Sacred Trees

NZBN9429050006922 - 1 Broad St Southbridge - 0224580339 - [email protected]

The Aroha Approach: To Suicide Prevention 
Rather than treating suicide prevention simply as the identification and referral of people at risk, this workshop emphasises community, balance, and belonging as truly preventive. It focuses on equipping individuals to have safe conversations about wellness and suicide and to assist others to develop the skills to navigate distress and seek the right support (including clinical support) at the right time—helping not only to prevent suicide but to foster lifelong wellbeing. 

Key Workshop Elements: 

✔ Understanding the Continuum of Distress – Mental distress is not a fixed state; sometimes we can manage it alone, sometimes we need friends, and sometimes professional guidance is necessary.
✔ Exploring the Brain & Balance – Distress often arises when emotions and thoughts are out of sync. We can teach the brain to work together, just as we teach the body to function as a whole.
✔ Building Social Connection – Neuroscience and ancient wisdom agree, strengthening relationships, drawing on community resources, and contributing back to collective wellbeing fosters a sense of belonging and helps restore balance in the brain. 

Sacred Trees: A Practical Guide for Real Conversations 

The workshop offers a lot of valuable insights, but remembering every detail isn't necessary. The Sacred Trees resources serve as conversation guides, helping participants translate what they’ve learned into practical, supportive interactions with the people they are trying to help. 

By following this simple process, participants naturally cover all the Aroha Approach principles, ensuring that support is found in the community not outside of it. 

We are raising $10,000 to boost the next round of Sacred Trees resources for 2026, and $4,000 per year for the next five years to keep them freely available for those who need them most. This funding also supports a major upgrade of our app — a key tool that helps people turn their plans into real‑life action with guidance, reminders, and practical steps.

We’re inviting 400 people to make a one‑off $15 boost donation and a $10 per year sustainability donation starting in 2026. Every contribution — large or small — directly strengthens connections, supports wellbeing, and helps us keep these resources accessible to our community. Choose what you can afford and make a donation below. 

 

We are using this Open Collective platform so you can make donations and claim them on your taxes. We love the transparency they offer - you will be able to see how much we have raised and how the money has been used. As a supporter you will be kept informed on our activities and the feedback we receive. You will be able to share your own ideas and comments on our work by direct contact with Sacred Trees through this site.

We love in person conversations so give us a call on 022 458 0339. Help us by becoming a supporter and making a financial contribution below. Any amount will make a difference and be deeply appreciated.

Click here or call me 022 458 0339 to make an Aroha Approach booking.