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Support services
We know that the days, months and even years after a sepsis experience can be challenging, so we offer a range of support services to complement the care you may be receiving from health professionals.
Facebook Support
For moderated, peer-to-peer support, you can join one of our two dedicated Facebook Support Groups. We offer one focused on recovery and support for survivors and families, and another for those who have been bereaved as a result of sepsis.
Sepsis Trust NZ Recovery Support & Connect - Click here to join
Sepsis Trust NZ Bereavement Support & Connect - Click here to join
Follow our Sepsis Trust NZ Facebook page for news, announcements and information about sepsis, the Trust, wider awareness & webinars - Click here to join
Online Recovery Support Meetings
We also offer monthly support group meetings via Teams for anyone who is recovering from sepsis or their loved ones. These meetings are around one hour in duration and are usually held the last Thursday of the month.
The sessions are built on the principle of peer support, where shared experiences create a foundation for mutual understanding, emotional support, and practical suggestions.
Hosted by our Support Services Facilitator, Carol, our programme of meetings follows a three-month cycle, with a different focus for discussions through the months.
Month 1 (April, July, October): Cam and Carol
Cam Howard is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in sepsis, and brings her knowledge of the impacts of sepsis, what happens in hospital and afterwards.
Month 2 (May, August, November): Carol
Carol’s background is in the social and emotional impacts of events that affect our lives. These meetings will focus on feelings following sepsis experiences, and how everyone is doing now.
Month 3 (June, September): a guest with Carol
Our guests will talk with us on topics related to the recovery phase, like fatigue/rest/sleep, or movement and exercise, or nutrition for recovery, or mental health. There will be time for some more general sharing too.
This Month – Thursday 28th May 7-8pm - meeting with Carol, and a focus on feelings after sepsis.
To register for our next support meeting, please complete the form below, and you will be sent the Teams link to join the meeting around 48 hours before the meeting is due to start. If you registered for the April meeting or since, and requested for links to be sent to you routinely, you will receive the link each month without needing to register again.
What we can do in our meetings:
Listen to your experience
Help you to understand sepsis and critical illness recovery
Direct you to appropriate services
Connect you to other sepsis survivors
What we cannot do in our meetings:
Provide specific pharmaceutical or medical advice
Replace the relationship between you and your healthcare professional
Offer treatment, diagnosis, or tests
Provide financial support
Intervene in complaints or legal issues
Your privacy:
The NZ Sepsis Trust is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. All personal data will be held in accordance with the principles and requirements of data protection and any other relevant legislation. For full details see our Privacy Policy.
Dedicated Support Team
Support Services Facilitator: Carol Goldie-Anderson
Carol has extensive support and education experience in the field of change, loss and grief. She is also a sepsis survivor.
Clinical nurse specialist in sepsis (regular guest speaker): Cam Howard
Cam has been a registered nurse for over 20 years and is NZ’s first sepsis clinical nurse specialist. Cam is a long-time supporter of the Trust, and we are lucky to have her as a regular speaker at our online support meetings