Charity frustrated by haphazard nature of help for those bereaved by suicide

Auckland-based coroner Alison Mills has called for improved support systems for families grieving the loss of a loved one by suicide, following an investigation into the tragic death of Karen Hampson. Ms Hampson, who drowned in January 2024, had begun drinking heavily after her husband’s suicide in 2021, according to the coroner’s findings. Her death was ruled an accident, highlighting the complex emotional and psychological toll that follows such losses. The coroner noted that services for those affected by suicide-related deaths remain inconsistent and underfunded, with grief counseling difficult to access. The coroner recommended that the Ministry of Justice review the support currently available to bereaved whānau, Māori family groups, dealing with cases involving the Coroners Court. However, neither the Ministry of Justice nor Health New Zealand responded to the recommendation. The coroner also urged Te Whatu Ora, the national health service provider, and the Ministry of Health to examine the availability and affordability of grief counseling, especially for those who have lost someone to suicide. John Moore, chief executive of Yellow Brick Road, a charity supporting families of individuals with mental health challenges, expressed frustration over the lack of consistency in delivering support. His organization runs a program called Waves, designed to connect bereaved families with local suicide prevention coordinators. Participants are encouraged to wait a year before joining a support group, which aims to provide emotional and practical assistance during the grieving process. Mr Moore emphasized that the current referral system is fragmented, with Victim Support previously assisting police in making referrals but having since withdrawn without a replacement. Mr Moore described the inconsistency in service delivery as “hazardous” and stressed the importance of early intervention. He explained that building trust with bereaved families requires timely and reliable support, which is currently lacking. One woman shared how the Waves program had discouraged her from engaging with her deceased son’s memory, underscoring the need for proactive outreach. While the charity offers support to families whose loved ones died violently, it does not extend to those grieving suicide-related deaths. Group support is considered essential for those navigating the aftermath of a suicide, according to Mr Moore. He argued that sharing experiences with others who understand the unique pain of such losses can reduce feelings of isolation. Additionally, he highlighted the need for guidance through the legal process, noting that the current system often focuses on assigning blame rather than seeking resolution. Many families seek clarity, yet health services frequently prioritize self-protection over transparency. The Ministry of Justice acknowledged the potential value of additional support but cited financial limitations as a barrier to implementation. They stated that funding navigators to assist grieving individuals would require substantial investment and would only be reconsidered once resources permitted. Meanwhile, Mr Moore pointed out that suicide prevention programs represent cost-effective solutions, contrasting them with the broader systemic issues within healthcare. He criticized the tendency of health agencies to focus on diagnosis and treatment while neglecting the complexities of suicide. Funding remains a critical challenge, with current allocations failing to match the growing demand for mental health and bereavement services. As the discussion continues, the call for better support systems grows stronger, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated, accessible care for those left behind by suicide.