Peer Support for individuals (18 years and above) bereaved of a child, sibling or grandchild.
We are usually totally unprepared for the reality of grief and not knowing what is ‘normal’ can cause further anxiety. And, how do we cope in what feels like a new world, where people around us may treat us differently – or even avoid us? What is normal, anyway?
Well be assured, the way you are feeling is normal.
Avenues of Support
A TCFV membership – complimentary for the remainder of the financial year – gives you access to services such as…
Bereaved Parent, Sibling & Grandparent Support Centre – located in Canterbury, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, where you can meet other people in a similar situation. Drop in and see us.
Bereavement Support-line – a grief-support phone line provided by members who have been trained as peer-support volunteers. Call our support-line on 03 9888 4944 (Melbourne) or 1300 064 068 (Regional Victoria and interstate) or we can call you.
Our administration line is: 03 9888 4034.
Support and social groups – run by bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents, who have been trained as peer supporters, at various locations around Melbourne and regional Victoria. Find a group here.
Time-Out Program – A range of accommodation options to provide members needing a ‘time out’ from the grief and stress of everyday living after suffering the loss of a loved one at a low cost. For more information and a listing of services, please click here.
Magazine – Providing practical advice, comforting stories, and insights to help individuals cope and find comfort.
(Please click on the covers to see examples of our magazine. Please note that earlier editions may have outdated group meeting details. For the most up-to-date listings of group meetings, please visit here.)
One-on-one Peer Support at TCFV Centre – an opportunity to speak with another bereaved peer, often another person further along in their grief journey. More information and bookings form here.
Library and support media – TCF has a library at our centre; a website with guest book page; and is on Facebook
Grief and loss information for bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents.
For more information and to establish a membership & access our services, please visit: www.tcfv.org.au/membership/
For a PDF list of our services, please click here.
Contact The Compassionate Friends Victoria for more information and support
Bereavement Support-line Phone: (03) 9888 4944, Country Victoria & Tasmania Free Call 1300 064 068
For all other calls, contact: 9888 4034
Early reactions to grief can include:
- Shock
- Loss of concentration
- Denial
- Withdrawal from everything
- Physical exhaustion
- Intense emotions such as anger, uncontrollable crying, guilt and sometimes swinging from one emotion to another in short periods of time
- Loss of appetite or emotionally overeating
- Feeling as though you are ‘going crazy’
Unexpected situations you may have to deal with following a death may include:
- Loss of friendships due to unrealistic expectations, insensitive remarks or being avoided
- Dealing with the Coroner’s Court including the process involved and when to expect a report
- Cancelling a mobile phone contract
- Dealing with a change of circumstances such as a child who required a high level of care and lots of contact with people and all of this disappearing immediately
- Closing Facebook and email accounts
- Financial matters such as life insurance, debts, assets etc
Grief is like having a jagged stone inside oneself; as time passes the jagged edges gradually become smooth, but the stone remains.