Grief Counselling and Support Services in Australia
Grief Counselling and Support Services in Australia
After the loss of a loved one, the experience of grief can be overwhelming. However, you don't have to navigate this journey on your own. Having a safe and supportive environment to help you cope with the impact of loss can make a significant difference in finding your way forward.
In times of loss, many Australians have the support of family and friends who offer care, understanding, and compassion. Nonetheless, there are situations where seeking assistance from a grief counsellor or participating in a local support group can be highly beneficial, especially when dealing with the logistical aspects like funeral planning and understanding options such as affordable funerals, affordable burial services, or affordable cremation.
It's crucial to consider seeking professional grief support if you find it challenging to return to your regular routine, whether that involves work, childcare, or other responsibilities. Funeral homes and funeral companies in Sydney can offer guidance on these matters.
Here is a list of organizations that provide bereavement support, crisis intervention, counseling, and legal services. Some of these support services are available in your local community, over the phone, online, or in person.
In case of immediate danger to oneself or others, please call 000. For crisis counseling services, you can reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14, or contact BeyondBlue at 1300 224 636.
Bereavement and Support Services Across Australia (National)
- The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement offers bereavement counseling and support services. Contact: 1800 642 066. They also provide the MyGrief online support resource app, available for download.
- GriefLine Community and Family Services extend a listening ear, care, and support to people experiencing loss and grief at any time of day (12 noon to 3 am, 7 days a week). Phone: 1300 845 745. Online counseling is also available.
- Grieflink is a valuable online resource for information.
- Lifeline offers crisis support and suicide prevention services 24/7 for immediate assistance. Phone: 13 11 14.
- BeyondBlue provides information and support to help Australians of all ages and locations achieve their best possible mental health. Phone: 1300 224 636.
- Palliative Care Australia. Phone: (02) 6232 4433.
- Standby Support assists individuals impacted by suicide at any stage of their life, including families, friends, witnesses, schools, workplaces, community groups, frontline responders, and service providers. Phone: 0429 147 491.
- Mensline offers support, information, and referrals for men dealing with family, relationship, or other concerns. Phone: 1300 789 978.
- 13 HEALTH provides phone advice and referral information for health concerns, including counseling services. Phone: 13 HEALTH or 13 43 25 84 (available 24/7).
- Kids Helpline offers telephone counseling 24/7. Phone: 1800 551 800.
- SANDS provides support for miscarriage and pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and infant death. Phone: 1300 072 637.
- Sids And Kids assists families who have experienced the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or child, during birth, pregnancy, or infancy, regardless of the cause. Phone: 1300 308 307.
- 1800 RESPECT is the national 24/7 sexual assault, domestic and family violence counseling service for individuals experiencing, or at risk of experiencing violence, as well as their friends, family, colleagues, and employers. Phone: 1800 737 732.
- QLife offers support to LGBTQI and other sexuality, sex, and gender diverse people (3 pm to 12 am, 7 days a week). Phone: 1800 184 527.
- National Indigenous Critical Response Service (NICRS) provides culturally responsive emotional and practical support to bereaved families and individuals affected by suicide or other traumatic loss. Phone: 1800 805 801 (free call) or mobile 0499 333 132.
- Thirrili is a non-profit organization supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. Phone: (03) 8578 1410 or Critical Response Service: 1800 805 801 (available 24/7).
Support Services in New South Wales
- National Association for Loss and Grief (NALG) is NSW's leading provider of support and education for communities, families, and individuals impacted by loss, grief, and trauma. Phone: (02) 6882 9222.
- Palliative Care Association NSW. Phone: 0403 699 491.
- NSW Mental Health Line provides assistance for mental health concerns for individuals of all ages. Phone: 1800 011 511.
- NSW Victims Support Service Approved Counselling Service offers free individual counseling for victims of violent crime. Phone: 1800 633 063 or the Domestic Violence line (24/7): 1800 65 64 63.
- Bereavement Care Centre offers comprehensive and accessible counseling and support services for the terminally ill, their families, and those recently bereaved. Phone: 1300 654 556.
- The Compassionate Friends Victoria offers bereavement support for parents and siblings. Phone: (03) 9888 4944 or 1300 064 068.
- National Association for Loss and Grief Victoria. Phone: (03) 9650 3000 or 1800 100 023.
- Palliative Care Victoria. Phone: (03) 9662 9644.
- Mercy Grief Services for individuals living in the western region of Melbourne. Phone: (03) 9313 5700.
