Remembrance Picnic at Te Puna Quarry Park offers space to honour loved ones lost to suicide

Lloyd Shand, the suicide bereavement support co-ordinator for Grief Support Services, at Te Puna Quarry Park, where the Remembrance Picnic is being held on Sunday, November 16. Photo / David Hall

Warning: This article discusses suicide, depression and mental health issues.

Have you ever felt the deep ache of grief or the isolation that comes after losing someone to suicide? For many, that pain can feel overwhelming – but sharing it with others who understand can bring comfort and hope.

Grief Support Services is inviting the community to its annual Remembrance Picnic on Sunday from 12pm to 3pm at Te Puna Quarry Park. It is a free event offering space to gather, reflect, and honour loved ones lost to suicide.

The picnic provides a gentle opportunity to connect and heal before the often-difficult holiday season. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic – perhaps something that reminds them of their loved one or simply food that brings comfort – and to take part in creative, family-friendly activities designed to celebrate life and remembrance.

Grief Support Services general manager Deanna Wharton said the event was about remembrance and community.

“When people come together to share their stories and their grief, something powerful happens – they feel less alone. This picnic is about hope, connection, and gentle healing.”

Activities included arts and crafts, face painting, and symbolic “Let It Go” water balloons, offering a creative way to release emotions or send love. A dedicated remembrance area would display photos and messages, with colourful scarves and tree decorations forming a shared tribute to those missed.

Guests could also enjoy a free sausage sizzle and take home a self-care goodie bag filled with simple wellbeing tools and reminders for kindness to oneself.

Suicide bereavement support co-ordinator Lloyd Shand said the day was designed to meet people wherever they were in their grief.

“There’s no right way to grieve and no expectation on the day – people can talk, reflect quietly, or simply be present in a caring environment. It’s a day of understanding, support, and gentle remembrance.”

Grief Support Services, based in Greerton, provides subsidised grief counselling, suicide-bereavement support, and education for those across the Western Bay of Plenty experiencing loss. The Remembrance Picnic is free to attend, with donations welcome to support the organisation’s work. For more information, email: lloyd@griefsupport.org.nz, 07 578 4480, or visit: www.griefsupport.org.nz

Where to get help

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

For counselling and support:

Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP)

Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

Need to talk? Call or text 1737

Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202

For children and young people

Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234

What’s Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)

For help with specific issues

Alcohol and Drug Helpline: Call 0800 787 797

Anxiety Helpline: Call 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)

OutLine: Call 0800 688 5463 (0800 OUTLINE) (6pm-9pm)

Safe to talk (sexual harm): Call 0800 044 334 or text 4334

All services are free and available 24/7 unless otherwise specified.

For more information and support, talk to your local doctor, hauora, community mental health team, or counselling service. The Mental Health Foundation has more helplines and service contacts on its website.