Culturally Safe Support for Families After Pregnancy Loss and Stillbirth
Every family’s grief journey is different. But for many families in Australia—particularly First Nations communities, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups, refugees, young mums, and those in rural and remote areas—accessing the right support after pregnancy loss or stillbirth can be even more difficult.
Healing Through Community is a Red Nose program funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care. It was developed in partnership with bereaved families, community members and clinical staff to ensure that culturally safe, compassionate, and practical bereavement support is available to every family—no matter who they are or where they live.
Why This Program Matters
Through deep listening and community co-design, we identified common barriers to care, including:
- Stigma and shame surrounding pregnancy loss
- Lack of awareness about available support
- Cultural misunderstandings or unsafe practices
- Language and geographic barriers
- Fear or mistrust of health systems
Healing Through Community responds to these challenges by building trust and creating support services with families, for families.
What the Program Offers
A 7-Part Video Series for Health Professionals
Endorsed by RANZCOG, these practical, trauma-informed videos provide culturally responsive guidance for supporting grieving families, including:
- Supporting First Nations families and communities
- Supporting refugee, migrant and CALD families
- Supporting young mums
- Supporting rural and remote families
- Preparing for difficult conversations
- Self-care for health professionals
- Continuity of bereavement care and handover
Downloadable Tools & Resources
A suite of co-designed resources for healthcare professionals to support:
- Culturally safe communication
- Clear, trauma-informed language
- Self-care and reflection
Grounded in Co-Design
At the heart of Healing Through Community is collaboration. Families with lived experience, community leaders, and clinicians came together to shape this program—ensuring it reflects the real needs and voices of those most impacted by pregnancy and infant loss.
This inclusive approach helps families feel seen, heard, and supported from the very beginning of their grief journey.
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