How often have you just wished you could pause life for a second to get your shit together?
TRIGGER WARNINGS: CONVERSATIONS AROUND SUICIDE, DEPRESSION, MENTAL HEALTH AND BEREAVEMENT
The Taranaki Retreat is a sanctuary for many and a safe haven for more many more. A small piece of paradise within Taranaki offering respite and the chance for people to get away from the pressures of life and go within themselves so they can arm themselves with the tools to then face the world with all its variables.
Jamie Allen - Father, husband and executive officer for The Taranaki Retreat (amongst many other things) shares his story of walking beside his daughter, Carrie as she faced cancer and then eventually passed in 2012. Jamie says: "The Retreat is about the good stuff : walking alongside one-another - and sharing and dealing with burdens. It is a kaupapa with some fantastic support and energy in our community, and I feel very proud to be a part of it. Most of all, I wanna say - this place is for YOU; for all of us."Jamie shares his journey: dealing with the loss of his daughter and how it lead to the creation of a place that has given soo much to the people of Taranaki.
Chris - Chris is also a father, husband and former resident of the retreat who is still involved with the beautiful mahi of the place. Chris shares his story of losing a child to suicide and another to a car accident both within 6 months of each other less than 3 years ago. He speaks on how these events have inspired his journey since but not without sharing some of his deepest and darkest moments that he continues to battle through. From feeling like a failure as a father to encouraging every one of us to step into our vulnerable moments and connect heart to heart.
Contact the retreat here
Text 1737 to Talk Now
Text 5626 to contact The Low Down
To talk to a trained counsellor24/7 call the Depression helpline – 0800 111 757.
To get help from a registered nurse24/7 call Healthline – 0800 611 116.
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
What's Up – 0800 942 8787, (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, 1pm–10pm and weekends, 3pm–10pm. Online chat is available 7pm–10pm daily.
