Bear Cottage’s Family Support Programs create opportunities for every member of the family to connect, take time out, and be supported by others who truly understand. Our Dad’s Support Weekend is open to both bereaved and non-bereaved fathers, providing a safe and supportive space for dads who are navigating the many demands of caring for a seriously ill child, supporting their partner and family, balancing employment, and looking after their own wellbeing.

Our Grandparents’ Retreat is an important part of the Bear Cottage Family Support Program, which supports all family members – parents, siblings and grandparents – for as long as they need. This retreat recognises the unique role grandparents can play, while giving them the opportunity to connect, share their stories and find comfort in a community that understands. In August, nine grandparents came together for our annual Grandparent’s Retreat, held at the beautiful Q Station Manly.

We were honoured to welcome 90 family members and friends to our annual 𝗔 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗲 (ALPOM) exhibition, held at the International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS).

This beautiful initiative, created in collaboration with artist Andrew Christie, the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation Art Program and the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network Palliative Care teams, invites families to create a photographic pixel portrait using 30 specially chosen photos that come together to form the portrait of their beloved child.

Many of our Sydney families are familiar with the magic of Vivid – the time of year when the city comes alive with dazzling lights, vibrant projections, music and ideas. This year, that magic took on an even deeper meaning, as some of our Bear Cottage families had the chance to be a part of it.

In May we held our annual Remembering Day – a day where families, staff and volunteers come together to remember and honour each special child that has touched our lives.

Twenty-month-old Louis's parents, Amy and James, have one goal for their little boy – for him to live the “biggest and best life” possible.