At Red Nose, we understand that grief can be complex, and professional counselling is essential for many families during this time. We offer face-to-face, phone, or Skype counselling services through our team of Registered Psychologists, Social Workers, and Counsellors who are accredited, experienced, and highly compassionate.
Our counselling services are available to help families process their grief, develop coping strategies, and address any emotional challenges related to the loss of a child. Whether through individual sessions, couple’s therapy, or family counselling, our professionals are dedicated to supporting families through their grief journey.
How the Intake Service Works
The Intake Service at Red Nose is the first point of contact for families seeking bereavement support. It was introduced in July 2014 and is available nationally across NSW, VIC, WA, ACT, Hunter, and QLD during business hours. The Intake Service is designed to provide immediate, professional, and compassionate support to bereaved parents and families as they begin their journey of grief.
Our Intake team is fully qualified and trained to provide a range of services, including bereavement support, information, resources, and referrals to ensure that families receive the best possible care. The Intake process is designed to help clients identify the services that best meet their needs at this critical time.
The Intake Service ensures that each family receives the tailored support they need based on their unique situation. When families reach out for assistance, an Intake Officer will guide them through the process, offering both immediate emotional support and practical information about available services.
- Bereavement Support: Intake Officers provide compassionate support during the initial contact, listening to the needs and concerns of the family and offering advice on the best ways to move forward.
- Assessment: During the intake process, our team will assess the family’s needs and emotional state, ensuring that they are directed to the most appropriate services available.
- Information & Resources: Families are informed about the services provided by Red Nose, which may include counselling, peer support groups, memory-making support, and other relevant resources.
- Referral to Services: Based on the family’s needs, the Intake Officer will assist in referring them to specific programs, such as the Hospital to Home Program, Treasured Babies Program, or 24/7 Support Line, to ensure they receive ongoing and appropriate care.
24/7 Bereavement Support Line
The 24/7 Bereavement Support Line (1300 308 307) is available for families at any time of day or night. This line is staffed by highly trained professionals who offer immediate, compassionate support for parents and family members grieving the loss of a child.
- Business Hours Support: During business hours, calls are handled by experienced service staff who are well-versed in providing bereavement support and guiding families to appropriate services.
- After-Hours Support: After business hours and over the weekend, the Bereavement Support Line is managed by Trained Parent Supporters and Grief Counsellors. Our Parent Supporters are individuals with personal experience of loss who have undergone specialized training in grief support and crisis intervention.
How to Refer a Family to the Hospital to Home possible for the grieving parents.
Program
If you are working with a family who could benefit from the Hospital to Home Program, we encourage you to refer them for this personalised support. Families can be referred directly or may self-refer to the program.
We understand that each family’s needs are different, so our team will work with you to ensure that the support provided is as helpful and relevant as
Suicide Risk and Early Intervention
We are acutely aware of the links between parental bereavement and suicide risk. Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) has been shown to be associated with a significantly increased risk of suicidality, even when controlling for other mental health conditions like depression and PTSD. Early intervention is critical in reducing this risk.
As part of our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the families we support, all clients who access our services are assessed for suicide risk as part of the usual intake and counselling process. This ensures that families at risk are provided with appropriate care and intervention.
Red Nose is also working to further enhance our team’s skills by introducing Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) to ensure that our workforce is continually equipped to handle crisis situations and offer the most effective support to those in need.
How to Access the Intake Service
If you are a healthcare professional or a family member seeking support for a grieving parent or family, the Intake Service is here to assist. Referrals can be made by calling our 24/7 Bereavement Support Line at 1300 308 307 or by completing our Referral Form.
- Call our Support Line: 1300 308 307
- Visit our Referral Page
Our team is ready to provide the guidance and support necessary to ensure that families receive the care they need during this challenging time.
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