Redkite Real Talk: Bereavement
Healing through bereavement
Compassion and support are crucial when grieving the loss of a child to childhood cancer.
Bereavement
Understanding bereavement through the eyes of Karl and Olivia, parents of Brooke.
Childhood cancer needs more than medicine
Understanding bereavement
Grieving the loss of a child is an intensely personal and unique experience. It’s essential to be gentle with yourself, recognising that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Some individuals find solace in talking about their grief, while others may feel the need to withdraw from the world.
The expectations that society places on those who are bereaved can be overwhelming, both from others and from within oneself. It can be helpful to manage these expectations by understanding that grief is not a linear process and there are no rules in grief. What matters is doing what feels right for you, not what others believe you should do. The pressure to “move on” or focus on positive aspects can be challenging but allowing yourself to acknowledge your emotions is key to navigating this difficult time.
What support means and who can help
Support during bereavement can come in many forms, and it’s important to focus on what you can control when everything else feels out of control. Practices like meditation and mindfulness can provide a much-needed break from constant thoughts, offering a sense of calm and aiding in better sleep.
Staying connected with loved ones, even through online platforms, can help maintain a sense of social connection, allowing you to externalise your feelings. Self-care is crucial during this time; it doesn’t have to be grand gestures but simple acts like enjoying a warm cup of tea, listening to music, or lighting a candle.
Releasing emotions through crying, physical activity, or other means can also help alleviate some of the sorrow. Remember, taking things one day at a time and doing whatever you need to get through each day is completely valid. It’s also essential to understand that while some people may not understand your grief and might unintentionally cause hurt, focusing on the support from those who truly care can make a significant difference.
How Redkite can help
We understand that when a child aged 18 or younger is diagnosed with cancer, a whole community feels the impact. Redkite’s team of social workers are childhood cancer specialists and are here to support everyone affected by a child’s diagnosis; from the time of diagnosis, throughout treatment and beyond.
Our services include:
- Free counselling for children and adults
- Specialist information and resources
- Bereavement support
- Free library of books to borrow
- Financial assistance for affected families
- Support groups for parents and carers
- KiteCrew app to help loved ones organise support for affected families
- Bereavement Support Pack
Live chat
Live online customer service chat is available to guide you with the resources and information you need.
Anyone who may be impacted by a child and family facing childhood cancer can contact us.
Live chat is available Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm AEST
When local community and nationally specialised support, like Redkite, work together, a family’s outcomes are much improved.
Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm (AEST)
We are here to support you in many ways…
Empowering you
We have a range of information on our website that can help you better understand and support a family throughout their childhood cancer experience.
Supporting you
We help extended family members and friends (adults and children) face the emotional effects of childhood cancer by providing free counselling, social work and more.
Helping you help them
Sometimes, it can be hard to ask for help. Redkite’s mobile app, KiteCrew, is a tool you can use to help a family with the day-to-day tasks that are left behind when they’re focused on their child’s care.
Talk to us
Our friendly support team are here to answer your questions and help you access any support you may need. You can contact us via phone, email or webchat.
The power of books with Redkite Book Club
Books help you talk to children about their big feelings.
Storytelling is a wonderful way to start the conversation in a way that is safe, age-appropriate and helpful for your child. Our Book Club program has over 80 books that can help you through the cancer experience. Give us a call and we can talk you through the different titles and help you choose.
Request information And support
We’re ready to help. Please call us on 1800 REDKITE (Mon – Fri 9am – 7pm AEST), or fill out the form below.
