Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) Support Groups
in partnership with Dying With Dignity Victoria
Comfort and support from those who understand.
Our group program draws upon the emotional benefits of peer support, in conjunction with evidence-backed information 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.
Pre-VAD groups
A closed group environment for individuals seeking group support from people who are also facing the death of someone who has chosen the path of VAD.
Post-VAD groups
A closed group environment for individuals seeking group support after the VAD death of a friend or family member.
Group support framework
Learn how to navigate your grief and cultivate self-compassion while reducing a sense of isolation by fostering connections.
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.
Some of the topics discussed
What is grief and the different ways we grieve
How our response to grief affects our body and nervous system
Focusing on anticipating the death of a loved one (pre-VAD)
Exploring the emotions and challenges associated with a VAD-death
Ways to support your health & wellbeing while facing loss
The importance of sleep and techniques to explore a better night's sleep
Grounding techniques to support those moments of feeling overwhelmed
Rituals and honouring loved ones before and after death
Group details
Size
Maximum of 8 participants (a minimum of 6 required)
Dates
Each group meets on a weekly basis, over six (6) consecutive weeks. Please submit your details in the form below to register your interest for the next available support group intake.
Duration and delivery
Support groups are 2-hours in duration and conducted online via Zoom
Cost
Our support groups are free*
*The Griefline VAD support groups are funded by our generous partners Dying with Dignity Victoria
How to register
- 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)
VAD support groups expression of interest
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]