Support Programmes
Find out about support programmes, meet new people and find out about their experiences
We Are Here To Help
A multiple grief situation is not uncommon. This is often experienced whilst also enduring a long hospitalisation period.
The multiple emotions felt by burn survivors and the need for care on many levels, was the reason that founder Delwyn Tait felt there was a very real need to not only augment hospital care for burns survivors but also particularly support survivors and their families throughout the rehabilitative phase of a burn injury.
Camp Awhi is our flagship 5-day National Children’s Burn Camp, designed to create a life-changing experience for young burn survivors across New Zealand. In this nurturing environment, children and teenagers learn that they are not alone on their burn journey, forming powerful connections with peers who truly understand their experiences.
Camp Awhi
Our dedicated team of professionals, trained volunteers, and experienced mentors ensures a safe, supportive, and incredibly fun environment. Through swimming, outdoor adventures, creative arts, and team challenges, campers not only enjoy memorable experiences but also develop the emotional tools and support networks that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Camp Awhi isn’t just a camp – it’s a transformative community where young burn survivors discover their unlimited potential.
At Camp Awhi, Participants:
- Build confidence through challenging yet supportive activities that highlight their resilience and capability.
- Develop essential coping skills through specialised workshops led by professionals and experienced burn survivors.
- Form lifelong friendships with others who share similar experiences and challenges.
- Experience the freedom to be themselves without fear of judgment or stares.
- Discover inner strength they might never have known they possessed.
Survivor Sunday
These gatherings serve as a regular touchpoint for our community, ensuring nobody faces their burn journey alone. The combination of structured learning and casual social interaction makes Survivor Sundays accessible to everyone, whether they’re newly injured or years into their recovery.
Beyond the practical benefits, these events foster a profound sense of belonging and normalcy—a place where everyone understands the unique journey of burn recovery without needing explanation.
Each Survivor Sunday offers:
Powerful firsthand stories from burn survivors at different stages of their recovery journey
Expert-led sessions on innovative recovery techniques, scar management, and emotional wellbeing.
Networking opportunities connecting survivors with valuable community resources.
Practical demonstrations of adaptive techniques for everyday challenges.
Delicious catering provided by the Burn Support Group, creating a welcoming atmosphere for meaningful connection.
Our quarterly Survivor Sundays serve as an invaluable opportunity to unite the entire burn community—survivors, their families, healthcare providers, and supporters—in a meaningful and uplifting way. These events are thoughtfully designed to inspire hope, provide education, and foster a sense of collective strength that helps every participant feel supported in their unique journey.
Our immersive 4-day Women’s Burn Retreat provides female burn survivors with a sanctuary for renewal and self-discovery. Set in a peaceful, nurturing environment, this retreat is designed to offer women a space where they can embrace their full selves—beyond their burn injuries—while connecting with others who understand their unique journey.
Women's Retreat
Participants emerge from the retreat with renewed confidence, practical coping strategies for everyday challenges, and an invaluable network of supportive sisters who truly understand the complexities of navigating life after a burn injury. The bonds formed during these transformative days create a foundation of support
that extends far beyond the retreat itself, fostering ongoing connections that many women describe as life-changing.
What Woman's Retreat offers:
- Therapeutic workshops addressing the unique physical and emotional challenges women face on their burn recovery journey
- Wellness activities including meditation, yoga, and mindfulness practices designed specifically for burn survivors
- Beauty and self-image sessions that celebrate resilience and redefine personal concepts of beauty
- Intimate group discussions facilitated by experienced counsellors where women can safely share their struggles and triumphs
- Creative expression through art, writing, and movement to unlock emotional healing
Men's Burn Forum
The forum acknowledges the particular ways men process trauma and build resilience, with a focus on practical support and camaraderie rather than formal therapy. This approach creates a powerful environment where men can find understanding without pressure, building connections on their own terms.
Participants regularly report feeling a profound sense of brotherhood and renewed strength, having found a community where they can be fully understood without explanation.
This dynamic overnight experience includes:
- Candid conversations about the distinct challenges men face throughout burn recover
- Practical workshops addressing everything from physical rehabilitation to navigating social situations
- Outdoor activities that combine fun with opportunities for natural, meaningful conversations
- A casual BBQ meet-and-greet that fosters genuine connections in a laid-back atmosphere
- Mentorship opportunities connecting newer burn survivors with those further along in their recovery journey
Our Men’s Three-Day Burn Forum creates a unique space where male burn survivors, their peers, and supportive family members can come together to connect authentically in a relaxed, judgment-free environment. This dedicated forum is designed specifically to address the unique experiences and challenges that male burn survivors face, providing them with the opportunity to share their journeys, learn from one another, and grow in ways that are meaningful and empowering
Our Public Speaking Support Programme walks alongside burn survivors as they discover the courage to share their stories with the world. We believe that when you find the courage to share your story, something beautiful happens – not only does it bring deep healing to your own heart, but it touches the lives of others and helps them truly understand the incredible strength that lives within every burn survivor. This gentle, wraparound support gives you everything you need to find your voice and step forward with confidence. We know that every survivor’s journey is deeply personal and precious, and we’re honoured to help you discover just how much your story matters.
Public Speaking Support Programme
Together, we’ll explore the art of storytelling through workshops that feel more like heartfelt conversations – learning how to structure your story, speak from the heart, and navigate the emotions that naturally arise when sharing something so personal.
You’ll receive individual coaching sessions where we work together to shape your unique story and practice in a safe, encouraging space. We also provide emotional support every step of the way, understanding that opening your heart takes tremendous courage. When you’re ready to share your story with the world, we’ll help you feel confident and comfortable – whether that’s through gentle guidance on what to wear, how to stand tall, or simply knowing that someone believes in you completely.
When you receive a burn and if it is severe, Call 111!
Immediately run it under water for at least 20 minutes. Seek medical care.