Bereavement Care That Supports Families Through the Unthinkable.

Each year, around 100 families in our hospital community face the unimaginable heartbreak of losing a child. Thanks to the dedication and compassion of WCH Foundation supporters and the Cycle 4 Sam community, the Alongside: Grief and Loss Program is now providing vital support to these families.

First launched in April 2024, the Alongside: Grief and Loss program is delivered by the Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN) and funded by the WCH Foundation. It was built on the desire to walk hand in hand with every family experiencing the tragic death of a child. The program combines professional expertise with genuine care and – crucially – accessibility to every single family across the Women’s and Children’s Health Network.

The Impact of Your Generosity

The Cycle 4 Sam community have been instrumental in enabling this life-changing care. Cycle 4 Sam was established by Marty and Michelle Roberts back in 2006 after the loss of their little boy, Sam, who had been under the care of the hospital’s paediatric palliative care service. Last year’s Cycle 4 Sam Spring Challenge saw more than 100 fundraisers coming together to take on a personal challenge and raise vital funds for families.

Their incredible fundraising efforts have since brought life-changing support to 36 families who have now been able to access bereavement care when they have needed it most, making a profound difference. Since the launch of the program:

• 36 families have been referred for bereavement care.
• 20 families were under the care of the hospital’s Paediatric Palliative Care Service.
• 16 additional families received support after being referred by other hospital departments including the emergency, paediatric and neonatal intensive care units, and maternal fetal medicine.
• 100% of families accessing the program were able to receive equitable bereavement care.

Prior to this program coming into effect, these additional families would not have had the opportunity for any ongoing follow up and support.

About the Alongside: Grief and Loss Program

Losing a child affects every aspect of a family’s life, from mental health and relationships to finances and wellbeing. The Alongside program has been designed to provide holistic care that spans the emotional, psychological, and practical challenges of grief. Every bereaved family in the WCHN community is offered this essential support, regardless of their circumstances.

The Difference Your Support Makes

The Alongside: Grief and Loss program provides a comprehensive approach to bereavement care, addressing both immediate needs and ongoing support for as long as a family requires it. Key aspects of the program include:

• Practical Resources
  Families receive early grief support, including help with funeral arrangements and financial assistance through the WCH Foundation. Educational materials help loved ones understand the grieving process and learn how to support each other.
• Grief Counselling
  Individual and family counselling is tailored to each family’s needs, with options for in-person or telephone support from trauma-informed WCHN staff. Referrals to community resources also ensure cultural and spiritual needs are met.
• Support Groups
  Peer-led groups give parents and siblings a safe space to connect, share experiences, and build coping strategies with others who understand their loss.
• Rituals and Memory Making
  Families can honour and remember their child through opportunities like art therapy for siblings and keepsakes such as fingerprint jewellery.
• Long-term Follow-up
  The program offers ongoing support, including check-ins during difficult anniversaries, invitations to WCHN family gatherings, and opportunities for respite and healing at the WCH Foundation Laklinyeri Beach House.

We’re incredibly grateful to the Sam Roberts Family Fund and the CMV Foundation for their generous contributions to the Alongside: Grief and Loss program.This multi-faceted care wouldn’t be possible without the support of generous individuals and organisations. Their involvement ensures that no family has to grieve alone..

Please contact us if you’d like to learn more about how you can support this program.