Reflections Reflections N E W S L E T -

DECEMBER

A Message of love at Christmas

HELLO EVERYONE

My name is Sue Worth and I am proud to be the

Secretary of this wonderful organization called The

Compassionate Friends. Our President, Barbara has

asked me to write this on her behalf this Christmas.

Good luck with your studies Barbara.

As I sit here in front of my computer at 5am on a

Friday morning, with the thunder roaring and birds

welcoming in the new day, the tears flow and I know

without a doubt that our beloved daughter Sarah is close

by. She is always around. I find her every day in the

small things, the raucous laughter of her children Ryan

and Emily, a song she might sing, a gesture, a walk

through a perfume department decked with Christmas

smells, and the profile of a blond woman in the street. I

feel her too in our 12 newly hatched ducklings, Jimmy

Barnes, AC/DC, beautiful fingernails and beaming

smiles.

Sarah died from a heart attack in June 2010 aged

29. She had two children, Ryan 23 months and Emily, 8

months and many people who loved her. Christmas was

her favourite time of the year since she was a child. It

meant even more to her when her children were born.

Big gatherings around our pool, mountains of food,

presents, champagne, kids and fun. The list goes on, but

what it really meant was FAMILY. This Christmas will

be our eighth without her. My first Christmas without her

was unbearable but we got through it as a family. I had

recently become a member of TCF and attending the

Candlelight Service at St. George’s Cathedral made me

realise that I was not alone. I also met for the first time

my dear friend Judy who phoned me each week for two

years. Sitting in the church with a hundred people all

acknowledging their precious child was an amazing

experience. It gave me strength and courage to

face Christmas

without her.

Seeing the

beautiful

photos on the

altar and the

candles and being

surrounded by people who

had walked the same path

gave me the strength and

courage to put one foot in

front of the other and to

carry on. I will never forget

that night.

To those families

who have recently lost a child, I send my heartfelt love to

you. The first Christmas, first birthday, death

anniversary, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and in my

case, my grandchildren’s birthdays were to me and still

are, gut wrenchingly hard. Time has eased the pain

though.

Now seven years later though, it is a quiet time of

reflection, and we remember her as we always do with a

toast of bubbles. Still hard but okay. Candles will burn

all day for her and we will all remember the special

times. As I have, you will survive this tragedy but life

will never be the same. I urge you to speak your child’s

name often. Celebrate the time you had with them.

Surround yourself by people who love you. Whatever

works for you.

We never forget, never “get over it” just adjust to a

different reality. In the end it’s about the almighty love

you shared, always will and still do.

I will be thinking of you all as I tentatively step

into the shops and see families with their children

laughing, buying gifts and preparing for their Christmas.

Hopefully they will never experience our grief. Be kind

to yourselves, cry and know that your beloved child is

around you.

A quote from the newsletter we receive from TCF

in Winnipeg in Canada fits the Christmas message: –

“Gone from a pain in my heart, to an angel on my

shoulder”.

Love and blessings, Sue Worth, Mother of Sarah

Grieving Healing Growing Together

2

Fun Quiz Night

QUIZ NIGHT 2017 SUCCESS!

On Saturday 4th November the TCF held their

annual quiz night at the City of Belmont

RSL. There were 12 tables of eight on the night

and as always a fabulous array of prizes. The

winning table was that of one of our TCF Board

members, Margaret Sandford and her husband

Geoff with their friends. Our quiz masters, Eric

and Andy along with Gordon helping with the

scoring, all did a fabulous job and kept everyone

entertained.

The door prize on the night went to Noel

Noonan from one of the Helena Valley Lifestyle

Village tables. Her husband Des was the bus

driver for the night, so I’m sure they will enjoy

their night out at the Hyatt Regency.

Many thanks to the Hyatt for their sponsorship

and also Cellarmasters, Annette and Wayne

Gallagher, United Way, The City of Belmont RSL

and of course Sharon Cave and Ian Hand.

Financially wise the night was a great success for

TCFWA, which helps keep our group up and

running to support newly bereaved parents.

