WARNING: This article discusses suicide and may be upsetting to some readers.

People and whānau affected by suicide loss will have an opportunity to remember and celebrate their loved ones at an upcoming Remembrance Picnic in Tauranga.

Hosted by Grief Support Services, the free community event will be held in the Fencibles Cottage area at The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga on Sunday, September 20, from noon to 3pm.

The picnic will offer a welcoming space for people affected by suicide loss to connect with others who understand their experience.

Music, remembrance activities and shared food will feature during the afternoon. Those attending are welcome to bring a picnic, blankets or chairs, along with photographs or other special items that help them remember their loved one.

“At Grief Support Services, our mission is to ensure no one has to face their grief alone,” general manager Deanna Wharton said.

“This event is to remind our suicide-bereaved community that they are not alone, and we invite them to a space where they will feel a sense of shared understanding.”

Wharton said suicide loss carries a kind of heartbreak and challenges that can make navigating grief more complicated.

“Connecting with others who truly understand this can be so helpful in learning to live alongside suicide loss,” she said.

Author and This Is Grief founder Kirsten O’Connor will be this year’s guest speaker and will share some of her own experiences after the death of her daughter Kahlia by suicide.

Author and This Is Grief founder Kirsten O’Connor will be the guest speaker at this year's Remembrance Picnic in Tauranga.

O’Connor will speak about some of the questions that can follow a suicide loss, including the search for why, wondering whether more could have been done, and how long the pain of grief might last.

Drawing on her lived experience and work writing about grief, she will discuss learning to live alongside questions that may never have simple answers, and the love that remains after someone has died.

“We are delighted to have Kirsten join us for our Remembrance Picnic this year,” Wharton said.

“Listening to her speak will be entirely optional for attendees, but we believe that sharing her experience may bring comfort to some by giving voice to thoughts and feelings they may have carried privately.”

Grief Support Services suicide bereavement support co-ordinator Lloyd Shand said the picnic provided something that could be difficult to find after a suicide loss – a place where people did not have to explain their grief.

“Suicide loss can feel incredibly isolating,” Shand said.

“The Remembrance Picnic brings people together in a relaxed and supportive environment where they can speak their person’s name, share memories and feel understood.”

Grief Support Services' Deanna Wharton and Lloyd Shand say the Remembrance Picnic is held to remind the suicide-bereaved community they are not alone. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Shand said the event was also about celebrating the lives of those who had died.

“While there is sadness, the day is also about love, connection and celebrating the lives of the people we carry with us,” he said.

“There can be music, laughter and moments of genuine joy alongside the grief. There is no pressure to talk – sometimes simply showing up and quietly reflecting in your own way is enough.”

Support will be available throughout the afternoon for anyone wanting a quiet conversation or additional care.

One previous attendee said the annual gathering had become an important source of comfort after the loss of her son.

“I value this annual event and hope it continues. It gives me a few hours to celebrate my son alongside others who understand and have experienced something similar,” she said.

“We talk, laugh at memories and celebrate the lives of our loved ones. Remembrance Day means a lot to me.”

The picnic is open to anyone affected by suicide loss, including friends, whānau and support people. Children are welcome, although parental discretion is advised given the sensitive nature of the event.

The event will go ahead regardless of weather, with sheltered areas available if needed.

Remembrance Picnic, noon-3pm, Sunday, September 20, at the Fencibles Cottage area, The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga. For more information, email Lloyd Shand at: lloyd@griefsupport.org.nz

SUICIDE AND DEPRESSION

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 7am to midnight)

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)

• Youth services: (06) 3555 906

• Youthline: 0800 376 633

• What’s Up: 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm)

• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)

• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155

• Helpline: 0800 000 053

• Samaritans crisis helpline: 0800 72 66 66 (available 24/7)

• Grief Support Services – bereaved by suicide service: 07 578 4480

• Aoake te Rā – bereaved by suicide service: 0800 000 053

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.