Hi, my name is Anne, and I am one of the counsellors for Aoake te Ra.
I live in beautiful Marlborough and have done for most of my life. I was born in Waverley in the North Island and move down to Marlborough when I was about 18 months old. Mount Taranaki is the mountain I identify with, and the Wanganui River is my river.
I grew up and went to school in Renwick, a short distance from the Woodbourne airbase. I attended Marlborough Girls college and left part way through my second year off 5th form, known now as year 12.
I have raised a blended family of six children, two girls and four boys. I have six grandchildren, four girls and two boys. For the past three years I have been raising my second granddaughter who is now seven years old. I have a new appreciation for working mothers. While I raised my children, I was able to be a stay-at-home mum, honestly as the children got older and got into sports, after school activities and weekend commitments, I felt like I was working as I was very busy. Now I am working full time, raising my granddaughter and just as busy as ever with one child. I also share my time with my children and their families as well as enjoying all my grandchildren.
I have experienced my own loss from suicide losing friends and close family members. It is such a different loss and grief to the loss and grief we all face during our lifetime on so many different levels. Grief from suicide leaves us grieving the unknown and being overwhelmed by a constant waterfall of overwhelming emotions. Grief from suicide is such a personal journey. At times we may not even recognize ourselves as suicide challenges our beliefs, our faith, our value and even the purpose for life. The loss of some you thought you knew well, is a life changing experience. You can get through this, please reach out, you are not alone.
I can meet with you face to face to support you through your grief if you live locally. If you live outside of Marlborough, we can discuss how we can make it work together, either phone or zoom/video call.
I’m looking forward to working with you.