Many thanks to all who attended.

$2,730 RAISED

Special thanks to Ian Hand and Sharon Cave for your prize donations

Our judges, Andy, Eric & Gordon….great job!!

Sue & Annette having way too much fun! Our barman John who kept us watered all night!

3

Healing Connections

CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL

The service will take place on Sunday 10th

December at 3pm so please make sure you

are at St George’s Cathedral by 2.30pm to

sign in, put your pictures on the alter and

find your seat.

Everyone is welcome and if possible please

bring a plate to share and a gift for a child,

as we will still have a cuppa before we make

the journey home.

Please arrive early to ensure that your child’s

name is entered into the remembrance book.

Looking forward to seeing you all on the

10th. All welcome. Please call Sue Worth on

0428 106 356 for information.

TCF WORLDWIDE CANDLE LIGHTING 2017 Sunday 10th December at 3pm

The Compassionate Friends

Worldwide Candle Lighting unites

family and friends around the globe

in lighting candles to honour the

memories of the sons, daughters,

brothers, sisters, and grandchildren

who left too soon.

Candles are lit as hundreds of

thousands of people commemorate

and honour the memory of all

children gone too soon. Meaning a

virtual 24-hour wave of light is

created as it moves around the

world.

Hundreds of ‘formal’ candle lighting

events are held each year, and

thousands of informal candle lightings

are conducted in homes, as families

gather in quiet remembrance of

children who have died, but will never

be forgotten.

4

Fundraising

Charity of the Year Charity of the Year $17,685 RAISED FOR TCF

“During the past 12 months the staff of The St John of Gods

Hospital at Murdoch have raised money for The Compassionate

Friends as their” Charity of the Year”.

The fantastic amount of $17,685 was recently presented to

TCF. As a part of this process, CEO Colin Keogh, visited our

office for a very enjoyable morning tea and presented a

“Certificate of Appreciation to Charity of the Year, The

Compassionate Friends” to Annette Gallagher

and Sue and Geoff Worth.

We passed on our sincere thanks to Colin

and his wonderful staff for their generosity.

Colin acknowledged the hard work of TCF

volunteers and said that we make a huge

difference to families who lose a child.

These funds are vitally important to our

future, and we would like to acknowledge the

generosity of all the people at St. John of

Gods, and thank them sincerely for their

sponsorship.

“Thank You”

To all those who donated to our organisation this past three months. We are very grateful for all

your wonderful gifts of love xoxoxo

To everyone who volunteered in the office, Committee, sent in their membership fees,

supported the quiz night, who makes sure our newsletter is published, collated and posted, and take our support groups each month. You are all very much appreciated and there are no words to

thank you enough.

5

Important Notices

WALK OF

REMEMBRANCE

The walk of remembrance that is held in

March each year will be once again held at the

children’s park at Burswood. The walk is a

sponsored walk and there will be forms sent

out in our next newsletter for everyone to have

a look at. The group of those attendees walk as

much or as little as they can do to the

Windamn bridge and back and then a

barbeque is held which gives everyone time to

catch up with those they have made friends

with over time. The weather is normally on

our side and it makes for a lovely Sunday

morning outing whilst remembering our

children and raising much needed funds for

our organisation.

A huge thank you to all who have

sent their membership

subscription in. It is

very much

appreciated.

MEMBERSHIP In June we mailed out approximately

350 invoices for the 2017/2018

financial year. Of these we have had

52 renewals. This leaves us around

$9000 short in funding to maintain

our services to our members, that

includes phone support, brochures and

our quarterly newsletter. Our deficit

for the last financial year was over

$6000 and we cannot sustain this.

PLEASE PAY UP MEMBERSHIP

DONATIONS FROM

COMPANIES WELCOMED

If you are fortunate to be working for a

successful company please think about

suggesting out organisation for fundraising

or sponsorship. We are totally supported by

our members to keeping our doors open so

that we can assist newly bereaved parents

and continue our ongoing support.

We are continuously working on ways to

promote The Compassionate Friends of WA,

so any support from our members would be

welcomed.

