Family support programs

Our Family Support Programs can be crucial in fostering well-being, providing emotional support and practical assistance, and by addressing the needs of all family members, they can help reduce stress and promote resilience to help families cope more effectively with the challenges being faced.

We have programs suitable for all family members:

Mum and dad support programs

The isolation faced by mums and dads, whose children have a life-limiting condition, can be immense. Our support programs for Mums and Dads are an opportunity for relaxation, making connections and having fun – in a safe and supportive environment.

No two programs are the same with different activities and different parents (including both bereaved and non-bereaved parents).

At these support programs, friendships are formed and parent’s go home knowing that they are not alone in this unusual journey.

Sibling support program

Our sibling support program provides an environment where siblings can have fun and connect with others and enhance their self-esteem, confidence and inner strength. 

Programs are held for both junior and senior siblings. and activities are varied and tailored to the age of those attending.

Grandparent retreat

At Bear Cottage we often witness grandparents playing a special and significant role in their grandchild's life and care. 

Our Grandparents Retreat provides the opportunity for both bereaved and non-bereaved grandparents to have a program all about them, to meet others who share a similar experience and create memories and lasting connections. These Retreats are held offsite.

Bereavement program – "Footprints in the Sand"

Bereavement program
The death of a child is devastating and can sometimes mean the end of many connections and relationships, leading to feelings of isolation on top of the grief and sadness being experienced. Supporting bereaved families is an essential aspect of care provided at Bear Cottage and our multi-faceted bereavement program supports each family member at various stages of grief. The program includes: 

Remembering Day 
Our annual Remembering Day is a significant and powerful day and gives family and staff the opportunity to remember all those children that are no longer with us.

Footprints in the Sand Bereavement Weekend
This weekend for bereaved families is held offsite. It provides the opportunity for families to have the chance to spend a weekend mixing with other families in similar situations. It is a weekend that is both fun and therapeutic and full of connections and shared experiences. Old friendships are re-ignited and new connections are made.

Back to Bear Cottage BBQ
We have found over the years, for many families Bear Cottage is a special place and they love the opportunity to come back and visit. The Back to Bear Cottage BBQ is held once a year and gives families the chance to come back to Bear Cottage, to see and reconnect with the staff, but also to meet other families going through a similar experience.  Families share time, food and the familiarity of Bear Cottage. 

Events for bereaved and non-bereaved families
Families are invited to continue their connection with Bear Cottage for as long as they wish. They are always invited to special events such as our Superhero Party and Christmas Party and continue to receive our Bear Cottage newsletter "Cottage Capers" which allows families to remain connected and up to date with upcoming events and activities.

See more in Bereavement information handbook 

2025 Bear Cottage events

March

Monday 17: Bear Cottage Birthday

April

Friday 11-Sunday 13: Footprints in the Sand Weekend

May

Friday 2-Sunday 4: Mums’ Support Weekend  

Sunday 18 May: Remembering Day Service 

Thursday 22 May: Family Advisory Meeting

June

Friday 20-Monday 23: Dads’ Support Weekend

July

Sunday 27: Superhero Party 

Sunday 27-Saturday 2 Aug: Superhero Week

August

Tuesday 5-Thursday 7: Grandparents’ Retreat 

Thursday 21: Family Advisory Meeting 

Saturday 30: Back to Bear Cottage BBQ

September

Saturday 13 September: A Bear Affair 

Friday 19-Sunday 21: Mums’ Support Weekend 

October

Friday 17-Monday 20: Dads’ Support Weekend

November

Friday 7-Sunday 9: Footprints in the Sand Weekend 

Thursday 20: Family Advisory Meeting

December

Sunday 14: Christmas Party