Grieving an adult

Hope Bereavement Care provides free information, support and counselling to residents of the general Geelong region affected by the death of an adult (particularly death that is sudden and unexpected), whether they be:

• A partner
• A parent or grandparent
• An adult child
• A friend
• A workplace colleague

There is no question that any death – particularly one that is sudden and unexpected – is both devastating and shocking. It can lead to feelings of disbelief, guilt, loneliness, fear, anxiety and helplessness, as well as physical symptoms such as sleeplessness and physical and mental exhaustion.

The first five weeks following a loved one’s death are often the worst, and bereaved people can find themselves creating ‘what if’ and ‘if only’ scenarios in their minds. Others may feel angry, perhaps with themselves, the person who has died or somebody they blame for the death.

 

Our support services include:

• Free grief counselling either in-person or remotely for those affected by the death of an adult, particularly death that is sudden and unexpected
• Counselling and support for extended family members, friends, workmates and school communities also affected by an adult’s death
• Secondary consultation for professionals supporting those affected by the death of an adult

 

Our support groups include:

• 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;
• The Parental Bereavement Support Group, for adults who have lost a parent 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 loved one and would like to explore their grief through the creative process – no art experience needed; and
• Living With Grief, a four-week grief education program co-facilitated by Hope and Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Service for women who have experienced the recent death of a partner (contact us for upcoming dates).

 

For more information, please contact us.

* For 24-hour support for those grieving the loss of a loved one, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Note that Griefline (call 1300 845 745) also offers phone support for bereaved people and that Kids Helpline (call 1800 55 1800) offers 24-hour support for children and young adults aged 5-25.

 

Grief after sudden and unexpected death
– a resource map that we hope helps navigating the journey of grief after sudden and unexpected death a little easier