Tasmanians struggling with grief and loss now have a single place to turn for help, with the launch of a new statewide service designed to connect people with the support that best suits their needs.
GriefCare Tasmania was launched this week by Relationships Australia Tasmania, who said the service was the result of four years of work.
Michael Kelly, chief executive of Relationships Australia Tasmania, said the organisation had noticed many people accessing its relationship, family law and family dispute resolution services were also carrying unresolved grief that was affecting their health, wellbeing and relationships.
“People would be accessing our services for relationship support, it might be for family law services or family dispute resolution,” Kelly said.
“What was evident in working with a lot of people, is that grief and loss were certainly central to their experience and it was having an impact on their health and wellbeing.”
“Grief is deeply personal and there is no single way people experience or move through it.”
“We know that navigating support systems can add another layer of stress at an already overwhelming time.”
Kelly said GriefCare Tasmania aims to match people with the right kind of help, whether that is individual counselling or peer support groups.
Some people might throw themselves into work after a loss while others cannot get out of bed, he said.
One of the service’s key partners is Albie House, a Tasmanian organisation that supports people bereaved by suicide.
Amanda Cuthbertson, founder of Albie House, said many people grieving after suicide are unsure where to turn.
“By partnering with Relationships Australia Tasmania, we can help more people connect with specialised support sooner and ensure they don’t have to navigate their grief alone,” Cuthbertson said.
Thiago Alves, who lost his twin brother to suicide four years ago, said Albie House had been the most effective support he found.
He said the ongoing nature of the group, with no set time limits, was what made it so valuable.
“It made me feel like there was a positive future because for a while I didn’t think there was after dealing with everything,” Alves said.
His message to others going through grief was simple.
“Even though you could be dealing with the darkest time of your life, there is a path forward that can be positive,” he said.
GriefCare Tasmania is now accepting referrals and can connect people with counselling, peer support and specialist grief services across the state through Relationships Australia Tasmania on 1300 364 277.
