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Siblings and Grief

 

“People who love each other are always connected by a very special string, made of love. Even though you can’t see it with your eyes, you can feel it deep in your heart, and know that you are always connected to the ones you love.” — The Invisible String, Patrice Karst

The death of a brother or sister can be a deeply emotional and difficult experience for children and young people. Siblings may experience many different feelings and reactions as they try to understand and cope with the loss of someone important in their life.

This resource provides guidance for families and carers on how to support siblings after the death of a child. It explores how grief may be expressed at different ages and stages of development, and encourages open communication, reassurance and ongoing support during this time.

Practical suggestions are also included to help siblings feel listened to, included and supported in ways that recognise each child’s individual experience of grief. Families are also encouraged to seek additional support if needed.

Click here to download the factsheet.

The factsheet is also available in Arabic, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese.

الحزن والمراهقين - Siblings and grief Fact Sheet - Arabic Anh chị em và nỗi đau buồn Siblings and Grief Fact Sheet - Vietnamese 兄弟姐妹 的支援 Sibling support Fact Sheet - Traditional Chinese 兄弟姐妹 与悲伤-siblings and grief Fact Sheet - Simplified Chinese

For additional information and support:

  • Contact your General Practitioner / Area Health Service will have bereavement support services available.
  • The Compassionate Friends is a world-wide self-help group for parents that have lost a child of any age and through any cause. They offer support and understanding.
    https://tcfa.org.au/• (02) 9290 2355
  • Bereavement Care Centre provides comprehensive and accessible counselling and support services for recently bereaved families.
    childhoodgrief.org.au • 1300 654 556
  • National Association for Loss and Grief (NALAG) provides free loss and grief support to those who are grieving, either face to face or via telephone.
    nalag.org.au • (02) 6882 9222
  • Red Nose bereavement support services assist families who have experienced the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or child, during birth, pregnancy or infancy, regardless of the cause. Their support services are extensive and include counselling, parent and family support, peer support, sibling support, grandparent support groups, group activities, annual memorial services, telephone counselling and a national 24 hour free call bereavement support line.
  • Lifeline provides access to a 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention for anyone experiencing a personal crisis.
    lifeline.org.au • 13 11 14
  • Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement provide information including a pamphlet — “After the Loss of a Child. A resource for parents of children in palliative care”.
  • Headspace provides early intervention mental health services to 12 – 25 year olds.
    headspace.org.au • 1800 650 890 from 9am–1am
  • Cancer Council
    cancercouncil.com.au • 13 11 20
  • Redkite provides information and emotional and financial support to parents who have lost children to cancer.
    redkite.org.au • 1800 733 548
  • Griefline provides a dedicated grief helpline service providing counselling support services free of charge.
    griefline.org.au • 1300 845 745 from 12pm–3am

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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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