Support Groups
Many parents feel better just knowing that others feel, or have felt, the same way. So this may be the time to connect with a trained volunteer or become involved with a parent support group. Support groups at Red Nose Grief and Loss, for example, are co-facilitated by a counsellor and a trained Parent Supporter and provide an opportunity to talk, be understood, to share and to help normalise feelings and experiences.
“It helps to meet others in support groups and see how they are coping. This helped us and gave us hope, especially hearing from parent supporters. They showed us how you can heal and that you can go on to have other children.”
“Accept that men are more likely to grieve privately and talk only with their partners and more women prefer group support.”
SIDS and Kids provides bereavement counsellors, volunteer support from trained bereaved parents, support groups, creative arts sessions, a personal enrichment program (PEP) and remembrance activities.
If you would like to talk to someone, please contact the Red Nose Grief and Loss office in your area on 1300 308 307.
This article was prepared using extracts from Your Child has Died: Some Answers To Your Questions.1 The full text is available online or contact Red Nose Grief and Loss Services on 1300 308 307 for a printed version.
Last reviewed: 22/12/24
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- Same, D. & Bereaved Parents & Red Nose Grief and Loss Services. (2016). Your Child has Died: Some Answers To Your Questions: A Booklet for Bereaved Parents whose Young Child has Died Suddenly and Unexpectedly. Malvern, Vic.: Red Nose Grief and Loss Services.