For adults who have lost someone close to them in the 2009 Victorian bushfires. This may be a child, a young person, or a close relative, friend or neighbour. People recovering from major losses and disasters have often found it helpful and comforting to meet together in groups with others who share similar losses and experiences.
"The groups are invaluable. They provide you with an opportunity to be with others who really do understand your pain, people who understand that a year ago, one or more members of your family were incinerated in the fires" (Carol 2010).
This is what a participant in one of the Bushfire Discussion and Support groups had to say about the experience of being in a group.
When and where are the groups held?
Groups have been established in the following areas:
Eltham Evening: group meets monthly on a Monday evening
Eltham Day: group meets monthly on a Monday morning
Epping: group meets monthly on a Monday evening
Geelong: group meets monthly on a Thursday evening
Kinglake: group meets monthly on a Thursday evening
North Melbourne: group meets monthly on a Tuesday evening
Ringwood: group meets monthly on a Thursday evening.
Strathewen Men's group: Meets monthly on a Friday evening
Strathewen Women's group: group meets monthly on a Monday evening
Strathewen Young women's group: group meets monthly on a Wednesday evening
Yarra Glen: group meets monthly on Wednesday evening
The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement is currently looking at establishing groups in Alexandra, Whittlesea, Flowerdale and Kyneton. Groups can also be established in other areas on request. For further information on any of these groups or to make a referral, please contact the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement on (03) 9265 2111 or email support@grief.org.au This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
