Grief Support Groups

Grief can feel isolating, but you don’t have to walk through it alone.

Our upcoming Grief Support Groups offer a safe, welcoming space to share, listen, and begin to heal—together. Grief support groups are safe, compassionate spaces where people who have experienced loss come together to share, listen, and heal. They’re not about “fixing” grief or rushing through it—they’re about making space for it, side by side.

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What They Are

Grief support groups bring individuals navigating similar types of loss into a shared, confidential space—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a pet, or even a major life change. Some are peer-led, while others are facilitated by trained professionals counsellors.

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What to Expect

A warm, non-judgmental environment – Gentle group conversation led by a trained facilitator – Practical tools for coping with loss – Optional sharing—there’s no pressure to speak – Connection with others who understand.

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Purpose

Provide emotional support – Reduce isolation by connecting with others – Learn healthy coping strategies – Share stories, memories, and milestones – Offer validation: “You’re not alone, and your grief is real”

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How they work

Structure varies: Some meet weekly, others monthly. Sessions may be open (drop-in) or closed (cohort-style for a set period). – Format includes: group sharing, reflective activities, guided conversations, and sometimes meditation, journaling, or creative expression. – Confidentiality is key—what’s shared in the group stays in the group

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What They’re Not

They're not group therapy (though therapeutic!) – They're not about giving advice or comparing grief – They're not pressure-filled—you can participate at your own pace.

Join a Grief Support Group

Ready to register your interest in attending  a Grief Support Group? Choose from one of the currently scheduled groups below.

Grief Support Group | 1.5 hrs for 6 Weeks

Join a supportive, facilitator-led online grief support group for individuals coping with the loss of a loved one. 

This six-week closed group provides a safe and nurturing space to reflect, share, and connect with others who are experiencing grief following the death of a loved one.

Guided by an experienced facilitator and Grief Counsellor, each session includes gentle educational insights and meaningful opportunities for personal expression. Through shared stories and steady support, participants build trust and continuity—key ingredients for healing.

By committing to the full six-week journey, you’ll join a community grounded in empathy, understanding, and the power of connection.

Facilitator/Counsellor: Mandy Cox 

Dip. Miss.; CPE; Spiritual Director (WellSpring, Vic); B.Min; M.Couns; Grad Cert Supervision; Certified Bereavement Practitioner (Australian Centre for Grief & Bereavement)

Mandy is a registered clinical Counsellor and Supervisor and has worked in the field of grief and loss for over 17 years, working in a range of counselling roles, including palliative care, coronial counselling, maternal loss, victims of violent crime, and co-founded Canberra Grief Centre. Mandy is also the Partnerships and Program Coordinator for Good Grief/Mackillop Family Services, where she co-ordinates the training of Seasons for Healing as well as offers mentoring and ongoing support for facilitators running the program in their workplaces and communities. 

Mandy has lived and worked in Katherine and Darwin in the Northern Territory, Canberra and now resides in Newcastle on Awabakul land.

For more information contact:

NALAG Centre for Loss & Grief
Email: info@nalag.org.au
Phone: 02 6882 9222

Group Dates

When:
Every Monday for 6 weeks
Commencing 18 May 2026

Tme:
6.30pm - 8.00pm

This Support Group is presented live and ONLINE via zoom.

It is a CLOSED group.

Cost:
FREE

Registration Essential

 

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frequently asked questions

Understanding Grief following the Death of a Loved One

    • Grief is a natural emotional response to the loss of someone deeply connected to us—it's not something to fix, but something to acknowledge and experience.
    • Each person’s grief journey is unique—there’s no “right” way to feel, and no set timeline for healing.
    • Grief can affect us physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—it's a whole-person experience.
    • Common emotions may include sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, confusion, or even relief—all of these are valid responses.
    • You may experience waves of grief—sometimes intense, sometimes quiet; this ebb and flow is part of the process.
    • Grieving doesn’t mean forgetting—love continues beyond loss, and memories remain a meaningful part of life.
    • Support from others who’ve experienced loss can provide comfort, validation, and connection, helping you feel less alone.
    • Healing doesn’t mean “moving on”—it means learning how to live with loss and gently rebuilding around it.

How Grief Support Helps - Especially Group Support

How does grow grief support help?

  • Normalizes the experience of grief by hearing others share similar emotions and thoughts
  • Reduces isolation—knowing you’re not alone can be deeply comforting
  • Creates a space for honest expression without judgment, where all emotions are valid
  • Offers peer understanding—others in the group truly “get it” in a way that’s hard to find elsewhere
  • Encourages mutual support and empathy, fostering connections that can last beyond the group
  • Provides structure and guidance through facilitated sessions that gently explore grief themes
  • Helps participants identify and practice coping strategies in a supportive setting
  • Builds resilience and hope through shared stories of adaptation and healing
  • Creates opportunities for reflection and personal growth as participants hear diverse perspectives
  • Promotes continuity and trust across multiple sessions, deepening the healing process
  • Supports the development of a “grief vocabulary”—making it easier to talk about loss with others outside the group

How It Works

  • This is a closed grief support group—once the group begins, no new members will join, helping build consistency and trust among participants.
  • The group runs for six weeks, meeting once a week for one hour via a secure online platform.
  • Each session is facilitated by an experienced grief support professional, ensuring a safe and guided experience.
  • Weekly sessions combine gentle education, reflective conversation, and space to share personal experiences of loss.
  • Participants are encouraged to attend all six sessions to foster connection and deepen the group’s healing journey.
  • A private and respectful environment is maintained throughout, where members’ stories and emotions are honoured.

Who This Group Is For

  • Individuals who are grieving the death of a loved one
  • Those seeking peer connection and support during a difficult time
  • People ready to explore their grief within a safe, structured environment
  • Anyone looking to understand their emotions, share openly, and receive gentle guidance
  • Adults willing to commit to a six-week closed online group to foster continuity and healing

Who This Group May Not Be For

  • Individuals experiencing other types of loss (e.g., divorce, job loss, identity shift)—we invite you to register interest in a future group tailored to those experiences
  • Those needing urgent mental health support or crisis intervention—referrals to appropriate services can be provided
  • People unable to commit to the entire six-week program, as continuity is essential to group trust
  • Individuals seeking one-on-one support —this group is designed as a peer support space, not a substitute for individual support

Registration Process

    • To join the group, participants first register their interest online or by phone.
    • After registering, a NALAG (National Association for Loss and Grief) staff member will reach out for a brief conversation.
    • During this call, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your experience of loss, ask questions, and learn more about the group.
    • The staff member will gently assess your readiness and suitability for the program, ensuring this group is the right support for where you are in your grief journey.
    • If the group feels like a good fit, you’ll be provided with the details to formally join and prepare for the first session.

When to Seek Alternative Support

It may be more appropriate to seek additional support if you notice:

  • Persistent depression or anxiety
  • Difficulty engaging in work, relationships, or self-care
  • Isolation or withdrawal
  • Thoughts of hopelessness or self-harm

Your GP, psychologist, or a Grief Support person can help you navigate these challenges with care and expertise.

This grief reflects the depth of your love, and though it can’t be measured, it can be supported. There is no timeline. There is no map. But healing can be nurtured—in stories, in memory, in connection—and in the quiet understanding that you're not alone.

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