There’s a groundswell of activism and peer support happening across the country. Many who left high-control groups are now helping others to heal. Their inspiring projects are a roll-on effect of the Decult 2024 conference, where some of them first met. Read more about:
- New in-person and online groups
- Unspun podcast looking for stories
- Survivor day after Decult 2026
- Live events in Nelson and Brisbane
This feature about “secret” peer support groups was one of the top NZ Herald stories last week. I’m stoked that it highlights the work of survivor advocates and encourages people to seek help: “Getting together with others who’re walking the same path and aren’t judging you can be the first step to healing – and it’s immensely empowering.”
“FINDING YOUR FREEDOM” IN AUCKLAND
Another round of “Finding Your Freedom” starts at Rationalist House in Tāmaki Makaurau at the end of March. The fortnightly meetings for those with a lived experience run over two months – and are free, thanks to the Rationalists & Humanists.
The two-hour sessions are facilitated by psychotherapist Beth St Claire who is specialised in trauma, abuse, life transitions and identity. She has run cult recovery groups and is part of the Religious Trauma Collective, the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) Research Studies group, and the Cult Informed Professional (CIP) Network. The NZ Herald just interviewed her too!
Only ten spaces available, so don’t miss out. To register or join the waiting list, contact Jude at [email protected].
NEW SOUTH ISLAND SURVIVOR GROUPS
While the first New Zealand mixed peer support group for cult leavers – Uncult Ōtautahi – has grown to over 30 participants, it is now inspiring more in-person meet-ups for survivors across the motu.
Zara Murphy, who escaped the Jehovah’s Witnesses with her family four years ago and is a helpline agent for Recovering from Religion, plans to start a regular group in Ōamaru: “We need this collaborative support, especially those who face complete isolation upon exiting and sacrifice all ties to friends and family.” To get involved, email [email protected].
Kelly Shaw, a Greymouth social worker who did Dr Gillie Jenkinson’s “Walking Free” cult recovery training, wants to start something on the West Coast later this year. Contact her at [email protected].
Interested in setting up a peer support group in your area as well? Ask us, and we can help.
ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS WITH RTC AND OLN
The Religious Trauma Collective is offering another online support group for anyone in Australia or Aotearoa who wants to heal from cultic abuse, loss, and grief. Groups start in April with up to eight participants and run for six weeks. For registration and info, check here.
The Olive Leaf Network New Zealand is soon starting a six-week small group programme on Zoom called “What’s Your Story”. Contact [email protected] for more information.
UNSPUN PODCAST HAS LAUNCHED
“Unravelling the threads of cult recovery” is the tagline of the new UNSPUN podcast that launched last week on Plains Media and shows roadmaps for advocacy and healing. Vulnerable interviews with survivors from Aotearoa and beyond are put together by Christchurch counsellor Alisa Woodruff and artist and Decult volunteer Jaya Mangalam Gibson, who is in the first episode. Both kicked off the local Uncult peer support group last year and are on a roll. Brava & bravo!
If you’re a cult survivor with a story to share and would like to be interviewed too, contact [email protected] – your story counts!
CHRISTCHURCH GATHERING AFTER DECULT
A gathering for people who have left cults will be held on Monday 26 October (Labour Day) after Decult 2026 (24 – 25 Oct). If you’re planning your travels to join us in person for the next conference (please pre-register here), then put this date for decompression and connection in your calendar too. More info to come!
BRISBANE AND NELSON EVENTS
Final call for “Stories that Stir: Breaking Free” in Brisbane on 29 March at 5 pm. Six courageous storytellers will each share their lived experience on stage – raw, personal and inspiring. One of the speakers is whistleblower Jayde Struhs, the sister of Elizabeth Struhs who tragically died at eight years old after her cult family denied her medical treatment.
Last but not least: I’m coming to Nelson on 26 March to show the Decult Voices documentary and have a korero, joined by Lindy Jacomb, Willow Duffy and Kyle Eggleton. The half-day event “Beyond Belief: Understanding Cult Dynamics” by Hikitia!/Rise is the first of its kind in the Tasman region and almost full. Don’t miss out and register now by emailing [email protected].
Ngā mihi nui,
Anke