- Hope Bereavement Care for individuals living in the Barwon region. Phone: (03) 4215 3358.
- SuicideLine Victoria offers counseling, crisis intervention, information, and referrals 24/7. Phone: 1300 651 251.
- Victorian Victims of Crime Helpline. Phone: 1800 819 817.
- Road Trauma Support Services Victoria. Phone: (03) 8877 6900 or 1300 367 797.
Support Services in the Australian Capital Territory- Canberra Grief Centre specializes in providing services to support grief, bereavement, and trauma related to loss. Phone Sonia Fenwick on 0409 966 515 or book an appointment online.
- National Association for Loss and Grief ACT. Phone: (02) 6292 6847.
- ACT Palliative Care Society. Phone: (02) 6273 9606.
- Salvocareline provides crisis counseling via phone for issues including bereavement. Phone: 1300 363 622.
- The Compassionate Friends offer support to families grieving the death of a child of any age, from any cause. Face-to-face or telephone support is available at many locations across Queensland. Phone: (07) 3254 2657.
- Palliative Care Queensland. Phone: (07) 3633 0096.
- Queensland Homicide Victims Support Group offers support services to people affected by the death of a loved one by homicide. Phone: 1800 774 744.
- Victim Assist Queensland provides information on support services and financial assistance for victims of crime, including domestic violence and sexual assault. Phone: 1300 546 587.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Wellbeing Services offers support services for Aboriginal Australians. Visit the website for details on contacting your local service provider.
- The Grief Centre of Western Australia provides understanding, support, and recovery to individuals experiencing grief through support groups and counseling. Phone: 0404 658 052.
- Palliative Care WA. Phone: (08) 9212 4330.
- Victims of Crime Western Australia offers information and support for victims of crime and their families, friends, and colleagues.
- Crisis Care helpline provides telephone information and counseling for people in crisis needing urgent help in Western Australia (available 24/7). Phone: (08) 9223 1111 or 1800 199 008 (country free call).
- Mental Health Emergencies offers support for anyone involved in a mental health emergency in the community, including individuals, families/carers, members of the general public, or health professionals. Freecall: 1300 555 788.
- Drug and Alcohol Office provides non-judgmental telephone counseling, information, referral, and support for alcohol and drug use (available 24/7). Phone: (08) 9442 5000 or 1800 198 024.
- The Trauma and Grief Network website connects families, carers, and community members to resources focused on the care of children and adolescents affected by trauma, loss, and grief.
- Tasmanian Association for Hospice and Palliative Care. Phone: (03) 6234 7577.
- Hospital grief and loss counselors: South (Royal Hobart Hospital) Phone: (03) 6166 8344, and North (Launceston General Hospital) Phone: (03) 6777 6245.
- Relationships Australia Tasmania offers confidential counseling for individuals, couples, and families seeking improved relationships or resolution of personal difficulties. Phone: 1300 364 277.
- Victims of Crime Service provides personal support and counseling to victims of crime. Hobart: (03) 6165 7524; Launceston: (03) 6777 2939; Burnie: (03) 6477 7133.
- Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre Inc. offers support services for Aboriginal Australians. Phone: 1800 132 260.
- The Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania provides services to meet the needs of migrants, humanitarian entrants, and refugees living in Tasmania. Phone: (03) 6221 0999.
- Relationships Australia NT offers counseling services. Phone: 1300 364 277.
- Palliative Care Northern Territory. Phone: (08) 8922 6769.
- Anglicare NT has qualified counselors who work with families, couples, and individuals to explore solutions to personal and relationship problems and other challenges. Phone: (08) 8985 0000.
- Northern Territory Mental Health Line: 1800 682 288.
- Mental Health Association of Central Australia. Phone: (08) 8950 4600.
- NT Standby Response is a community-based, postvention program offering support and assistance 24/7 to Northern Territory individuals bereaved by suicide, either recently or in the past. Phone: 0418 575 680.
- Allow yourself the time to grieve and take a break if necessary. You have the right to grieve.
- Understand that grief manifests differently in each person, so pay attention to how your mind, body, and emotions respond to your situation.
- If you find yourself struggling with grief more than expected, consult with your GP. They can provide coping strategies and referrals.
- Don't rush or feel pressured into making decisions. There is no need to hurry. Make the decisions that are right for you, your family, your loved one, and your financial situation.
- You don't have to go through everything alone. Seek help from family, friends, or even professionals.
- Above all, take care of yourself. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat well, make time for yourself, and tend to your emotional well-being.