The Bereavement support service offers group support and individual counselling (in some cases) to bereaved family members. Some groups are also available via telephone and email with priority given to regional families.
What are bereavement groups?
Bereavement groups are support groups where the members attend to share their story or hear the stories of others in the group. There is no pressure to share, and the benefit of attending a group can be hearing how others have coped in similar situations.
Types of bereavement groups
- Newly bereaved information session - education and support session for parents in the first three - six months after their child’s death
- Bereaved parent support groups - support groups for parents whose child has passed away Topics include introducing your family, supporting siblings and extended family and coping with anniversaries and special occasions. Groups are held for two hours a week over four weeks.
- Bereaved parent telephone support group – these groups are held for parents who cannot come to the face to face groups. Priority is given to families living in rural/regional areas, but all families are welcome to register for the tele-group.
Why you should attend a support group
Some individuals find it helpful to talk about their grief in a safe place with other people who have experienced a similar loss. Support groups can give members an opportunity to share ways of coping, get confirmation that what they are feeling is 'normal' or just debrief with people who have been there.
Who can attend a support group
All family members are welcome to attend bereavement groups. Groups are offered for parents/carers, siblings and grandparents.
Groups meet at the hospital as well as at community centres for those who do not feel comfortable returning to the hospital.
Telephone support groups are also offered for families who do not live in Sydney.
For more information about counselling and support groups
Contact our bereavement coordinator on (02) 7825 0000 and page 7013