The seed for the Grief Centre was sown and born at the North Shore Hospice. Maureen Frayling, while working at Hospice as the Family Support Coordinator, became increasingly aware of the lack of grief services for those who did not receive direct care from the Hospice Program. In 2004 Maureen wrote the Grief Centre proposal but it wasn't until 2008 that Hospice was able to support the proposal. Between February and June 2008 a feasibility study was conducted. The study surveyed thirty six diverse, mostly North Shore, organisations, regarding the need for a Grief Centre. The results suggested a gap in grief and loss services for adults and particularly for children and young people on the North Shore and greater Auckland. Results also indicated a degree of frustration at the lack of services and confusion around where to refer those affected by loss and grief issues. The findings suggested the need for leadership and coordination in the area of grief and loss.During the feasibility study Dil's Funeral Services were introduced to the Grief Centre project and took over where Hospice left off. Dil's is now our major sponsor. They have lent us the indefinite use of their building at 92 Hinemoa St. from where we now operate. It is a central location with bus stops handy and several cafes nearby. Dil's have also supported the project financially. Services have subsequently developed in other parts of the Auckland region and can be accessed by contacting the Birkenhead office. From these beginnings The Grief Centre is now registered with the Charities Commission (CC38713) and The Companies Office (2492361) as The Grief Support and Education Charitable Trust. The Trust is committed to its vision of providing support to those affected by grief and loss.
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Services Offered
Individual Counselling - If you are dealing with the loss of a loved one and feel that despite their best efforts friends and family do not understand, we have counsellors who can help. They are trained to listen, support you and help you to find ways to deal with your loss. It does not matter how long ago you had your bereavement. Sometimes grief revisits when we least expect it. Our counsellors are experienced in all aspects of loss and grief, not just bereavement.
Family Counselling - Sometime families struggle after a death of a family member. Communication can be a challenge between family members as each responds to loss in different ways. Families often tip toe around afraid of upsetting each other. Sometimes outside help is needed to assist families to express their concerns, anxiety and sadness in a safe setting. This often helps families to express their loss with each other in a meaningful way. Children and Young People Advice Support and Counselling - The Grief Centre is building resources to provide information, support, advice and counselling to children, young people and their families dealing with loss. Our counsellors can assist you as a parent to discuss your children's needs and are also happy to provide individual sessions for children and young people, after they have met you. We can also link you to support groups for different age groups in the community.
Bereavement Support Groups - People often say 'How will it help hearing other's stories of loss? It will just increase my sadness'. However, that is not how it works. People who have experienced a support group comment that they had not realised others were going through similar emotions. They also appreciate getting to know others who really seem to understand what they are going through.
Fees and Payment
We will ask what location you are in, briefly discuss your circumstances to determine the best counsellor for you and then discuss the counselling fees (these are based on your household income and what you can afford to pay, our goal is to provide counselling to everyone who needs it. We also help WINZ clients apply for grief counselling under the Disability Allowance).
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual
Payment: Pro-bono
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A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.