Support & Resources
Bereavement Support Services
Grief does not end when the ceremony does. If you or someone in your family needs extra support, here are trusted organisations offering free, professional bereavement care.
When You Need More Support
Sometimes the support of family and friends is not enough, and that is okay. Speaking with a grief counsellor, psychologist, support service or other trusted professional can provide a safe place to talk about what you are experiencing.
If you are unsure where to start, your GP can also help you explore appropriate support. You do not have to wait until things become unbearable before asking for help.
Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement
1300 664 786 · grief.org.au · Free
State-wide counselling and support groups for individuals, families, young people and children, at the Mulgrave office or via telephone or telehealth.
Hope Bereavement Care (Geelong and District)
4215 3358 (general) · 1300 308 307 (child) · 0488 768 321 (adult) · bereavement.org.au · Free
Free counselling for those grieving the death of a child or adult, and those experiencing loss after suicide. Facilitates grief support groups and provides information and resources for families and support people.
Kids Helpline
1800 551 800 · kidshelp.com.au · Free
Telephone counselling, support, information and referral, 24 hours, 7 days.
Lifeline
13 11 14 · lifeline.org.au · Free
Telephone counselling, crisis intervention, information and referral, 24 hours, 7 days.
MensLine Australia
1300 789 978 · mensline.org.au · Free
National telephone support, information and referral service, 24 hours, 7 days.
National Association for Loss and Grief (Victoria)
9560 3000 · nalag.org.au · Free
Telephone referral service to grief counsellors, self-help and support groups. Online resources and information on grief and loss.
SuicideLine Victoria
1300 651 251 · Free
Telephone counselling, crisis intervention, information and referral, 24 hours, 7 days.
Support after Suicide
9421 7640 · jss.org.au · Free
Counselling, support groups and online resources for children, young people and adults bereaved by suicide. Email aftersuicide@jss.org.au for further information. Not a telephone counselling and support service.
The Compassionate Friends
1300 064 068 · compassionatefriendsvictoria.org.au · Free
Telephone counselling, 24 hours, 7 days. Peer support for parents, siblings and grandparents after the loss of a child.
Victims of Crime Helpline
1800 819 817 · victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au · Free
Telephone counselling, 8am to 11pm, 7 days.
13YARN (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)
13 92 76 · 13yarn.org.au · Free
Confidential, culturally safe crisis support, 24 hours, 7 days. No shame, no judgement.
Your GP
If you have a regular GP you see and feel comfortable with, they may be able to provide information and a referral, with a Mental Health Care Plan if needed, for free or reduced cost counselling with a psychologist who specialises in grief.
Your local place of worship
If you are part of a congregation, your church, mosque, shrine, synagogue or temple may be able to offer support.