COCOON New Zealand

Thank you for your interest in the COCOON study. The Aotearoa/New Zealand study arm of COCOON has now stopped recruiting new participants.

The COCOON study in Aotearoa/New Zealand is being led by researchers at Victoria University of Wellington and University of Auckland in partnership with the Stillbirth CRE, Raising Children’s Network and parent bereavement organisations the Stillbirth Foundation Australia, Sands, Red Nose, and Bears of Hope.

For more information, please contact the New Zealand lead investigator Billie Bradford on: billie.bradford@vuw.ac.nz , Rupesh Gautam on: rupesh.gautam@mater.uq.edu.au or Siobhan Loughnan on siobhan.loughnan@mater.uq.edu.au.

Further information on COVID-19 and support services in New Zealand:

If you are currently experiencing symptoms or are concerned about contact with a possible COVID-19 case, please call the Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

For information and resources on pregnancy and having a newborn baby during COVID-19, please see the following websites:

• Unite against covid-19 – for advice on keeping children safe and reassured go to https://covid19.govt.nz/wellbeing/mental-wellbeing/where-to-go-for-help
• Parent Help 0800 568 856 – for parents/whanau seeking support, advice and practical strategies on all parenting concerns.
• Pregnancy Help – free practical assistance, information and advice during pregnancy and early childhood https://pregnancyhelp.org.nz
• Family Services 211 Helpline – 0800 211 211 for help finding community-based health and social services in your area.

For information and resources to support your mental health during this time, please go to the Unite against covid-19 Mental wellbeing page, https://covid19.govt.nz/wellbeing/mental-wellbeing.

If you are feeling distressed and would like to speak to someone for support or information, please contact one of the below organisations:

• Lifeline – immediate mental health and crisis support, and suicide prevention – open 24/7 (phone); 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 1737(HELP)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
• Depression and Anxiety Helpline – Call 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 to talk to a trained counsellor. For more information and support for depression and anxiety visit https://www.thelowdown.co.nz
• Shine – Confidential domestic abuse helpline 0508 744 633 or visit www.2shine.org.nz.
• Women’s Refuge – Cal 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
• Hey Bro helpline – Call 0800 439 279 (0800 HEYBRO). 24-hour support for men who feel they are going to harm a loved one or whanau member.

For information and support after the loss of your baby, please contact one of the below organisations offering grief and loss support for parents and families:

• Sands –nationwide support group for parents and families who have experienced the death of a baby at any gestation or age, under any circumstances. www.sands.org.nz
• SIDS and Kids NZ – provides a 24-hour sudden infant death helpline 0800 164 455 or visit www.sidsandkids.org.nz.