Many people benefit from getting together in a group setting with others who are bereaved by suicide.
We facilitate a number of regular support groups throughout the year. Some are online, others meet in person, whilst some groups offer a hybrid approach. We also offer different talks and creative workshops throughout the year.
Please click on the headings below for more details on our groups and programs.
Visit our Events Calendar to see a list of our upcoming groups and events.
Facilitated by a bereavement counsellor and a trained lived experience volunteer, our dedicated monthly peer support groups offer people the opportunity to spend time with others bereaved by suicide, experience being accepted and understood, and learn strategies to help find a way through the grief and trauma. These groups are friendly and welcoming and provide a sense of belonging and connection.
We hold groups for people who have lost a child, a parent, a partner, or a sibling to suicide, as well as an online open bereavement group and a coffee morning.
You can find a list of our support groups on our Events Calendar.
To find out more or to register for a support group, contact us on 1800 943 415 or aftersuicide@jss.org.au.
Held over an eight-week period, the early bereavement program is for anyone bereaved by suicide between 3 months to 2 years. The program has a set weekly outline and is limited to eight participants. It may be held in person or online. Our research has shown that most participants experience the early bereavement program as a place of connection, belonging, growth and hope.
If you would like to find out more about our eight week early bereavement program or would like to be added to the waiting list, please contact us on 1800 943 415, email us at aftersuicide@jss.org.au or use the Contact Us page.
We offer some additional peer support programs:
Our Men’s Program meets monthly. It is an opportunity for bereaved men to meet other men who have lost a loved one to suicide. Each month there is a guest speaker who shares their own thoughts and experiences that provide points for discussion during the evening.
Our Older Adolescent Young Adult (OAYA) group is for people aged 18 – 25 years. Our OAYA group meets once a quarter, usually over dinner in either Brunswick or Richmond, with members of our counselling team. It is an opportunity to meet and connect with other young people who have lost someone close to them to suicide, share experiences and gain some understanding and support.
Our Serious Fun program is held between 10am and 1pm on a day during the school holidays; it is for primary school aged children. Several members of the Support After Suicide counselling team and trained volunteers facilitate these sessions. There is usually a theme relating to loss and grief that is a focus and then there is a time of play and fun. Children find this to be an enjoyable time of sharing with others who have lost someone important to suicide.
If you would like to find out more information, please contact us on 1800 943 415, email us at aftersuicide@jss.org.au or use the Contact Us page. Visit our Events Calendar for upcoming dates.
Dr Rob Gordon’s Annual Talk
Dr. Rob Gordon is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist. He has worked in the area of trauma and grief for over 40 years. Each year, usually in October, we host Rob’s annual talk for participants of our program. He offers sound and compassionate advice to those who are dealing with bereavement after suicide.
To view recordings of his past talks, you can find them here
Check our Events Calendar for the date of Rob’s next talk.
Connecting Music and Emotions Workshop
Facilitated by musician Glenn McDonald, this workshop explains how music can be used in bereavement and as a link to your loved one. Under Glenn’s guidance, participants have the opportunity to talk about songs that have influenced their grief & provide practical ways in which music can be used to evoke different emotions. Watch Glenn sharing his inspiration for developing this workshop on our videos page.
The workshop is held in person at various times and locations throughout the year. Check our Events Calendar for upcoming workshops.