6

Siblings Grief

What Bereaved Children Want

Adults to Know about Grief

Copyright: TCF WA

Grandparents Grief

7

STORYTIME

Storytime came early this week, ie: on Monday

(25/11/02) at lunchtime instead of on a Tuesday

evening.

Aidan was awake (or conscious anyway) so I

asked whether he would like a story or to listen to

some music. He said he would like a story. I raced

out to the large book collection to try and find a

suitable story. I selected the ‘Rhymes for Annie

Rose’ and read a few poems to him. Dad was

waiting to take him up to the school to see his

classmates and as the “awake” time did not last

long, I could not delay his departure for school for

very long.

Over the past week I was extremely fortunate

to be able to spend some quality time with Aidan,

just sitting with him listening to his music

massaging his tiny back or just holding his hand.

Various family members and close friends also took

part in this ritual from time to time. He was not left

“alone” and he was aware of the presence of family

and friends. He acknowledged a person’s presence

with a nod or a hello or a hug. He was that sort of

special child. One say when I asked how he was, he

gave me a “thumbs up”.

Aidan has always been a “man’s man” but we

had a good relationship nonetheless. I used to take

him shopping on a Saturday morning and whilst he

was sitting up like jacky in the baby seat (and later

the booster seat) we used to play a game about how

many people loved Aidan. He has a vert large

family and it was quite a task to remember all the

names. I followed up the game at our weekly

storytime and “tuck into bed” time. I freely told him

how much I loved him and how much he was loved.

For anyone lucky enough to have grandchildren,

they will know about the special bond between a

grandparent and a grandchild.

Aidan died just a few minutes after midnight

on 27/11/02 after a courageous 3 year battle with a

brain tumour. He died physically but his spiritual

presence is very much still here.

On the day of Aidan’s funeral one of our rose

bushes called “Joyfulness” was brimming with

blooms, so I took two roses (one each for my

husband and me) to place into his grave.

After Aidan died, various friends bought

special roses for me to plant in the garden. The

roses were bought for their names. My Aidan

memorial rose garden now contains:

“Angel Face”, “Courage”, “Superstar”. “Happy

Child”, “Hero” and “The Children’s Rose”

Having a special area set aside has been very

healing for my husband and me. The garden also

provides us with roses to take to the cemetery to

place on Aidan’s grave.

On the first Christmas Day after Aidan died my

husband and I went up to Pinnaroo Cemetery to

place some special roses on Aidan’s grave. We had

no sooner put the roses down when a couple of

kangaroos came forward and took the tops off the

roses. Initially I was upset but my husband pointed

out that, as Aidan had a real sense of mischief about

him, he would have laughed at the antics of the

kangaroos.

Tricia Engler Grandmother of Aidan Michael James Telcik

who died on 27.11.02 at the age of 7 years and

8 months

Dear Billy I don’t know if you like roses, I know I do, I bring you flowers, I don’t know what else to do, You might think it’s ‘sissy’ to bring you a rose, Are there flowers where you are? Nobody knows, I know you liked wildflowers, banksias and such, But nothing we bring you is ever enough, So a posy of roses and wildflowers too, Is all we can ever now bring to you, Birthdays will come and go and yet, Eighteen is as old as you’ll ever get, You were loaned to us all for eighteen short years, And now we are thinking of you through our tears, You’ve been gone one year on the third of May, When the good Lord chose to take you away, So if there is a Heaven, I know you are there, If there’s a God you are in His care, So we’ll keep bringing you flowers, Billy my love, And hope you know, from Heaven above, That we love you and miss you, beautiful Bill, We always have and we always will, Nanny xxx and Grandad xxx

8 8

If fees have been paid, we would love to put your child’s name, photo, poems, prayers, etc onto our website to honour your child. Please contact the office for further information.

