One room, kind faces, shared experiences and the thread that brings them together each week.
For Hawke's Bay people who have lost loved ones to suicide, Tuesdays at 5.30pm are a time for healing.
STAROS is a weekly gathering for those who know what it's like to live with the pain of a sudden death, providing a space to share freely with others.
It was started in March 2012 by Warren Brown and Teresa Back, both of whom had lost their young sons to suicide four years earlier.
The idea was to connect people who had been through similar experiences. It began with six-week block sessions but progressed to something more regular as interest grew.
When Ms Back moved on, her place was filled by Sandra Pell, a member of the group who lost her father 18-years ago.
"We give people information and they choose to do something with it, they choose to come along, we are not pushy about it," Ms Pell said.
"Anyone can go to a counsellor but most of the time they haven't been through it themselves, that's where people get a bit insular about it and don't want to share what they have been through," Mr Brown added.
It was informal and there were certainly no judgments or time limits placed on grief.
As facilitators Mr Brown and Ms Pell meet with anyone who's interested to explain the purpose of STAROS and answer any questions.
They were also willing to speak with individuals alone if they couldn't face a group.
"It's a combination of sharing and listening, it takes nothing to sit and listen to someone," Mr Brown said.
"We are not counsellors, we are just people who have experienced it."
- Anyone interested in attending the Tuesday meetings can phone Mr Brown on 027 286 4071 or Ms Pell on 027 6843 033 for information and to register. Otherwise, email warren.janice@xtra.co.nz or cjsmpell@xtra.co.nz