Support services for the grieving
Grief Line 8am-8pm
Helpline: 1300 845 745
www.griefline.org.au
Free grief and loss support and counselling.
Suicide Call Back line
Phone: 1300 659 467
24/7 free online Counselling for individuals affected by Suicide.
Advanced Care Planning Australia
Information and support about advanced care planning.
Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement
Phone: 1800 642 066 Free Australia wide grief counselling and support.
www.grief.org.au
Palliative Care Advice Service
Free confidential advice for all Victorians seeking information about life-limiting illness, palliative care or end-of-life care.
Life Line
Call: 13 11 14
www.lifeline.org.au
24/7 phone counselling on a variety of topics and concerns.
FAQs
What does a CIVIL Funeral celebrant do? do you have to have one?
A Civil Funeral Celebrant is an individual that facilitates and officiates non religious funerals and memorial services. You don’t legally need a funeral celebrant to conduct a funeral and or memorial, but it can allow all individuals close to the deceased space to grieve within their community.
What to do when someone dies?
First of all, if the death was expected don’t do anything and simply ‘put the kettle on’ as the saying goes. Once you pick up the phone and call a funeral director or the doctor you cannot get this precious time back with the deceased. You may want to hold a small home funeral, inviting people over to say their goodbyes and or sit vigil with the deceased, or just take the time with those present to recognise the death that has just occured. When you are ready for the next step either call a Funeral Celebrant and or family doctor to verify the death.
If the death was unexpected and or a shock death you need to call the authorities on 000.
Here is a useful guide on what to do:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/what-to-do-after-someone-dies
I have limited funds to pay for a funeral and or memorial can we discuss a low cost option?
Yes, I have a sliding scale to accommodate for individuals and families with low income and payment plans for members of a marginalised group.
I can also assist you to find affordable funeral care options and ways to minimise the cost of a funeral through D.I.Y elements, renting and even home funerals/memorials.
Can I meet with you to pre-plan my funeral and funeral wishes
Yes, it would be my honor to sit with you and plan how you would like the day to be, the content of the funeral and or any particular elements you do and do not want. We could also discuss any legacy objects/projects you’d like to do such as a photo album, story of your life and or a emotional will of your favourite objects. I can also refer you to people who assist with Advanced Care Directives, Wills and Estates and Legacy projects.
Funeral vs Memorial Services
A funeral is a ceremony that usually occurs quite quickly after death and the body is often present in a coffin or casket. Memorials can occur at any point after death and a body is not usually present except as cremated remains. Other times a memorial can occur include at a one year death anniversary and or ashes scattering ceremonies.
What is the difference between A funeral celebrant a Funeral Director and a Death Doula?
A Funeral Celebrant is the officiant at a Funeral, who meets with the family/chosen family to create a ceremony for the deceased. A funeral Director organises the transport, care and details of the day (where a venue is chosen through them). They can also organise flowers and other elements of a funeral.
A death doula assists the dying person with non-medical support during the dying process. This can include emotional, spiritual and practical support to palliative individuals and their family.