The following programme in New Zealand Sign Language is designed for Deaf people to learn ways to cope with grief and loss in their natural language.

“Change, Loss and Grief” was launched on Wednesday, 12 October, 2011 as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

The resource is the result of work supported by Deaf Aotearoa and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.  This is the first time that the two organisations have worked together to produce a DVD in sign language and Deaf Aotearoa hopes to develop similar resources in the future. Patnerships Health Canterbury was also involved with this project.

“We are extremely pleased to have been able to assist Deaf Aotearoa with the promotion and distribution of this much needed resource” says Judi Clements, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation.

Deaf Aotearoa Chief Executive Rachel Noble says the need for the programme was driven by individuals close to the Deaf community members in Christchurch.

“This project has been a voluntary one, which has had the support and buy-in from a number of different organisations and individuals.  There was a great need for a resource of this kind after a series of tragic events and it is even more pertinent now following the devastating effects of February’s earthquake in Christchurch and the resulting loss of life,” says Ms Noble.

“The programme is designed to help the Deaf community understand in their natural language the processes of grief and how if can affect people.”

“Change, Loss and Grief” is filmed in NZSL with English subtitles.  It features members of the Deaf community sharing their experiences of loss and change.  Expert advice is provided by retired Deaf Counsellor Richard Townshend and Mental Health Educator Ainslee Coates.

The programme was created by Creative Arts Director Jill Penn and film-makers Meshell Edgecombe and Sue Penman.  It is also available on DVD from the Mental Health Foundation Resource Centre.

Deaf Aotearoa is the national association of the Deaf in New Zealand.  The organisation promotes the awareness of, access to and advancement of NZSL – to help strengthen the rights of Deaf people and their confidence and ensure they are an active part of society.

Source: http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/page/1050-change-loss-grief-in-nz-sign