Bears of Hope

What’s on in September

Here we are approaching September and our support team continues to work to provide supports that reach all states and territories. We have been trialling many new avenues of support to reach both bereaved mums and dads – some well received and others less, please always feel free to send in your ideas to support@bearsofhope.org.au.

Support Groups

Unfortunately, at times we are restricted on the support we can provide, based on not reaching the minimal numbers we need. It’s not just about providing an economically sound support, but also an emotionally safe one. Parents often ask why we can’t run with less than 5 people and one of the main reasons for this is that over our time we have found that when numbers are less than this, then the peer support and openness to share becomes very limited and we really want to be able to provide a space that allows openness in sharing.

A recent survey about our monthly support groups showed that we are on the right days and the right times but we are still struggling to have all our support groups running consistently which makes it very difficult for us to be able to expand further. Our support groups have a counsellor to facilitate and guide but these are mainly peer related and often very social.

We currently have the following groups, please use this link if you would like to connect: Grief wellness groups – Bears of Hope

  • Castle Hill
  • Canberra
  • Central Coast (waiting for numbers)
  • Sutherland Shire (waiting for numbers)
  • Online
Counselling

We are very excited to welcome three more to our counselling team – Maria, Adam and Uday. Maria has been with us for the past month and is able to offer Face to Face sessions in Hobart as well as online and phone support. Uday and Adam will be available for online and phone support as of September and come with a wealth of knowledge in supporting people who are grieving, particularly dads. You will be able to read their introductions and book a fee free appointment using this link: Counsellor support – Bears of Hope .

This takes our mighty team to a total of seven, 2 part time employed, 3 contractors and 2 volunteer counsellors which includes Greg, Bec and Dorothy.

Upcoming Events

While we are looking forward to our Choosing Hope walks in October, we also have the following supports to consider in September:

Dads Sport and Support Weekend – Lower Hawkesbury (open to all interstate travellers)

8th -10th September

Dads Sport & Support Weekend 2023 – Bears of Hope

 

Nature Walk – Central Coast

17th Sept, 2023 @ 12pm

Forest Therapy Walk – Central Coast – Bears of Hope

 

Looking Inward at Grief Workshop for Parents

23rd Sept – Cairns

10am to 4pm

Looking Inward at Grief 2023 – Bears of Hope

 

Siblings Art Exhibition – Castle Hill

27th Sept – date for art to be created

6th October – exhibition open to family

Our Family – Sibling Painting Day & Exhibition – Bears of Hope

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