Grief Support Resources

Every person reacts differently to loss and every person will display their grief differently. You may feel alone, helpless and at a complete loss of what to do and just getting up in the morning can seem like a monumental task. However we know also that in time you will be able to look back and see how each tiny step became the foundations of future hope and possibilities.

For more comprehensive information on grief, you can visit the MyGriefAssist website.

Managing Grief

Allan Drew’s funeral directors acknowledge that grief is a human response. It can come about due to any significant personal change. A loss, such as the death of a loved one, can cause a type of grief that often seems very difficult to cope with.

The effects of grief can be overwhelming and you may find yourself struggling to find meaning and hope for life in the future. Grief may be experienced as a mental, physical, social, or emotional reaction.

Blog Resources

Coping with loss and grief in a COVID-19 world

Coping with loss and grief in a COVID-19 world

The COVID-19 pandemic is reminding us of the impact loss and grief can have on our daily lives – it’s all around us now as we are forced to adapt to changes we never anticipated.

Help and Advice

Helping people say farewell under COVID-19 restrictions

Funerals always matter but now they matter more than ever because people may not be able to visit or say goodbye to a family member or friend before they pass away.

Video Resources

We have compiled a few video resources to help you during this time.

What can I do to help someone I know who is grieving?

In this video Doris Zagdanski discusses a range of ways you can help someone you know who is grieving, and well-intended approaches that can do more harm than good.

Men and grief

In this video grief specialist Craig Findlay talks about how men do their grieving.

Let's talk about grief - explaining death to children

In this video Doris Zagdanski answers questions which adults often ask. She includes how to explain death, burial or cremation, and how to include children in funerals and viewings. Watch the full extended version here.

Myths and truths about grief

In this video Doris Zagdanski shares truths around some common myths about grief and grieving.

Other grief support

There are many local community organisations that will provide support, as well as some larger well known organisations that work throughout Australia. These include:

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14 
  • Beyond Blue: Information and support on mental health 
  • Black Dog Institute: Information on symptoms, treatment and prevention of depression and bipolar disorder. 
  • Mindspot: A free service for Australian adults who are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, stress, depression and low mood. 
  • NALAG Centre for Loss & Grief: Grief Support line: (02) 9489 6644 
  • Australian Psychological Society: 1800 333 497. Can provide a list of registered psychologists offering counselling services. 
  • The Salvation Army Counselling Service: 1300 363 622 
  • Kids' Helpline: 1800 551 800. A free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.
  • Cancer Council Australia: 13 11 20. Nurses and health professionals offering support to anyone affected by cancer.
  • 1800RESPECT: Confidential information, counselling and support service open 24 hours to support people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse.
  • Relationships Australia 1300 364 277. A provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities.
  • SANE Australia 1800 18 7263. Information about mental illness, treatments, where to go for support and help carers.
  • Support after Suicide. Information, resources, counselling and group support to those bereaved by suicide. Education and professional development to health, welfare and education professionals.
  • Red Nose Grief and Loss (formerly SIDS and Kids): 1300 308 307 (24/7).
  • The Compassionate Friends: 1300 064 068. Offering Support and information to those who have lost a child (any age) or grandchild to death. Also offering some sibling groups.

Other grief support

There are many local community organisations that will provide support, as well as some larger well known organisations that work throughout Australia. These include:

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14 
  • Beyond Blue: Information and support on mental health 
  • Black Dog Institute: Information on symptoms, treatment and prevention of depression and bipolar disorder. 
  • Mindspot: A free service for Australian adults who are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, stress, depression and low mood. 
  • NALAG Centre for Loss & Grief: Grief Support line: (02) 9489 6644 
  • Australian Psychological Society: 1800 333 497. Can provide a list of registered psychologists offering counselling services. 
  • The Salvation Army Counselling Service: 1300 363 622 
  • Kids' Helpline: 1800 551 800. A free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.
  • Cancer Council Australia: 13 11 20. Nurses and health professionals offering support to anyone affected by cancer.
  • 1800RESPECT: Confidential information, counselling and support service open 24 hours to support people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse.
  • Relationships Australia 1300 364 277. A provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities.
  • SANE Australia 1800 18 7263. Information about mental illness, treatments, where to go for support and help carers.
  • Support after Suicide. Information, resources, counselling and group support to those bereaved by suicide. Education and professional development to health, welfare and education professionals.
  • Red Nose Grief and Loss (formerly SIDS and Kids): 1300 308 307 (24/7).
  • The Compassionate Friends: 1300 064 068. Offering Support and information to those who have lost a child (any age) or grandchild to death. Also offering some sibling groups.