BURTON Joshua 05/03/1983—07/01/2011. Our dear Josh, we miss you every day and will always love you. Mum, Dad, Bec, Jeremy, Ben and all the family xoxoxo CSERESZNYES Michael 26/02/1971—16/02/2015. My darling son, you are missed and loved every single day of my life and I miss your beautiful smile. Love always Mum xoxoxo DUFF Jessica Emily 07/07/80—16/12/03. You are always with me, love Mum xoxoxo FLANAGAN Aidan William 17/01/1983—12/12/2002. An extremely sad day for us all and memories sometimes do not mean enough but you are in our hearts and remembered well with much love and blessings. MUM, JULIE & FAMILY xoxoxo GALLAGHER: Mark Peter 31/01/2004. Forever missed, Forever Loved. MUM, DAD ROB and AMANDA xoxoxo GREEN Michael 22/12/88—06/02/2008. I can’t believe it is now ten years since I said ’Goodbye’ to you. It still feels like yesterday. I miss you so much my precious son. Love forever Mum xoxoxo HARPER Josh 19/11/85—13/08/2017. Happy birthday Josh. Our first birthday without you. We love and miss you so much, Mum and Dad xoxoxo HERRIOTT-EVANS Kyle Stephen 28/11/1985—24/01/2016. This year on your special day we celebrate your birth and treasure every moment that you were here on earth. We took those days for granted, and never dreamt or thought that our lives would change forever and yours would be so short. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Love always Mum xoxoxo KINGSTON Tara Helene, 04/10/1971—28/02/2013. You are so missed every day. Your gorgeous daughter looks so like you and in so many ways. I so wish our family was whole again. Love you forever, Mum xoxoxo

KINGSTON Devin Patrick 19/02/1970—16/01/2004. Our gentle giant. You were taken too soon. You are my only son and a gorgeous brother to your 3 sisters. Your memories will always live on with your family and friends. Love you always Mum xoxoxo MARSHALL Georgia Olivia 16/08/2001—14/01/2010. “Gorgeous Girl”. Our hearts miss you more and more each passing day. Watch over your big brother Aaron—Aza to you. He is driving!! Love you and miss you forever, Mum, Dad and Aza. xoxoxo MATTHEWS Chris 08/06/1982—Jan 2009. Still can’t believe you are gone. My life has changed and you have given me strength to help others. We all miss you so much, love Mum, Ian, Colin and Ashley xoxoxo McKEICH Martin Andrew, born 27th November 1968. Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal, love leaves a memory that no one can steal. We will love and miss you for ever. Mum, Dad, Darren, Vanessa, Natalie, Riley, Phoebe and all your family xoxoxo SHAW Chane l E l i zabeth N i co l e 22/02/2010—04/01/2012. Our little girl that we love and miss so very much, You will always be in our mind and in our hearts. Always remembered and never ever forgotten. Love Mummy and Daddy xoxoxo SCHILLING Rebecca Faye, 08/03/1983—26/02/2013. I have lost my lovely daughter and in my heart I still long to hold her and tell her it’s alright. RIP love Mum xoxoxo

9

An angel wrote in the book of life my baby’s date of

birth, then whispered as she closed the book,

“Too beautiful for earth.”

If you would like to include your child’s, sibling or grandchild’s details for the next issue, please fill out the

enclosed form before the next quarterly issue. It will appear on the relevant month closest to the anniversary.

BATT Jeremy Lawrence, born 20th December 1975. Loving memories always of our precious son and brother. Never forgotten, love Dad, Mum and Damien xoxoxo BURTON Joshua, born 5th March 1983. We miss you every day, love Hailey, Mum, Dad, Jeremy, Ben and families. COREMANS Rene Robert born 18th January 1977. You are in our hearts always darling and it is a great comfort to know that you watch over us at all times. We miss you and love you always. Mum, Michells, Senem, Beliz, Kerem, David, Jess and Jasper xoxoxo CSERESZNYES Michael born 26th February 1971. My darling son, you are missed and loved every single day of my life and I miss your beautiful smile. Love always Mum xoxoxo FIELDING Robert Charles born 3rd February 1981. I am often surprised at how long it’s been since you left us because there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about you. Your sense of humour, your brilliant mind! What you would have achieved, who you would have married and the children you could have had. Robbie we love you and miss you. Mum, Dad and David xoxoxo

