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Bereavement support groups

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.

 

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:

 

  • Support After Suicide Peer Support Coffee Morning
  • Purpose: This group is suitable for those who prefer an informal catch-up with others who have lost a loved one to suicide. It is facilitated by a Hope counsellor and a trained peer volunteer who have experienced suicide bereavement.
  • Meet: On the first Thursday of the month (except in January) from 10:00am to 11:30am at our offices at 200 Myers Street, Geelong 3220.
  • 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 (except in January) from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at our offices at 200 Myers Street, Geelong 3220.
  • TCFV/Hope Drop-In Group
  • Purpose: An informal 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.
  • Meet: On the second Tuesday of the month (except in January) from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Brioche Cafe (175 West Fyans Street, Newtown 3220).
  • Support After Suicide Men’s Program
  • Purpose: A group for bereaved men to meet others who have lost a loved one to suicide.
  • Meet: On the second Wednesday of the month (except in January) from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at our offices at 200 Myers Street, Geelong 3220.
  • Parental Bereavement Support Group
  • Purpose: A group for adults who have lost a parent of any age and from any cause. Facilitated by a Hope counsellor, it will provide an opportunity to share thoughts and grief experiences in order to provide points for discussion.
  • Meet: On the second Thursday of the month (except in January) from 5:30pm to 7:00pm at our offices at 200 Myers Street, Geelong 3220.
  • After Suicide Loss Support Group
  • Purpose: This group is facilitated by a Hope counsellor and a trained peer volunteer. It provides an opportunity to connect with others who have lost a loved one to suicide and to develop greater awareness of the impact of traumatic loss and strategies to manage responses.
  • Meet: On the third Tuesday of the month (except in January) from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at our offices at 200 Myers Street, Geelong 3220.
  • Creative Workshops
  • Purpose: Our Creative Workshops are for those who have experienced the death of a loved one and would like to honour them. No art experience is needed - just an open heart and a willingness to embrace the potential benefits of exploring your grief through the creative process.
  • Meet: On the third Wednesday of the month (except in January) from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at our offices at 200 Myers Street, Geelong 3220.
  • Men's Bereavement in the Bar
  • Purpose: An informal group for men who have experienced the loss of a loved one of any age and 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 (except in January) from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at The Yardz Hotel (77 Church Street, Geelong West 3218).

"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