Two enlightening workshops in Tauranga next month will be hosted for professionals and parents to better support children affected by suicide.

Grief Support Services is hosting the Supporting Children Affected by Suicide: Insights from Bereaved Children for parents on Thursday, June 13, from 7pm-9pm at the Western Bay of Plenty RTLB Service in Greerton.

The following day, on Friday, June 14, from 9.30am-12.30pm, Mattering-reinforcing Care: A New Approach to Supporting Children Affected by Suicide is for professionals – including principals, teachers, counsellors, and other caring practitioners – in the WBOP.

Grief Support Services general manager Ana Toneato says both workshops will be run by renowned speaker Dr Shelley Brunskill-Matson and promise invaluable insights and practical strategies drawn from her 20-plus years’ experience in suicide postvention and support.

“Shelley brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to these workshops, ensuring attendees leave equipped with actionable insights to make a positive difference in the lives of suicide-bereaved children,” says Ana.

“Both sessions are free of charge, but space is limited – so please register in advance. It is advisable to secure your spot early to avoid disappointment.”

For the parents’ workshop, objectives include being able to comprehend the significance of care and support from the perspective of a suicide-bereaved child; identify practical ways to support children to foster feelings of care and support; and find solace and support in the shared experiences of fellow parents and caregivers.

The professionals’ workshop objectives are understanding the principles of mattering-reinforcing care and its significance to children; identifying practical applications of mattering-reinforcing care in professional environments; and to gain confidence in providing caring and supportive environments for suicide-bereaved children.

Both workshops are at the WBOP RTLB Service, 238 Chadwick Rd, Greerton. Get tickets – registration is free – at: www.griefsupport.org.nz  or phone Grief Support Services on 07 578 4480.