FLANAGAN Aidan William, born 17th January 1983. You are in my thoughts everyday and missed more than words can say. Love is always within your reach from Mum, sister Julie, brother-in-law Iain, nephews Kane and Louis. xoxoxo GREEN Michael born 22nd December 1988. Another year passes without you being here to celebrate your birthday. I miss and love you so much my precious son. “Forever Young”. Love Mum xoxoxo KINGSTON Devin Patrick born 19th February 1970. Our gentle giant. You were taken too soon. You are my only son and a gorgeous brother to your 3 sisters. Your memories will always live on with your family and friends. Love you always Mum xoxoxo ROBBINS Adam John, born 16th December 1983. To our lovely son who brought us so much joy. It will be your 34th birthday. We love you more than you could ever imagine, love Mum, Dad, Jade and Lucy xoxoxo SERMANNI Clifford Elliot, age 19 years, born 30th December 1992. Forever in our hearts. xoxoxox TCHERNAKOFF Paul Jason, age 41 years, born 18th January 1971. Paul, you are so very missed by us all. It still seems unreal that you are no longer with us but we all feel your spirit. From all your family and friends. xoxoxo Van EIJNDHOVEN Mark (Dutchy) born 19th December 1980. Forever in our hearts and minds. A piece of all of our hearts went with you when you left this earth. Love forever, Mum, Dad, family and all your mates. xoxoxox

9

10

Healing Connections

10

Healing Connections

The Mandurah Group of The Compassionate Friends

held their annual weekend retreat at Nanga Bush Camp

(just past Dwellingup WA), in November for 2017

A few TCF WA members were invited and had a wonderful time

relaxing and getting to know their fellow group members. On offer were

Reiki, Readings, Spiritual Healing, Workshop and Bushwalking.

The accommodation was very

rustic….and the highlight of the

weekend was our rose petal

dedication to our beloved children.

Wendy organised hundreds of rose

petal which we took down to the

river and released with love for our

lost children. It was very emotional

as we watched the rose petals flow

downstream. A very moving and

touching experience.

Breakfast made by chef Gary and an extra visitor.

FOR ONE MORE DAY By Mitch Albom

The Mandurah TCF members enjoying good

food and good company in a relaxed setting.

Some of our therapists

Trauma, loss and grief affect all of us at some time. This

Every family is a ghost story . . .'As a child, Charley Benetto was

told by his father, 'You can be a mama's boy or a daddy's boy, but

you can't be both.' So he chooses his father, only to see him

disappear when Charley is on the verge of adolescence. Decades

later, Charley is a broken man. His life has been destroyed by

alcohol and regret. He loses his job. He leaves his family. He hits

rock bottom after discovering he won't be invited to his only

daughter's wedding. And he decides to take his own life. Charley

makes a midnight ride to his small hometown: his final journey.

But as he staggers into his old house, he makes an astonishing

discovery. His mother - who died eight years earlier - is there,

and welcomes Charley home as if nothing had ever happened.

What follows is the one seemingly ordinary day so many of us

yearn for: a chance to make good with a lost parent, to explain

the family secrets and to seek forgiveness.

11

Healing Connections

Remembering the

Memories……

Has it really been nearly 9 years since

I lost you?

Where has the time gone?

I struggle to remember you as a child and

a young man. Was I just too busy with life? You

and your 3 brothers were the centre of my

world. I loved the baby and toddler stage—4

small pairs of shoes by the front door, 4 jackets

hanging in the cupboard, all those nappies, toys,

Lego and train set. I loved being your mum and

you loved me back. You gave me lots of hugs

and cuddles, then you grew into a lovely young

man, a gentleman. I was so proud of you for the

26 years you were here. Such a high achiever.

Were you really even here? The time

together went so quick. I have photos and

videos but struggle with the memories. Your

touch, your smell and just being your mum.

People say,

“you have the

memories”, but

memories fade

and I struggle

looking back. I

wish we had a

future

together—

marriage, a

daughter in

law,

grandchildren,

but I know that

will never

happen.

