Local Resources For Those Grieving

I thought it might be helpful to list some local resources here in Canberra that can help your grieving process. Services range from one on one counselling to support groups. 

Canberra Grief Centre

Location: Level 1, 1 Geils Court Deakin ACT 2600 Mobile: 0409966515 Email: sonia@canberragriefcentre.com.au

Training/education & grief support: CGC designs and delivers grief workshops for both public and professional groups. Workshops are designed to target specific learning needs of each group. Topics include; grief in the school context, grief in the workplace, grief in the family context, bereaved children, disenfranchised grief, suicide bereavement, supporting those at end of life, grief models, continuing relationship, grieving styles, grieving experience of carers, supporting grief in others. 

Fees: It’s a private, fee for service practice. The centre does not receive government or any other form of allocated funding to deliver services. Currently government rebates are not available.

Psychologists providing a Medicare rebate service can set their own fee for service, but Medicare set a fixed rebate benefit.   As of June 2014 the recommended (Australian Psychological Society) psychologist fee is $228.  Medicare rebate benefit for a psychologist service under a mental health plan is approximately $60.10.  The consumer is responsible for any gap between rebate benefit and fee.

Compassionate Friends Act

Location: Grant Cameron Community Centre, 27 Mulley street, Holder ACT 2611Email: tcf.actqbn@gmail.com Mobile: David & Jane 02 62873350 Maxine 02 62866134

Training/education & grief support: The Compassionate Friends is a typical self-support group; people coming together who have had a like experience in life and so are able to bring a special depth of understanding to each other. It is a worldwide group and there are branches in all Australian states. They are all bereaved parents, siblings or grandparents. Activities include; monthly sharing meetings, telephone support and one-to-one support. They also put out a quarterly newsletter, they’ve a library of books and pamphlets, and meet together socially with various activities. There is a TCF children’s memorial seat in a beautiful stand of gum trees in Weston Park. It is there for private contemplation and shared ceremonies. They have a philosophy in friendship and acceptance. They understand that we can’t change the fact that our someone has died – but they can give strength and courage to each other, letting us grieve in our own way with the hope that it will be possible to re-build our lives; not the lives that we had before, but nonetheless, worthwhile and meaningful lives. TCF is not affiliated with any religious group; however they respect the beliefs and philosophies of all members.

Fees: Free. 

Solace Grief Support

Location: N/A Phone: (02) 6297 1052 Email: solaceact@gmail.com

Training/education & grief support: 

SOLACE was introduced to the ACT in 1989 by NALG (ACT Chapter) and M H O'Rourke, Funeral Directors. Since that date SOLACE members have met regularly throughout Canberra. The organisation has continued to grow and reach out to offer help and support to those who are grieving.

SOLACE's aims are to:

1. reassure those who grieve the death of their partner that their feelings are normal;

2. provide a safe environment in which grief can be expressed freely;

3. help people to understand the phases of their grief;

4. assist bereaved people adjust to their loss;

5. provide social activities for members.

Fees: Free

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