide, across all age groups and cultural backgrounds. For many people the journey to recovery is spent
alone without the support of others. This service provides an opportunity for families and friends to remember their
loved one in the lead up to Christmas and be with others who have a common experience.”
The ceremony has been running for more than 10 years in Auckland and can attract over 100 people.
About Solace
Solace, founded in 2002, is a support group for those people that have lost a loved one to suicide. Solace provides an
opportunity for people to meet and talk with others who have suffered a similar loss. The group meets each month, at The
Community of Saint Luke in Remuera. Members of the group have lost parents, spouses, siblings and children and are from
a wide variety of age groups. The group has members from across the greater Auckland region. Solace believes that by
sharing similar experiences will help people in their grief journey by offering encouragement and empathetic support.
ENDS