Peer and Group Support

You don’t have to go through this alone.

No one can truly prepare for the heartbreak of losing a baby or child. But connecting with someone who has lived through a similar experience can provide comfort, understanding and hope in a time of overwhelming grief.

At Red Nose, our Peer and Group Support programs offer a safe space for bereaved parents, grandparents, and families to talk openly, share their grief, and feel supported by others who genuinely understand.

Our Peer Supporters are trained volunteers who have experienced the death of their own baby, child, or grandchild. Through their own lived experience, they are able to offer empathy, reassurance, and a special kind of support that only comes from someone who has been through it too.

Peer Support doesn’t replace professional counselling—it complements it. While counsellors are trained professionals, our Peer Supporters bring a unique understanding and shared connection, helping families feel less alone in their grief.

“After the death of my baby, it was a comfort to speak to someone who truly understood the depths of my grief – because they had been there before and come out the other side.” — Sarah, Peer Supporter

How Peer Support Can Help

Whether you need someone to talk to late at night or a place to meet others who understand, our Peer Support program can support you in many ways:

• Speak with a trained Peer Supporter via our 24/7 Support Line or Live Chat
• Join a support group, facilitated trained Peer Supporters
• Attend Remembrance Services and other community events
• Feel seen, heard, and understood by someone who truly “gets it”
• Receive guidance and support around significant dates and anniversaries
• Learn coping strategies and ways to honour your child’s memory
• Reduce feelings of isolation and reconnect with hope

“As a bereaved parent, you know and can empathise with how another parent may feel. I don’t want anyone to feel alone in that pain. If I can listen, support, or give them a small piece of hope, then I will.” — Jill, Peer Supporter

Support Groups

Sometimes, just knowing others feel the same way can be a powerful source of comfort.

Red Nose support groups are facilitated by trained Peer Supporters, offering a safe and supportive environment to:

• Talk freely and openly
• Share your story without judgment
• Listen to others who’ve had similar experiences
• Connect with a community that understands

Whether you prefer to listen quietly or share your journey, support groups can be a meaningful step in healing.

“Meeting others in support groups gave us hope. Hearing from other parents who had survived their grief helped us see that healing was possible.” — Grieving parent

Becoming a Peer Supporter

If you have experienced the death of a baby or child and feel ready to support others, you may wish to become a Peer Supporter. Many of our volunteers say this role has helped them find meaning and connection through their own loss.

All Peer Supporters receive training and ongoing support from our Red Nose team. If you’re interested in learning more, contact our Grief and Loss Support team:

1300 308 307
peersupport@rednose.org.au

You Are Not Alone

Whether you need someone to talk to, want to meet others, or feel ready to help, Red Nose is here for you. Our Peer and Group Support programs offer connection, understanding, and hope—whenever you’re ready.