Grieving the death of a child
Hope Bereavement Care in Geelong provides free information, support and counselling to people affected by the death of a baby or child from conception to 18 years of age.
Every parent fears the loss of a baby or child, and when it happens, the death is devastating to parents, family members, friends and workmates – the impact has a far-reaching ripple effect.
Grief counselling for the loss of a baby or child requires specialised skills and training.
Our support services include:
- Free grief counselling either in-person or remotely for parents affected by the death of a baby or child
- Counselling and support for extended family members, friends, workmates and school communities also affected by baby or child loss
- Secondary consultation for professionals supporting those affected by the death of a baby or child
Our support groups include:
- The Empty Arms Support Group, for families and friends who have suffered a loss from miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death, either recently or many years ago
- The TCF and Hope Drop-In Group, run in partnership with The Compassionate Friends (TCF), for any parent who has lost a child of any age from any cause
- Men’s Bereavement in the Bar, an informal group for men who have experienced the loss of a child of any age from any cause
- Children’s Memory Mornings during school holidays for pre-school and primary school-aged children grieving the loss of a sibling
- Creative Workshops for anyone who has experienced pregnancy or neonatal loss and would like to explore their grief through art – no art experience needed
For more information, please contact us or call the Red Nose Grief and Loss 24/7 Support Line on 1300 308 307 for urgent grief support relating to the death of a baby or child.
* Below is a link to a resource map that we hope helps navigating the journey of grief a little easier:
Grief after pregnancy and baby loss
This program is proudly supported by Give Where You Live

We offer:
- The support of qualified counsellors and trained parent supporters
- Support groups offering bereaved people opportunities to meet others with similar experiences
- Trauma and grief information to assist bereaved people and their families and support people
- A library of online resources for those affected by the death of a baby or child
- Advice, education and support for groups such as emergency services personnel, community service providers and school communities