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Funerals, ritual & remembrance

This podcast contains content that may be confronting and distressing to some listeners.  If you are feeling upset or uncomfortable at any time and need support, please follow up with your support networks.

This episode explores two families' experience of taking on the unimaginable task of planning their child’s funeral. They also discuss the ways they continue to remember and honour their child’s memory in death, and how rituals support their continued connection with their child.

The death of a child goes against the natural order of life events. For many families, planning their child’s funeral can be a daunting, overwhelming, and highly emotional time. Some families like to plan, while others are unable to discuss the impending death of their child until after it occurs. Some families may have specific requirements, cultural and religious tradition or rituals that are important and help to bring comfort. Some children like to be included in the planning of their own funeral.

Season Two of the podcast series Life, Love and Loss is a collaboration between The Royal Children's Hospital, Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program and ​Palliative Care Australia, funded as part of the Paediatric Palliative Care National Action Plan Project. This Project received grant funding from the Australian Government. We warmly thank the parents who have generously taken part in this series.
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We recognise and acknowledge those who are working through Sorry Business, Sad News, grief and bereavement and offer our condolences and support.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this website may contain images, videos and voices of people who have passed on. Some of the content and topics covered might also cause distress. You are welcome here, and we want you to feel safe and take care.

If you find that you need support please reach out to 13YARN on 13 92 76, Grief Australia, Grief Line on 1300 845 745, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Palliative Care Australia is located in Canberra. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the surrounding land and waters, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri Peoples and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We extend that same respect and acknowledge the continuing cultures and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across Australia.

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