Bereavement support
Our support continues with you even beyond the loss of a loved one, through professional and compassionate bereavement counselling.

Grief and bereavement in palliative care
We provide free, confidential grief and bereavement counselling to individuals and families. You can register yourself or someone you care for.
Bereavement counselling is a confidential discussion with a trained professional when you’re experiencing grief. They will help explore the impact of your loss and identify coping strategies.
Grief and bereavement are different for everyone, and seeking help early supports continued healing.

Here's what you need to know
Who can use this service?
You can access free individual counselling, support groups and bereavement information:
Northern Sydney
If you live in one of the Hornsby, Hunters Hill, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Mosman, North Sydney, Northern Beaches, Ryde, or Willoughby Local Government Areas, and someone close to you has died.
Southwestern Sydney
If someone close to you has died who was known to our palliative care services (Braeside hospital or community palliative care) and you live in one of the Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Liverpool, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly or Bankstown Local Government Areas.
Do I need a referral?
No, you don't need a referral to access this service. You can register yourself or someone you care for using this form.
How much does it cost?
What should I expect from bereavement counselling?
You can expect your counsellor:
- Will listen to you and learn about your experience of grief.
- Will support you to manage your grief in your own way.
- Will provide information and strategies that might be helpful.
- Won’t tell you how you should or shouldn’t think or feel.
How can I access bereavement support?
We provide free confidential grief counselling to individuals and families. You can register yourself or someone you care for.
Simply complete the form below or contact us to register yourself, of someone you care for, to the service.
We will be in touch to sensitively discuss your needs and eligibility for the service.
Our bereavement support groups are not suitable for children.
Register now
What we offer
Find support at one of our individual or counselling sessions and walking groups. Register below or contact us to find out more.
Bereavement counselling
Information sessions
Community groups
Resources on grief and bereavement
Bereavement: The first twelve months and beyond
Get practical advice for managing legal matters, preparing for anniversaries, and caring for yourself and others.
Download the guideAccessing bereavement support in Sydney and surrounds
Learn more about eligibility, how counselling can help, and how to access support.
Download the flyerFurther resources for everyone
A collection of resources on topics such as planning a funeral, supporting children through grief, and other practical guides.
View resourcesBereavement counselling and how it can help
How it works
Bereavement counselling helps you:
- identify, understand and express your feelings
- access your own resources and ways of coping
- access information about the grieving process and what you may expect
- have an opportunity to talk about your loved one
- understand your grief and its impact
- adjust to a new life in the absence of your loved one
- discuss concerns with a sensitive, non-judgemental professional.
You and your counsellor will discuss what arrangements may be most helpful and/or you could also be referred to other appropriate services.
When it helps
Bereavement counselling may be useful when:
- things feel like they are getting worse over time
- your grief is negatively impacting your relationships with others
- you’re wondering how best to support your children, partner, parent or other family members
- you feel like there is no-one else you can talk to or you are unable to speak about your loved one with others
- you feel stuck in one feeling, like anger or guilt, for a long time
- you’ve persistent, distressing memories about the events surrounding your loved one’s death
- there are questions or challenges you wish to talk through with someone impartial.
Bereavement groups also offer support for people experiencing grief. The groups are free to attend and are facilitated by a bereavement counsellor online or face to face. Some specific groups include:
Bereavement Walking Groups
These are an opportunity to meet with others in a similar situation and be authentic about how you are coping with your grief, while enjoying some exercise outdoors, providing contact with nature and enhancing wellbeing.
Bereavement Male Counselling and Group
These are provided by a male professional counsellor for men of all ages who are grieving the loss of a family member or friend.
How to access
Accessing bereavement counselling or a group is simple.
We provide free confidential grief counselling to individuals and families through self-referrals. These sessions can happen face to face, by telehealth or over the phone.
This service has selection criteria for admission which will be sensitively discussed when you contact our service.
Bereavement Groups require registration to attend and are not suitable for children.
To talk about bereavement support or to begin counselling, contact us on:
- Northern Sydney LHD - 1800 427 255 or bereavement@hammond.com.au
- South West Sydney LHD - (02) 9756-8878 or braesidebereavement@hammond.com.au.
Or you can choose to make a referral now.
For a range of resources for those who are grieving or supporting someone who is grieving, visit our Resource Hub.
Bereavement counselling helps you:
- identify, understand and express your feelings
- access your own resources and ways of coping
- access information about the grieving process and what you may expect
- have an opportunity to talk about your loved one
- understand your grief and its impact
- adjust to a new life in the absence of your loved one
- discuss concerns with a sensitive, non-judgemental professional.
You and your counsellor will discuss what arrangements may be most helpful and/or you could also be referred to other appropriate services.
Bereavement counselling may be useful when:
- things feel like they are getting worse over time
- your grief is negatively impacting your relationships with others
- you’re wondering how best to support your children, partner, parent or other family members
- you feel like there is no-one else you can talk to or you are unable to speak about your loved one with others
- you feel stuck in one feeling, like anger or guilt, for a long time
- you’ve persistent, distressing memories about the events surrounding your loved one’s death
- there are questions or challenges you wish to talk through with someone impartial.
Bereavement groups also offer support for people experiencing grief. The groups are free to attend and are facilitated by a bereavement counsellor online or face to face. Some specific groups include:
Bereavement Walking Groups
These are an opportunity to meet with others in a similar situation and be authentic about how you are coping with your grief, while enjoying some exercise outdoors, providing contact with nature and enhancing wellbeing.
Bereavement Male Counselling and Group
These are provided by a male professional counsellor for men of all ages who are grieving the loss of a family member or friend.
Accessing bereavement counselling or a group is simple.
We provide free confidential grief counselling to individuals and families through self-referrals. These sessions can happen face to face, by telehealth or over the phone.
This service has selection criteria for admission which will be sensitively discussed when you contact our service.
Bereavement Groups require registration to attend and are not suitable for children.
To talk about bereavement support or to begin counselling, contact us on:
- Northern Sydney LHD - 1800 427 255 or bereavement@hammond.com.au
- South West Sydney LHD - (02) 9756-8878 or braesidebereavement@hammond.com.au.
Or you can choose to make a referral now.
For a range of resources for those who are grieving or supporting someone who is grieving, visit our Resource Hub.
Contact us
Depending on where you live, contact the Bereavement Support Team at:
Pastoral care for all faiths and backgrounds
Support for everyone
Our pastoral care team nurtures the spiritual wellbeing and emotional needs of people from all faiths and backgrounds - including in times of bereavement.
Excellence in care
We’ll get to know you as a whole person and shape our care to suit your needs, including people with dementia.
What’s involved
Care can involve regular phone check-ins or home visits. We’ll work with you to find peace and navigate change through:
- bereavement and crisis support
- spiritual support, no matter your beliefs
- prayer, hymns and religious services.