This isn’t the order of the Universe. No

parent should ever have to bury their child. The

pain doesn’t ease, you just learn to live with it. It

doesn’t show on the outside but it’s always there

like a dull ache.

Life goes on for everyone and I often feel

left behind because of the ache in my heart.

There is an emptiness, a void that can never be

filled. I accept my immortality in the hope to be

with Chris when my work is done here.

Ursula, mother to Chris Matthews

08/06/1982—Jan 2009

12

Healing Connections

Burswood-based Youth Focus

says suicide stats reveal need

for action Written by Aaron Corlett - Southern Gazette NEWS

DESPITE figures showing a drop in the number of

suicide-related deaths across Australia, Burswood-

based organisation Youth Focus believes more

investment and awareness is needed to save

young lives.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

report Causes of Death 2016 shows that 2866

people died from intentional self-harm in

Australia, compared to 3027 the previous year.

In WA, 371 people died as a result of suicide last

year, compared to 394 in 2015.

This included 54 young people aged

between 15 and 24, slightly down from 55 the

previous year.

Youth Focus community engagement general

manager Chris Harris said the rate of youth suicide

had reached crisis point and the statistics were a

“call to action”.

“The rate of suicide, which is the most

preventable cause of death in young people, is not

acceptable,” he said. “It is not OK that any young

person believes that ending their life is a preferred

choice.”

The ABS data shows suicide deaths

accounted for a greater proportion of Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander deaths at 5.5 per cent

compared to non-indigenous Australians 1.7 per

cent. "The data reflects high rates of suicide for

the traditional owners of our country,” Mr Harris

said.

“It is imperative that we work collaboratively

with Aboriginal communities to find the right

solutions to changing this.” Mr Harris said experts

were hopeful that the high number of young

people taking their own lives could be arrested.

“To reverse these numbers we have to work

together as a community,” he said. “It is a social

responsibility to ensure young people receive the

support they need at the earliest opportunity.”

If you or someone you know needs urgent

support, call the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300

659 467, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline

on 13 11 14. Courtesy of Community News

THE RIGHTS OF THE SURVIVOR 1. To mourn in his or her own way and within the

time it takes.

2. To know the truth about the suicide, to see the

body of the deceased, and to organize the funeral

with respect to one’s own ideas and rituals.

3. To consider suicide as the result of several

interrelated causes that produced unbearable pain

for the deceased.

4. To live wholly, with joy and sorrow, free of

STIGMA or JUDGMENT.

5. To have his or her privacy respected as well as

that of the deceased.

6. To find support from relatives, friends,

colleagues…..and from the professional helpers

who have knowledge and insight in the dynamics

of bereavement, potential risk factors, and in the

administrative consequences.

7. To be contacted by the clinician/caregiver (if

any) who treated the deceased person.

8. To not be considered as a suicide candidate or

as a patient.

9. To place one’s experience in the service of other

survivors, caregivers and anyone who seeks to

better understand suicide and suicide

bereavement.

10. To never be as before: there is a life before the

suicide and a life afterwards.

Source :- WERKGROUP VERDER – Belgium’s Suicide Support

Organisation.

13

Mondo Community Warriors (Mondo Butchers, Inglewood) for their donation of $2500.00 and Vince Ilarda from Mondo’s Warriors, for taking the time to come and

visit me. Phone: 9371 6350

Email: Princeofflesh@mondo.net.au

824 Beaufort Street, Inglewood WA 6052

59 Belmont Ave (08) 9365 9500

Thank you to Fuji Xerox Australia PTY Ltd. For all your support in printing our quarterly

Reflections newsletter.

SPONSORS

Thank you to the following sponsors:

RSL BELMONT Thank you for your contributions towards

our successful fundraising Quiz Night.

“The most beautiful things

in the world are not seen or

touched. They are felt with

the heart.”

Helen Keller

“At the darkest

moment...there is the

promise of daylight”.

