This holiday season, give the gift of support and healing to those in need. Grief Support Services is launching its annual Give the Gift of Counselling appeal, inviting the community to contribute and make a difference in people's lives.
Grief can be a complex and overwhelming experience for many. Whether it's traumatic losses, difficult-to-express grief, or a lack of support from loved ones, many individuals and families struggle to cope. Grief Support Services aims to provide a safe and nurturing environment where people can share their experiences and begin rebuilding their lives.
Deanna Wharton, the general manager of Grief Support Services, explains, "Every week, we encounter individuals who are resiliently pushing forward but feel stuck or isolated. Counselling offers them the freedom to express themselves and learn effective strategies for managing their grief. It can significantly enhance their healing process and help them reconnect with life."
The organization's fully qualified counsellors, specializing in loss and grief, support individuals and families across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. They cater to people of all ages, from young children to older adults.
The Give the Gift of Counselling appeal relies on donations to fund counselling sessions for those who might not otherwise be able to afford them. Every dollar raised provides a lifeline for individuals facing grief, loss, and significant life changes. Wharton emphasizes, "Our mission is to make counselling accessible to everyone who needs it. People come to us after experiencing the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or even their sense of self. Each story is unique, but the common thread is the importance of being heard and supported."
Donors who contribute $40 or more will receive a set of 15 gift labels designed by local artist Paulene Longley of Flossiphy Art & Design, while stocks last. Donations made before December 20 will receive gift cards before Christmas, and other donations will be sent with gift labels in early January. To donate, visit www.griefsupport.org.nz/appeal2025 or visit the office at 147 Chadwick Rd, Greerton, for cash or eftpos donations.
Wharton concludes, "Every contribution, no matter its size, empowers someone in our community to find the strength to move forward. Together, we can give the gift of counselling and the gift of hope."
