Bereavement Support
Losing a child is one of the most devastating, life changing event that a parent can experience. Reactions can vary significantly and those experiencing such a heartbreaking loss can often feel lost and alone.
SIDS and Kids ACT provide free, confidential support services which are available 24 hours a day every day of the year. Support options will be tailored to meet your individual needs, to discuss how we might be able to assist you please call the office on 02 6287 4255.
SIDS and Kids ACT, incorporating SANDS ACT Branch, provide support services for families who experience the death of a child sudenly and unexpectedly from conception through to six years of age.
For information on Bereavement Support available in ACT, please contact us on 02 6287 4255

New Seminar series in 2011
SIDS and Kids ACT have introduced a bereavement seminar series which includes public seminars and a variety of seminars and information sessions for families who have experienced the death of a child.
For more details of dates, topics, facilitators and locations of these seminars please contact SIDS and Kids on 02 6287 4255.

24 Hour Crisis Support
Trained volunteers provide a 24 hour 7 day per week crisis support phone service.
To access this emergency service please call 1800 138 300.

Professional Counselling
Counselling is provided to individuals, couples and adult family members on request. Counselling for children can be arranged with our external children’s counsellors.

Peer Support
Our trained peer support volunteers are parents or grandparents who have experienced a personal loss and are available to provide support to families either face to face or via the telephone.

Support Groups
We hold a variety of regular support groups facilitated by our counsellors.

Our current support groups are:

General Support Group
A facilitated group for parents who have experienced the sudden and unexpected death of an infant from 20 weeks of pregnancy. Held on the second Monday of each month from  6.30pm to 8pm in the Family Room of SIDS and Kids ACT.  Meeting dates: November 8, December 13.

Genetic Loss Group
A facilitated group for parents who have experienced a medical termination.  Held at 6.30pm on the third Monday of each month in the Family Room of SIDS and Kids ACT. Meeting dates:  November 21.

Puggles Playgroup
A free playgroup, held in partnership with Noah’s Ark Resource Centre, for bereaved families with children aged 0-5 years. Held from 11am to 12.30pm on Mondays from the second to the last week of each school term in the SIDS and Kids ACT Family Room.

Mutiple Birth Support Groups
A facilitated group for parents who have experienced loss of a baby or babies in a multiple birth pregnancy.  Held on the on the first Thursday of every month from 11am to 12.30pm in the Family Room of SIDS and Kids ACT. Meeting dates: November 3, December 1.

Early Pregnancy Loss Support Group
The Early Pregnancy Loss Support Group is held on the third Thursday of each month and covers themes relating to various aspects of grief, loss and healing. For further information about the group and to register your attendance, please phone SIDS and Kids ACT on 6287 4255.

Pregnancy After Loss
A weekly support group for parents who are pregnant following the loss of a baby. The group meets each Friday from 10.30am to 12noon at the SIDS and Kids ACT Family Room. To register your attendance at this group or to find out more, please phone 6287 4255.

Contact with a SIDS and Kids counsellor prior to attending is helpful. Please call 6287 4255.

Resource Library
Our library contains a wide variety of books, videos and booklets that may assist you ~ come and have a browse.
Click here to view our Bereavement Support materials

Family Newsletter
Our newsletter is produced 3 times per year and includes information, parents stories and tributes and articles of interest for families.

Annual Memorial Gathering and Dedication to the Wall of Memory
SIDS and Kids ACT hold a non-religious memorial gathering on the first Sunday in December each year.
This provides families with the opportunity to join together to remember their beloved children, and have their child’s name dedicated to the wall of memory.

Funeral Arrangements
We can provide advice on funeral options for your baby including how to make arrangements, costs and anything else you may not be sure of.

Anniversary Cards
Parents and grandparents can choose to receive a card each year commemorating their child’s or grandchild’s death and/or birthday.

Advocacy and Referral
We are able to assist with liaison and referral to other agencies on behalf of families as required.

Annual Family Picnic Day
Held in February each year, this social event provides families the opportunity to get together and relax in safe and nurturing environment. Find out more about the family day held in February each year by contacting us on 6287 4255.