Grief Support Groups
Healing Together: Grief Support Groups in Maitland
Grief is a deeply personal journey, but it doesn’t have to be faced alone.
Volunteers for Palliative Care (VFPC) is proud to offer a new service to the Maitland community. Our Grief Support Groups are led by a dedicated team of Volunteers, each equipped with specialised training in grief, loss, and group facilitation. But what sets them apart is their personal experience with grief. Many of our volunteers have navigated their own losses and have spent years supporting Maitland families touched by terminal illness and bereavement.
Our grief groups are more than just a safe space to talk — they’re a place to be heard, seen, and supported by a community that understands. These groups create an environment where vulnerability is welcomed, healing is shared, and moving forward becomes a little easier.
Our grief support groups are proudly sponsored by Friends of Palliative Care Inc. and NSW Health. Their continued support enables us to provide this invaluable service free of charge. We are grateful for their commitment to supporting our community.
What You Need to Know About Our Grief Support Groups
Where?
Our grief groups are held in a welcoming, accessible and private space at Club Maitland City in Rutherford, NSW.
How Much?
All our sessions are completely FREE to attend. We also provide tea, coffee, and refreshments to help create a comfortable and supportive atmosphere.
Who Can Attend?
Our groups are open to anyone in the Hunter region who has experienced the loss of a loved one due to life-limiting illness, and who is at least 4 months post-bereavement. We offer a welcoming, non-religious, and culturally sensitive space where people from all backgrounds are embraced and supported.
How to Book?
To ensure the group is the right fit, please reach out to our Intake Coordinator, Kate. She will have a friendly, confidential conversation with you to discuss suitability and availability.
What to Expect?
After speaking with Kate, you will be allocated to a group that best suits your needs — either during the day or in the evening, whichever suits you. Group sizes are kept small (maximum of 6 people) to ensure everyone feels supported and heard. The sessions will be run monthly, over 4-6 months, allowing time for meaningful connection and healing.
For those who may not need long-term support, we also offer one-off groups. These sessions focus on strategies for managing difficult milestones, such as anniversaries or holidays. Topics include “How to get through Christmas” and “How to navigate birthdays and special occasions.”
If you or someone you know is navigating loss from a life-limiting illness, please consider joining one of our groups. Start today with a call to our Intake Coordinator Kate, on 0407 06 28 23.
Grieving takes time, and healing takes support
