Grieving a baby or child

Hope Bereavement Care provides free information, support and counselling to residents of the general Geelong region 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 TCFV/Hope Drop-In Group, run in partnership with The Compassionate Friends Victoria (TCFV) for any parent who has lost a child of any age and from any cause;
  • Men’s Bereavement in the Bar, an informal group for men who have experienced the loss of a loved one of any age and from any cause;
  • Creative bereavement groups, for anyone who has experienced the loss of a baby or child and would like to explore their grief through the creative process – no art experience needed; and
  • Children’s Memory Mornings during school holidays, for primary-school-aged children grieving the loss of a sibling (contact us for upcoming dates).

 

For more information, please contact us.

* For 24-hour support for those grieving the loss of a baby or child, call Red Nose Grief and Loss on 1300 308 307. Note that Kids Helpline (call 1800 55 1800) also offers 24-hour support for children and young adults aged 5-25.

 

Grief after pregnancy and baby loss
– a resource map that we hope helps navigating the journey of grief a little easier

 

This program is proudly supported by Give Where You Live.Gwylf Logo Square Cmyk With Keyline

 

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