Support Resources for Grief and Baby Loss in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide to Non-Profit Organisations

Joy
Aug 9
4 min read

This guide highlights some helpful organisations and services available to support families experiencing a loss like no other, the loss of a baby and child. We hope you find the help you need.

Understanding Grief and Baby Loss

Grief is a multifaceted emotional response to loss, especially when it involves a baby. Parents often endure feelings of sadness, anger, confusion, and isolation. Research shows that around 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage and 1 in 160 births results in stillbirth. Knowing there is support available can be a crucial first step toward healing. Reaching out to these organisations can be lifesaving.

Organisations Supporting Grief and Baby Loss

1. SANDS Australia

SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support) Australia is a national charity helping anyone affected by the death of a baby. They offer various resources, including:

A helpline that is available 24/7, ensuring continuous support.
Online materials addressing grief and helping families manage their emotions.
Local support groups where parents can share their experiences and feelings.
Website: sands.org.au
Contact Number: 1300 072 637

Additionally, SANDS provides educational resources for healthcare professionals so they can better support grieving families.

2. Red Nose

Dedicated to preventing child deaths, Red Nose offers a range of crucial services for bereaved families. Their offerings include:

A 24/7 helpline providing immediate support.
Support groups dedicated to connecting parents going through similar grief.
Educational resources on safe sleeping practices and prevention strategies.
Website: rednose.com.au
Contact Number: 1300 998 698

Red Nose is committed to both supporting families and advancing research aimed at preventing child loss.

3. The Stillbirth Foundation Australia

The Stillbirth Foundation focuses on funding research and offering support to affected families. Highlights of their services include:

A dedicated helpline for emotional and practical support.
Resource materials tailored for parents and healthcare providers.
Website: stillbirthfoundation.org.au
Contact Number: 1300 998 698

Their mission aims to decrease stillbirth rates significantly and improve care for families.

4. Miscarriage Australia

Miscarriage Australia provides a support network for those who have encountered miscarriage. Their services include:

A wealth of information on miscarriage experiences.
A caring online community for individuals and families to share their stories and find solace in shared experiences.
Website: miscarriageaustralia.org
Contact Number: Not provided (contact via website)

Their focus also includes raising awareness around miscarriage to lessen the stigma surrounding it.

5. Heartfelt

Heartfelt is a volunteer organisation offering photography services to families grieving stillbirth or infant loss. They aim to provide:

A compassionate way to capture memories during a painful time.
Free photography sessions to create cherished keepsakes for families.
Website: heartfelt.org.au
Contact Number: Not provided (contact via website)

This service helps families remember their babies in a way that honours their memory.

6. Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue is a mental health organisation addressing anxiety and depression related to grief. They offer:

A helpline available to anyone feeling overwhelmed, including those grieving.
Resources tailored specifically for dealing with the emotional fallout from loss.
Website: beyondblue.org.au
Contact Number: 1300 22 4636

Their services are accessible to everyone, no matter how recent or distant the loss may be.

7. PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)

PANDA supports families experiencing anxiety and depression related to perinatal loss. Key aspects of their services include:

A helpline dedicated to parents facing these emotional challenges.
Online resources, including guides for partners and family members.
Website: panda.org.au
Contact Number: 1300 726 306

8. The Compassionate Friends

The Compassionate Friends offer peer support to families who have lost children of any age. They provide:

Support groups that allow parents to share their stories in a safe environment.
A helpline for immediate emotional support at any hour.
Website: tcf.org.au
Contact Number: 1300 064 068

This organisation creates a sense of community to help parents feel less alone in their grief.

9. Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support (SANDS) Victoria

As a state branch of SANDS, SANDS Victoria offers similar resources but tailored for locals. Services include:

A helpline specific to the Victoria region.
Fruitful support groups and resources suitable for families in the state.
Website: sandsvic.org.au
Contact Number: 1300 072 637

Their aim is to provide localised support that resonates with community needs.

10. GriefLine

GriefLine offers a national helpline for anyone dealing with grief and loss. Their support includes:

A dedicated listening service with trained volunteers available to help.
Resources to cope with grief, tailored for different types of losses.
Website: griefline.org.au
Contact Number: 1300 845 745

This organisation serves as a compassionate ear for those experiencing emotional pain.

Your Path Forward

The journey of grieving after losing a baby can feel isolating and overwhelming. However, it's crucial to remember that support is within reach. The organisations featured here provide a wealth of services, from emotional support to practical resources, equipping families to cope with their loss.

If you or someone you care about is facing grief, don't hesitate to reach out to one of these organisations. They stand ready to help you through this difficult time, proving that you are not alone. Compassionate support is available, guiding you on your healing journey.