Grief & Support
Supportive information and free Australian services for grief and bereavement. ELUMMA is not a crisis service — if you are in danger, call 000.
Immediate danger? Call 000. Need urgent emotional support?
000You don’t have to know what kind of help you need
Grief affects everyone differently. Below you’ll find plain-English information about grief, practical ways to cope, and free Australian support services. You can read as much or as little as is helpful.
Understanding grief
Grief is a natural response to loss. There is no single right way to grieve, and no fixed timetable.
Different experiences of loss
Circumstances and relationships shape how grief feels. No experience is identical to another.
Supporting someone who is grieving
Being present matters more than finding the perfect words.
Work and daily life
Grief can affect everyday tasks. Small adjustments can help.
When more support may help
Grief is not a problem to be cured, but extra support can help at times.
Cultural and faith differences
Mourning practices and expectations differ across cultures, religions and families.
Practical grief support
Small, practical steps can help you get through difficult days.
Types of professional support
Different supports suit different needs. Some are free; others may have fees or eligibility.
Verified support directory
Free and low-cost grief support — showing services available across Australia. Some services are free; others may have fees or eligibility — check directly with the provider.
Beyond Blue
Free, confidential support for anxiety, depression, grief and related concerns, available by phone or online chat.
24 hours, 7 days
Griefline
Telephone grief support, resources and community information for people experiencing loss and bereavement.
Check the service’s website for current availability.
Kids Helpline
Free, confidential phone and online counselling for young people aged 5 to 25, for any reason.
24 hours, 7 days
1800 RESPECT
Confidential counselling for people affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence.
24 hours, 7 days
Lifeline — 24/7 crisis support
Free confidential telephone crisis support, 24 hours a day.
Kids Helpline
Free counselling for young people aged 5 to 25.
Beyond Blue Support Service
Information and support for anxiety, depression and bereavement.
Practical free help alongside grief support
Grief can be intertwined with financial pressure and caring responsibilities. These free national services can help with debt, financial counselling and carer support.
ELUMMA puts useful free and low-cost help first. Paid partnerships do not determine this order.
National Debt Helpline
FREEFree, confidential financial counselling for anyone struggling with debt or financial difficulty — including after a death. Run by Financial Counselling Australia and funded by the Australian Government.
Eligibility: Available to anyone in Australia. Mon–Fri, 9:30am–4:30pm (AEST/AEDT). Live chat and self-help tools are available on the website.
Services Australia — Financial Information Service (FIS)
FREEFree government information service about financial matters, including how aged-care accommodation, superannuation and the Age Pension interact. An information service — not personal financial advice.
Eligibility: Available to anyone. Book a phone appointment or attend a seminar through Services Australia. Confirm current details on the official site.
Carer Gateway
FREEFree Australian Government support for unpaid carers, including counselling, planned and emergency respite, skills courses and tailored support packages.
Eligibility: For people providing unpaid care to a family member or friend with disability, a medical condition, mental illness, or who is frail aged. Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm; emergency respite is available at any time.
Ask ELUMMA about grief
If you are not sure what kind of help you need, you can ask ELUMMA a question. Ask ELUMMA does not replace crisis support \u2014 if you are in danger, call 000.
Sources & further information
Information on this page is general guidance and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional advice.