London Times

“There were many ways of

breaking a heart. Stories

were full of hearts broken

by love, but what really

broke a heart was taking

away its dream – whatever

that dream might be

Pearl Buck

1892—1973

A big thank you to

FreoMama for their

fundraising donation

of $320

Thank you to

SHARON CAVES

& IAN HAND

For your continuous support

in donating prizes for our

Quiz Night.

Freo Mama is created by Emilia Gray of O Studios by Onesies & Co Portrait Photography.

14 14

REBUILDING LIFE AFTER GRIEF

Lionheart Camp for Kids is designed for families with children aged between 5—12 years following the death of

a parent or child within the family.

Contact Shelly Skinner, Program Director 0416 344 024 lionheartfoundationwa@gmail.com

Penny Tassone, Marking Director 0418 944 523

penny@themadempire.com.au

RAINBOWS FOR KIDS &TEENS

Rainbows Australia is a national not-for-profit organisation, as part of an international

organisation that fosters emotional healing among children and youth grieving a loss from a

life-altering crisis.

Sunbeams Info: By participating in SunBeams, children aged 3-6 have an opportunity to grieve the loss in their family and develop

appropriate coping mechanisms for life.

For more information please contact: Margaret Maassen, Rainbows WA, Registered Director

0402 738 570

Jenny Rea, Rainbows Director 94054681

ARBOR

ARBOR stands for Active Response Bereavement Outreach. It offers short-medium term counselling, referral, volunteer peer support and support groups to people who have lost loved ones to suicide.

Address 23 Adelaide Terrace East Perth WA, 6004 Postal Address GPO Box C138 East Perth WA 6892 Phone (08) 9263 2000 Email info@anglicarewa.org.au Web: www.anglicarewa.org.au

Under: relationships/suicide-prevention-

postvention

Help Available For Others

The Compassionate Friends Monthly Support

Groups at Heathridge Perth and Freemantle What others have said about our group gatherings:

“It has certainly helped me on my journey of grief. It is so

healing to meet with other bereaved parents. We can walk the

walk together and be with others who truly

understand and care”.

“You offered an experience which allowed me the peace,

space and environment to share my particular agony with

other bereaved parents who I know will become new friends”.

"“To be with people who experienced similar made

me feel normal".

“Such a unique opportunity to come and meet with others who

understand the pain of the loss of a beloved son or daughter.

Here you can immerse yourself in the comfort and warmth of

a dedicated team of bereaved parent supporters.”

"The biggest thing I took from the group meeting was being in

a safe place, surrounded by others who understand the grief

you are going through and being able to identify with each

other about the isolation and frustrations that grief brings"

Help in the office. Your time and assistance would be valuable to us.

URGENT REQUEST!! Please give your support by donating postage stamps. They are used to send out anniversary cards to grieving parents to give much needed

support.

The Worst Loss

“Every parent’s worst nightmare is to lose a child”.

This phrase may be a cliché but each year, for

thousands of parents and siblings, the nightmare

becomes a reality.

For over 40 years, The Compassionate Friends has

been offering support to families in their time of greatest

need from the only source that really understands—

other bereaved families. With mutual support, we guide

each other through the new world in which we find

ourselves.

Whatever the age of the child you have lost and

whatever the cause, we are here for you and we can say

truly:

“I know how you feel.”

The Compassionate Friends has no religious or political

affiliations. We are all one in our shared loss.

15

WEB SITES

For a list of grief sites please look at;

www.compassionatefriendswa.org.au

We also invite you to view The Compassionate Friends of Western Australia web and view web sights worldwide. You may also consider accessing email newsletter’s from TCF worldwide. We are truly a worldwide group and encourage you to make links when traveling.

Please let us know if you have changed your telephone number or your address.

If you would like your newsletter e-mailed, please contact us on

info@compassionatefriendswa.org.au If you no longer require the newsletter please or have changed your address, email or phone to

cancel delivery.

