Resources and support

Grief Support Services

We recognise that grief affects everyone differently, and support may be helpful during this time.

MyLifebook

MyLifebook: End-of-life planning made approachable. Capture what is important to you and gain peace of mind with this dedicated tool.

How to deal with stress and grief

If you are feeling the effects of stress, we suggest five ways to deal with and reduce stress during the grief process.

5 ways yoga helps you cope with grief

For Carmel Arnold an out-of-the-blue encounter with yoga as a teenager was all she needed to fuel a lifelong passion.

Grief Australia

National grief support, education, counselling, and resources for individuals, families, communities, and professionals. 📞 1800 642 066

Griefline

Free and confidential support for people experiencing grief, loss and loneliness via telephone and online services. 📞 1300 845 745 (Mon–Fri: 8am–6pm, Sat-Sun: 12:00pm-6:00pm)

The Compassionate Friends Victoria (TCFV)

Free, peer support for individuals (18+) bereaved of a child, sibling, or grandchild – at any age, from any cause. 📞 1300 064 068 (7 days, 9:00am–10:00pm)

Palliative Care South East

Provides holistic, home-based palliative care and support for people living with a life-limiting illness and their families, including end-of-life care, anticipatory grief support, and bereavement care.

Red Nose Grief and Loss

Specialist grief and loss support for anyone grieving the death of a baby or child. 📞 1300 308 307 (24/7 support line)

StandBy Support After Suicide

Providing free face to face and/or telephone support for anyone impacted by suicide, including crisis support and ongoing connection to resources and services. 📞 1300 727 247 (7 days, 6:00am-10:00pm)

Miscarriage Information Support Service (MISS)

Miscarriage Information Support Service is an inclusive community service providing information, resources, awareness, education and support programs for anyone who has been impacted by the loss of a baby through miscarriage/early pregnancy loss.

Support a Grieving Colleague

Supporting your grieving colleague can help make a very difficult time easier, but it can be very hard to know what to say or how to help. These are our tips.

What Not to Say to a Grieving Person

Here are some helpful suggestions on things to avoid when someone is grieving and the better approach to take to help ease their journey where possible.

Support a Grieving Family Member

• 20 May 2021

Here are some ways to help you support your loved ones with gentle kindness and understanding.

Supporting a grieving friend: What to say and do

Here are some helpful tips initially to support you in being there for a friend as they go through a challenging time, while still caring for your own mental health and wellbeing.

Find a funeral director

Find a list of current funeral directors throughout Victoria that can support you, with a filtered option for SMCT registered funeral directors.

What to do when someone dies

We have a highly experienced and compassionate team available to help guide you step-by-step through available options with transparency and respect.

How to arrange a funeral in Melbourne

This step-by-step guide, created by our Customer Care team, answers common questions families ask when planning a funeral.

Burial vs cremation: How to choose the right option

Burial or cremation is an important choice. Find clear, trustworthy information and compassionate support to guide your decision.

Choosing a grave or memorial site

There are many things to consider when deciding on burial or cremation and the resulting memorial choices. Here we will cover some of the major options, as well as highlighting some aspects that you might not think of immediately that can help with making the decision a bit easier.

Compare cemetery and memorial pricing

Costs will depend upon the memorial location within the cemetery and the type of memorial option chosen.

How to find the right funeral director for you

Planning for a loved one’s funeral can seem like a daunting task – but the right funeral director can make the process much simpler.

Choosing the right cemetery

Choosing the right cemetery is an extremely important decision as this determines where family, friends and future generations can remember and honour a life.

Hosting a funeral wake

A funeral wake is a meaningful gathering held after a funeral or memorial service, where family and friends come together to reflect, share stories, and celebrate the life of someone special.

5 Things for End-of-Life Planning

• 17 July 2023

End-of-life planning involves making decisions about the type of medical treatment you would like to receive if you become seriously ill or incapacitated and unable to make your own decisions.

• Planning

40 funeral songs to honour a loved one

Explore 40 meaningful funeral songs to honour a life well lived. From timeless classics to modern favourites, find music that expresses love, grief, and remembrance across different relationships and moments.

What to wear to a funeral in Australia

While black remains a safe and respectful choice, it is not strictly necessary. If you're wondering what to wear to a funeral, this guide will help you navigate expectations while honouring the occasion appropriately.

Funeral etiquette

In the article, we explain some of the etiquette surrounding funerals and the grieving process

How to write a meaningful sympathy card message

Finding the right words to offer support, comfort and empathy can be a difficult and emotional experience. Different words may be needed at different times and occasions. A sympathy card message should be brief, offer support if you have the means to do so, and include something personal like a memory.

Flowers and their meaning

We dive into some of the meanings of different flowers so you can give an extra special flower arrangement for your next occasion.

What to say after a funeral

It's important to balance conveying your sympathies without trivialising their grief.

A complete guide to understanding the cremation process

Moving through cremation with support. Our guide helps you understand each step as you honour a life well-lived.

Cremation options and services

• Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Bunurong Memorial Park

Discover flexible cremation options with SMCT, including traditional services, direct cremation, and personalised memorials. Honour your loved one with meaningful tributes across serene cemetery settings.

Five meaningful cremation ideas for ashes

As part of the process, you should also consider what your loved one would have liked you to do with their ashes, as there are quite a few options to consider.

How to choose a cremation urn

Tips for choosing the right cremation urn - perfect for display, scattering, or burial to honour your loved one with care and respect.

A guide to scattering and spreading ashes in Victoria

Learn the legalities and practical techniques for spreading ashes in Victoria, ensuring a respectful and dignified farewell for your loved one.

Honouring Life Service (Witness Interment)

• Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Bunurong Memorial Park

Honour and celebrate placing a loved one’s ashes with a meaningful service.

Memorial Ideas for Loss of a Child

Everybody’s experience with grief is different, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. However, finding positive ways to remember and honour your child may help as you gradually adapt to this change.