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Bereavement support groups, Geelong

Hope Bereavement Care works closely with select bereavement support groups that can help those grieving the death of a baby or child, grieving the death of an adult and grieving after suicide.

We can put people in touch with relevant support groups to help them with their bereavement. Please find information about these Geelong-based groups further down the page or feel free to contact us to discuss your individual situation.

Hope Bereavement Care Support Groups Flyer 2022

 

For anyone planning to attend a support group, we kindly request that you RSVP via the relevant link just below or contact us directly if this online system presents challenges for you.

* RSVP for the next meeting and/or add all upcoming group dates to your personal digital calendar for our regular support groups:

* RSVP for an upcoming one-off Hope support group:

 

  • Support After Suicide Peer Support Coffee Morning
  • Purpose: This group is suitable for those who prefer an informal catch-up with others who have also lost a loved one to suicide. It is facilitated by trained volunteers who have experienced suicide bereavement.
  • Meet: On the first Tuesday of the month from 10am to 11:30am at a variety of locations around Geelong, including cafes and at the Hope offices in Kitchener House.
  • Empty Arms Support Group
  • Purpose: A support group for families and friends who have suffered a loss from miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death, either recently or many years ago.
  • Meet: On the first Thursday of the month from 7pm to 9pm at the Hope offices in Kitchener House, Geelong.
  • TCF and Hope Drop-In Group
  • Purpose: An informal group run in partnership with The Compassionate Friends (TCF) for any parent who has lost a child of any age from any cause.
  • Meet: On the second Tuesday of the month from 10am to 12pm at Brioche Cafe in Newtown.
  • Support After Suicide Men’s Program
  • Purpose: A group for bereaved men to meet other men who have lost a loved one to suicide. Each month there will be a guest speaker who will share their own thoughts and experiences, which will provide points for discussion and an opportunity for questions.
  • Meet: On the second Wednesday of the month from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Hope offices in Kitchener House, Geelong.
  • After Suicide Loss Support Group
  • Purpose: This group is facilitated by a Hope counsellor and peer volunteer. It provides an opportunity to meet and connect with other people who have lost a loved one to suicide, and to develop a greater awareness of the impact of traumatic loss and strategies to manage those responses.
  • Meet: On the third Tuesday of the month from 6:30pm to 8pm at the Hope offices in Kitchener House, Geelong.
  • Men's Bereavement in the Bar
  • Purpose: An informal group for men who have experienced the loss of a loved one, of any age from any cause. It is peer-led and provides an opportunity to meet with other bereaved men in the relaxed atmosphere of a pub.
  • Meet: On the third Thursday of the month from 7pm to 9pm at LP’s Cafe Bar and Restaurant in Geelong.
  • Support After Suicide Early Bereavement Program
  • Purpose: This four-week group is recommended for people who are between 3 and 24 months bereaved. The experience of loss to suicide is complex and difficult for most people and there are some unique issues faced by those who have lost a loved one to suicide. The group is an opportunity to meet other people also affected by suicide and to assist you in understanding the trauma and grief that follows. It will provide a range of strategies to help you to minimise and manage the stress associated with suicide loss.
  • Meet: On the 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd of March 2023 (all Wednesdays) from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Hope offices in Kitchener House, Geelong.

"A highlight of my work would definitely be the 'Learning to Live with Loss' four-week program. After the group, these women have continued linking in with other women who have lost a partner at monthly support group catch-ups. It's amazing seeing previous attendees come and speak to other women and share their personal journeys. Great peer support." - Christine (Hope Bereavement Care counsellor), 2019

Empty Arms Support Group: "Being a bereaved parent is extremely lonely. Meeting other bereaved parents makes you no longer alone. You have a group of people who will be there for you. We have all made some friends out of it and we remember each other’s children’s birthdays and anniversaries. Where other people forget, they never forget." - Janet, 2020

Creative bereavement groups: "There was this feeling that you could share (your story) and it was balanced as well." - Lesley, 2020

"(I) loved being around others, to know you’re not alone. Even though I have my family, having people outside of that can help open you up more. The group was beautiful and I’m so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and did it, as in the first week I didn’t want to get out of the car!" - anonymous, 2019