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Grief Refuge app

An app to support people who are grieving the loss of a loved one so you feel supported and less alone in your grief journey.

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Grief Refuge app	By Grief Refuge
	Features Journal. Progress tracking (paid feature). Audio meditative exercises.
Country of origin	USA
Clinical review	Read a clinical review below.
Security and privacy	Does the app: Collect medical information? No Require a login? Users can choose to log in as a guest or register as a user Have password protection? Yes Have a privacy policy? Yes Require internet access to use? Yes Read more about safety and security when using apps. Brochures: Tips to improve your privacy and security [PDF, 65 KB] Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ Staying safe online(external link) Netsafe, NZ
Cost	Basic is free; there is a paid upgraded version.
Advertisements	This app contains no ads.
How to get the app	(external link) (external link) (external link)

The Grief Refuge app offers support, validation and caring practises to help you navigate grief and feel less alone in your journey. Designed by Reid Peterson who, following his own experiences of losing his biological and then step father, felt there was a gap in available daily support. Reid is the voice on the audio practices and podcast.

You need to register and create a log in to use the app. The home page has the following 4 features.

Introduction: In this section, the creator shares his personal experience and motivation to create the app, followed by a video on how to navigate the app.
Guidance: This has daily audio reflections (requires paid upgrade to access daily support) and the Intentions section has several audio meditative exercises and guidance.
Self-care: A journal which provides examples of common feelings experienced in grief with the option to add notes, as well as the option to journal freely.
Community: This section connects to resources based in the USA including retreats and a free consultation with Reid. There's also a podcast published twice a month which includes interviews with compassionate people who know grief well.

For the complete app description, go to the app website(external link), Google Play(external link), App Store(external link) or, for a more detailed review, see Reviews.

PROS	CONS
✔ Easy to navigate and includes a video on how to use the app. ✔ Appealing graphics and soothing voice. ✔ Created by someone who has directly experienced grief. ✔ Mobile app for both Android and Apple users.	✘ Limited resources with the free version. ✘ USA app so not all resources are applicable to New Zealand-based users. No option to connect with local resources/communities. ✘ No desktop version. An iPhone or Android phone is required which may restrict some users from accessing the app.

PROS

CONS

✔ Easy to navigate and includes a video on how to use the app.

✔ Appealing graphics and soothing voice.

✔ Created by someone who has directly experienced grief.

✔ Mobile app for both Android and Apple users.

✘ Limited resources with the free version.

✘ USA app so not all resources are applicable to New Zealand-based users. No option to connect with local resources/communities.

✘ No desktop version. An iPhone or Android phone is required which may restrict some users from accessing the app.

Clinical review

Reviewer: Rachel Massey, Psychologist, Private Practice
Date of review: April 2025
Platform: Apple
Comments: This is a visually appealing and simple app to use. It's designed for those experiencing the loss of a loved one, to help them feel supported and less alone in their grief journey. The app has access to information to help you understand your experience, and complete calming and reflective practises to find comfort and relief. It does have limited content which may be helpful for users not to feel overwhelmed, and it notes updates and resources continue to be added regularly. The paid version is likely to suit a person wanting access to more resources and features.
The designer has had his own personal experience with grief. He narrates the audio content and has a soothing voice. The app serves to provide support and validation and to ease the loneliness that can exist in grief.
Whilst not as comprehensive as other apps that are available, it's a gentle and compassionate app that you may find beneficial in combination with seeking in-person support.
Safety concerns: None.
New Zealand relevance: Yes, this app is relevant to a New Zealand audience. Most of the content is relevant with the exception of events that are located in the USA.

Grief and loss
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New Zealand-based apps
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Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.