What We Do

What Red Nose Does: Saving Little Lives and Supporting Grieving Families

Red Nose is Australia’s leading organisation dedicated to preventing the sudden and unexpected deaths of babies and young children, and providing essential support to families affected by pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or the death of a child. 

Our mission is simple but vital: to save little lives and provide compassionate care for those experiencing the heartbreak of losing a baby or child.

Preventing Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infancy (SUDI) and Stillbirth

At Red Nose, we are committed to reducing the occurrence of Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infancy (SUDI), including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and stillbirth. We focus on providing parents and caregivers with vital information on safe sleep practices and safer pregnancy advice. By educating families and the broader community, we aim to reduce the risk of preventable deaths during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood.

Our evidence-based campaigns and initiatives, such as Safe Sleep Week and Red Nose Day, encourage parents to follow safe sleep guidelines and ensure that babies sleep in the safest environments possible. We also promote the importance of breastfeeding and other health recommendations to further reduce risks.

Supporting Families Affected by Pregnancy and Baby Loss

Losing a baby or child is an unimaginable tragedy. Red Nose is here to support grieving families through every stage of their journey. Our bereavement support services are designed to help parents and families navigate the emotional and practical challenges of baby loss, stillbirth, and child death.

We provide:

• 24/7 Peer Support: Our trained bereavement counsellors and peer supporters are available around the clock to provide compassionate, non-judgmental support.
• Grief and Loss Resources: We offer online resources, booklets, and counselling services to help families cope with their grief.
• Hospital to Home Program: This program helps families during the challenging transition from hospital to home after the loss of a baby, offering support, advice, and resources.
• Support for Dads and Families: Red Nose also addresses the needs of fathers and extended families, ensuring they receive the necessary care and understanding.

All of Red Nose’s services are provided free of charge to any family who needs them, because no one should have to face the grief of losing a child without the support they need.

Our team of highly qualified bereavement counsellors works closely with parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to provide the best support. The services we offer are available to anyone who has experienced a loss, no matter how recent or long ago.

Ongoing Research to Improve Outcomes

Red Nose is a leader in research focused on preventing stillbirth, SUDI, and other childhood deaths. Through partnerships with universities, medical institutes, and research organisations, we fund and support vital research projects aimed at saving lives and improving care for families facing loss.

We are committed to ensuring that the latest evidence-based practices are implemented across Australia. Our research initiatives focus on:

• Preventing stillbirth and SUDI
• Improving the care of families experiencing stillbirth and child death
• Advancing understanding of the causes and prevention of unexpected deaths in childhood

Community and Indigenous Programs

Red Nose is dedicated to supporting diverse communities across Australia. We have developed programs to meet the specific needs of Indigenous communities, particularly through our Reducing the Risk of SUDI in First Nation Communities program. This initiative provides essential resources, education, and support to reduce the risks of sudden infant death in Indigenous populations.

How You Can Support Red Nose’s Mission

As a charity, Red Nose relies on the generosity of the Australian public to continue our life-saving work. Fundraising events like Red Nose Day and donations from individuals, businesses, and government agencies help us fund our programs and research. By participating in these events or donating to Red Nose, you’re directly helping to save little lives and support families through their most difficult times.

We also offer opportunities for businesses and individuals to partner with us through workplace giving and sponsorship programs. Whether you participate in an event, donate, or volunteer, your support helps us make a significant impact on the lives of many families across Australia.

Why Red Nose Matters

Red Nose is more than just a charity – it is a lifeline for families. Through prevention programs, vital research, and compassionate bereavement support, Red Nose is saving lives and supporting those who need it most. With your help, we can continue to save little lives and support grieving families, ensuring that no family has to face the loss of a child alone.