Voluntary Assisted Dying Support Groups
in partnership with Dying With Dignity Victoria
Comfort and support from those who understand.
VAD is now legally available across all six Australian states and in New Zealand. It will also be available in the ACT from November 2025.
The process of accessing VAD is complex and highly regulated, involving rigorous safeguards that can be emotionally taxing for VAD applicants and their families, friends and caregivers.
National free, online VAD support groups
With the support of Dying with Dignity Victoria, Griefline is proud to announce the continuation of national VAD support groups throughout 2025. This includes a monthly online drop-in group via Zoom, for families, friends and colleagues experiencing anticipatory grief—providing compassionate guidance to those preparing for a loved one’s VAD journey.  Â
Our VAD support program
Learn how to navigate your grief and cultivate self-compassion while reducing a sense of isolation by fostering connections.​
Our group program draws upon the emotional benefits of peer support, in conjunction with an evidence-informed approach to help reduce the stigma that can be associated with Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD), and build an understanding that each person experiences grief in their own way.
Facilitated by a Griefline grief and bereavement counsellor and supported by a Dying With Dignity Victoria lived experience peer. Our groups are a safe space for you to connect and share with others who can relate to the uniqueness of loss and grief associated with VAD.
Pre-VAD framework
Monthly online drop-in sessions
For individuals supporting someone choosing VAD. Connect with others who are also journeying alongside someone prior to VAD provision.
Our Pre-VAD drop in session framework has been designed to provide a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for individuals who are either considering or supporting someone through the process of Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD). In the groups we prioritise emotional support, offer shared experiences, and provide access to further information and resources.
Monthly drop-in sessions goals and objectives
Emotional support
Provide a space where participants can express their emotions without judgment, sharing their feelings and experiences around grief and VAD.Â
Information sharing
Offer access to clear, information on Voluntary Assisted Dying, and the emotional journey involved.Â
Reducing stigma
Create a non-judgmental environment where participants can discuss VAD openly, helping to reduce the stigma often associated with end-of-life choices.
Building coping strategies
Equip participants with strategies to manage the emotional complexities of supporting someone through VAD, as well as their own emotional processing.
Post-VAD framework
Online support groups
A closed group environment for individuals seeking group support after the VAD death of a friend or family member.
Our Post-VAD group support framework focuses on providing ongoing emotional support, healing and understanding for individuals who have experienced the death of a loved through VAD. Our group goals and objectives address the unique challenges faced by those processing grief in the aftermath of VAD, including complex emotions and the potential for both societal and personal stigma.
Support groups goals and objectives
Emotional healing and support
To provide a safe, supportive space where individuals can process their grief, find comfort, and begin the healing process after the loss of a loved one through VAD.
Coping with grief after VAD
To support participants in developing healthy coping mechanisms to navigate the emotional complexities of grief following a loved one’s VAD decision.
Reducing stigma
To create a stigma-free space for individuals to process their loss without fear of judgment or misunderstanding from others.
Strengthening community connections
To build a supportive community where participants can connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering mutual understanding and empathy.
Navigating relationships after VAD
To help individuals navigate relationships with others (family, friends, colleagues) after the loss of a loved one through VAD.
Providing ongoing resources and information
To equip participants with ongoing resources and tools that can help them manage grief.
How to register
To be eligible to register your interest for our online VAD support program, you must:
- be aged 18+ years of age and living in Australia
- be seeking support for coping with grief resulting from a friend or family member choosing VAD (pre-VAD) or,
- be seeking grief support after a friend or family member has died from VAD (post-VAD)
Please select the type of support you are seeking from the below buttons and complete the form to register your expression of interest.
For assistance with your registration email [email protected] or (03) 9087 2312
Additional resources
If you are grieving for someone who accessed voluntary assisted dying, you may feel a range of emotions and challenges. These resources offer practical information and guidance. Â
Article
VAD White Paper
The insights shared in this white paper offer valuable perspectives for anyone supporting or working with families impacted by VAD. Download the full white paper to explore:Â Â
- How the VAD process shapes the grief experience. Â
- Key learnings from the Australian-first VAD support group pilot program. Â
- Practical recommendations for improving bereavement care in the context of VAD. Â
Other Griefline services
If you are experiencing crisis, or are worried about yourself or someone else, please contact Lifeline by phoning
13 11 14 or by texting 0477 13 11 14
Kids Helpline is available 24/7 to support young people aged between five and 25, call 1800 551 800
This program is funded by
For more information about Dying With Dignity Victoria visit: https://www.dwdv.org.au/
Frequently asked questions
Residents aged over 18 years of age who live in Australia and have a friend or family member who has chosen a VAD death are able to register to participate in the online support groups.
If you require assistance, or have further questions about eligibility, you are welcome to contact us at [email protected]
A member of the Griefline intake team will receive the registration from the website and make a phone call to explain the support group process and discuss with you the program benefits.
If it is determined that the you may benefit from participating in the program, you will be appointed to the next available group. Alternatively, you may be referred to other free Griefline support services and resources or a more suitable third-party partner.
It is preferred you are able to attend all six of the group sessions, as each session builds on what has been discussed and shared in previous groups.
Yes. Participants will receive an email with links on how to access and download zoom, and access the online support group. If you have any questions after reading the email, please contact our Intake team at [email protected]
