The isolation faced by mums and dads, whose children have a life-limiting condition, can be immense. Our Mum's support programs are an opportunity for relaxation, connections and fun - with activities ranging from pampering, theatre trips, makeovers, art workshops and dinners out to name a few.

Following the success of the Mum's Support Programs,  we now run our Dad's Support Program. Beers, bush walks, BBQs, comedy nights and outdoor experiences are a few of the activities that Dad's are able to enjoy.No two support programs are the same with different programs and different parents and include both bereaved and non-bereaved families. 

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

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

Activities include days and weekends for junior and senior siblings. Activities are varied and include circus workshops, skiing, yoga, art and music therapy, sailing, water drumming, geocaching and even 'wild animal encounters'!

At Bear Cottage we often witness grandparents playing a special and significant role in their grandchild's life and care. Grandparents  share a magical bond with their grandchild and have a unique place in the family, providing an emotional and social safety net. 

Our Grandparents Retreat allows our bereaved and non-bereaved grandparents to have a weekend all about them, to meet others who share a similar experience and create memories and lasting connections. When a child dies, grandparents are often deeply affected by both the death of their grandchild and the deep distress of their son or daughter. 

Many grandparents look after their grandchildren, so your grandchild’s death may mean a significant change in your daily life. As bereaved grandparents, Bear Cottage is here to support you.

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 over the years, we have been fortunate to have funding allowing the introduction of support events for many members of the family, both individually and together.

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
This is a multi-faceted bereavement program for families at various stages throughout the grief process. The Footprints in the Sand Support Program is a weekend that is run for the bereaved families. This is held off site with many activities being held at Clifton Gardens Beach, a name that holds a very special meaning to many bereaved Bear Cottage families. 

The concept is for families to have a chance to spend a weekend mixing with other families in similar situations. It is a weekend that is obviously sad at times, but also fun and noisy, full of connections and shared experiences. There are old friendships re-ignited, new connections made and an opportunity to be with those who really understand. 

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. 

And families never leave Bear Cottage - they are always invited to special events such as the Superhero Party and Christmas Party and continue to receive the newsletter to remain connected to Bear Cottage staff and families. 

See more in Bereavement information handbook