Solace Remembers Those Lost to Suicide

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

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