SIBLINGS: The Forgotten Mourners A Guide to Healthy Grieving

This DVD is intended to assist bereaved siblings to deal with the death of a brother or sister in a

healthy manner. $16.50 each plus postage $2.35 Please contact TCF Mandurah on 9535 7761

SUICIDE IN MEMORIAM BOOK

Please pass on your loved ones name direct to: info@perthcathedral.org

38 St George’s Terrace, Perth WA 6000

WE ARE HERE 2 Delhi Street, West Perth

A Worldwide Organisation

The Compassionate Friends of Western Australia strives to support families who have lost a child, regardless of that child’s age, throughout WA. We are a non-profit, non-government funded charity that provide peer call support, group meetings, a drop in centre, sending out quarterly newsletters, Anniversary cards, Walk of Remembrance and a Candlelight (non-religious) service at Christmas. We are run by volunteers and bereaved parents that are further along in their grief and wish to help others who have suffered this tragedy. Although we are not councilors, we encourage you to reach out to us. Although everybody’s grief is different, it helps to talk to someone who has actually had this tragedy happen to them. They WON’T say “I know how you feel”, as no-one can, but they will say “I don’t know exactly what you are feeling but this is how I felt when my child died”. We raise funds by holding events, charity drives and donations from our members and outside bodies. Although this is fantastic, we still struggle with the cost of keeping our doors open, so any suggestions on fundraising or donations are gratefully accepted, whether they be a prize for our quiz night or financial.

16

PEER SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS We invite and welcome our fellow bereaved parents to the following groups. We value your company and after the group session we welcome sharing of supper or lunch and friendships. You are most welcome to bring a plate to share. The group last approximately 2 hours for caring and sharing stories. Parent support groups start at 7.30pm and morning tea groups start at 10am. See you there”.

CITY WEST—PERTH

Call in Centre, Mon & Wed 10—2pm PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE on 9486 8711

FREMANTLE

2nd Wednesday of each month 7pm—8.30pm At: The Meeting Place

245 South Tce, South Fremantle Ring Margaret 0411 770 599 for details

HEATHRIDGE

4th Thursday of each month at 7.30pm At: The Spiers Centre, cnr Albatross Court and

Poseidon Road, Heathridge 9486 8711

MIDLAND To be confirmed at a later date.

PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE on 9486 8711

MANDURAH 1st Thursday of each month for bereaved

parents, grandparents and siblings. At: Eastlake Church, cnr Lakes Road and

Murdoch Drive, Mandurah 7pm—9pm

Office: Lotteries House, 7 Anzac Place, Mandurah. Phone: 9535 7761

MANDURAH SUICIDE GROUP

3rd Friday of each month At: Lotteries House, 7 Anzac Place, Mandurah

9.30am—12.30pm

BUNBURY 4th Wednesday of each month

Please ring Wendy first on 9725 0153

We need not walk alone. We are The Compassionate Friends.

We reach out to each other with love, understanding and with hope.

Our children have died at all ages and from many different causes, but our

love for our children unites us.

For any information, please call our office on 9486 8711 or 9486 8717

Our local call support volunteers are

Rhona and Lillian on (08) 9486 8711 Perth Jillian on (08) 9652 9017

for Badgingarra and Doreen and Peter Shorter on

(08) 9764 1101 for Ballingup

Donations always welcome to our account BSB 066001 Account no 10107668

To ensure that information is accurate and up to date, you and your call will be most welcomed. The Compassionate

Friends of Western Australia does not make any recommendations to any one view of grief or way of

mourning, as each of you will find your unique way of expressing your love and pain on the tragic death of your precious loved one. We provide a range of literature from

TCFWA and worldwide as well as a book library, plus professional input. These are provided knowing that you will choose and then respond in a way that you believe to be the best for you at any given time. We welcome the sharing of

your stories and poems in the newsletter so others know that they are not alone. “You will make a difference!”. The articles and written material in this newsletter may not represent the

opinions of TCFWA Inc members and associates.

THE COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS of WESTERN

AUSTRALIA Inc. City West Lotteries House, 2 Delhi

Street, West Perth, 6005 Office 9486 8711and

9486 8717 info@compassionatefriendswa.org.au Category A Charity No: 18526 ABN: 1741 750 2246

We Need Not Walk Alone