Footprints in the sand bereavement service
In the days or weeks following the funeral, we will contact you and provide a useful bereavement information pack.
If you you need to speak to speak to us before this, call us on (02) 9976 8300 or (02) 9976 8309 at any time.
Sometimes it can be helpful to return to the hospital or Bear Cottage to meet the staff to go over aspects of your child’s illness or to talk with the people that were involved in your child’s care – we are happy to help organise this if you feel it would be beneficial.
For some families, returning to Bear Cottage and seeing the staff is important and helpful.
Although families are welcome at any time we also organise regular opportunities for families to come back, see staff and to meet other bereaved families
Back to Bear Cottage BBQ
We hold a family BBQ for bereaved families twice a year.
They are held at Bear Cottage on a Saturday or Sunday and are an opportunity for families to catch up or meet other families and see staff.
Bear Cottage may have become a very important place for siblings and the BBQ gives them a chance to revisit the building, the people and meet old and new friends.
This is an informal event where families and staff can come together and give each other support.
Footprints in the Sand retreat
This retreat is for families to spend a weekend together and join other bereaved families.
The Bear Cottage staff facilitate a planned program with fun and enjoyable activities for all members of the family.
Relax, laugh and see your children together in a supportive environment.
You can reconnect with old friends and forge new friendships.
Remembering Day
Bear Cottage values the importance of remembering and paying tribute to the children who have died. Our Remembering Service includes the whole family, with activities for siblings and a formal Remembering Service. They are held annually. All staff and bereaved families are invited.
Family support programs
As well as our Footprints in the Sand weekend, Bear Cottage runs a number of other programs throughout the year for the whole family.
Siblings
Sibling Days and Siblings Weekends cater for all ages and are for bereaved and non-bereaved siblings. We offer a planned program of support, fun, creativity and challenging activities. Catch up with friends and just have fun.
Parents and grandparents
We offer programs for mums, dads and grandparents to take time out to relax and connect with others with similar experiences.
Over these few days, lifelong bonds and friendships are built and tears, laughter, advice and support is shared
Superhero Week
All the children and their families that come to Bear Cottage are superheroes in our eyes so one of our fundraisers is Superhero Week.
We kick start the week with a huge superhero party at Bear Cottage and all families are invited
Christmas party
Every December Bear Cottage holds a family Christmas party.
Although we acknowledge how difficult Christmas can be for our bereaved families, it is an opportunity to come back to Bear Cottage to see staff and other families.