beyond the bear - autumn 2015
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The official newsletter of Bears Of Hope Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Autumn Edition, March 2015
Contents: 1. Our Vision, Mission and Values Contact details 2. Welcome from our President 3. Summer Garden Of Angels “It’s Not All Black And White” Feature Film 4. Messages of Love Evie’s Christmas Lights Display Coin Donation Boxes 5. “Is it normal?” from our Bereavement Support Counsellor6. Volunteer Positions available How to start your own Fundraiser7. Givematcher Business Appeal 8. City2Surf Fundraising Incentives 9. Dick Smith Foods Charity Giveaway Beards Of Hope… coming soon! Bears Of Hope Apparel10. Details of our 7th Annual Benefit Ball11. Donate to our Benefit Ball Testimonials & photos from last year’s Ball12. 2015 Entertainment Memberships13. Bears Of Hope Packages14. Resources: Book, CD and Jewellery Collection Social Media links 15. Support Groups, Play Groups & Skype Support16. Our generous partners
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Vision To provide leading support and exceptional care for families who experience the loss of their baby.
Mission Bears offered at every hospital providing vital Early supportAn Australia wide program which provides timely andRelevant information to families who experience Stillbirth, miscarriage, neonatal or infant loss
Ongoing comfort and a lifetime of support From families who understand
Helping to challenge and shape beliefs surrounding lossOutstanding carePassionate pregnancy & infant loss supportEducation and awareness
Values • Committed to achieving our vision with integrity.• Dedicated to and passionate about making a difference.• Respecting grief is personal and unique.• Every family has the right to be offered support without judgement.• Equal acceptance and acknowledgement of every loss.
Bears Of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Inc. 9885618
Website www.bearsofhope.org.au
Postal address PO Box 352 Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768
Contacts Grief SupportPh: 1300 11 HOPEEmail: [email protected]
General EnquiriesPh 1300 11 BEAREmail: [email protected]
Newsletter EditorRosalind AvellinoEmail: [email protected]
Bears Of Hope Apparel now selling on our website!See page 9 for details
Welcome! Hello and welcome to our new subscribers.
It’s hard to believe that we are already hitting Autumn. I really struggle with just how quickly I feel life is passing by these days. Our stillborn son’s 9th birthday was in January and I truly feel like that was a lifetime ago and I get sad about the distance in time since I held him in my arms. 9 years, so many people expect that I’m over my grief - but grief has no time line, no deadline and whilst I am certainly a long way past the agonising daily dark place, our sadness will never entirely leave.
But just as grief has no time line or deadline, neither does Hope. Our family works hard to live a fulfilling life with hearts that are filled with Hope. This is obviously a challenge at times but it is a conscious choice that we constantly have to make to ensure that we do not fall into those depths of anguish and darkness again.
There are may exciting things on the calendar this year and ways that we would love to have you get involved and get out in our communities to let them know who we are! Our Benefit Ball is August 22nd this year and we are urging our supporters to come along and enjoy a night of support, healing and celebration of our children. If you can’t make it, we would love for you to send a donation of a gift card - every bit counts and makes a difference to our growing support groups and our organisation.
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Registrations for the fun-run season have started and there are so many wonderful ways that you can take part!
This year we will finally have a House of Hope open to the public - can’t quite put a date on it just yet but it will happen this year and truly change the way we are delivering our Beyond the Bear services.
For now though we have been able to extend our phone and email counselling. We now offer Skype counselling sessions with our Support Co-ordinator Kelly Merchant, which is a wonderful addition to the services we already have available and now makes it possible for parents to get that face-to-face counselling in the privacy of their own home.
We’d love to hear from you about how Bears Of Hope has helped you, or perhaps a friend or family member - write your testimonials to [email protected] and remember to keep our online guestbook up to date!
Our Mothers Day newsletter will follow this Autumn edition, and we invite you to share your stories or send in a message of love to be included. They can be sent to [email protected] and keep an eye on the Facebook page and website for our mothers day events.
With hope,
Amanda Bowles President & Co-Founder
“Winter is an etching, spring a watercolour, summer an oil painting, and autumn a mosaic of them all.”-Stanley Horowitz
Our Autumn Garden of Angels Johnathon Colin Shannon 1 Mar 2010Tom Travis Southern 8 Mar 2012Bridgette Faith Hebb 16 Mar 2011Charlotte Mills 25 Mar 2011Benjamin Colin Kelly 27 Mar 2013Sophie Thomlinson 28 Mar 2010Jasmine Miller 31 Mar 2009Viviene Sarah Elizabeth Connolly 31 Mar 2009Cooper William Morrison 31 Mar 2014Tianna 2 Apr 2011Angel Sainani 2 Apr 2012Lucas Kevin Sherriff 4 Apr 2012Elizabeth Anne Boykett 4-5 Apr 2013Dylan & Reid Johnson 5 Apr 2011Isabella Wren Diefenbach 6 Apr 2010Lucas John Tesoriero 8 Apr 2013“Butterfly” Johnson 12 April 2008Stephen Whelan Carroll 12.4.85-1.6.85Benji "Bubba" McNamara 13 Apr 2010Little Boy Corcoran 17 Apr 2014Cooper James Tattis 22 Apr 2002Kaitlyn Annie Tattis 22 Apr 2002Karoline Anne Hyland 22 Apr 2009Katherine Anne Hyland 22 Apr 2009Aimee Isabelle Merchant 24 Apr 2007Luca Cristina Adelbert 30 Apr 2010Randall Rose Green 2 May 2013Lucy Louise Lance 2 May 2013James Tattis 6 May 2004Armani Rose Rooth 6 May 2012Tadpole Stewart 7 May 2010Joshua Scott Cambey 7 May 2007Brock Geoffrey Riddiford 10 May 2010Addison JOhnson 10 May 2009Mikaela Mae Harris 11 May 2004Angel Timmins 11 May 2004Samuel Liam Clarke 13 May 2009James Turner-Bowes 14 May 2009Beau Taylor 22 May 2009Rhys Alan Tattis 24 May 2001Bradie Kevin Patrick Moore 24 May 2004Little Girl Corcoran 28 May 2013Peter Sklibosios 29 May 2009Oliver Robert Humble 31 May 2014
“It’s Not All Black And White” At our Benefit Ball last year we were so proud to launch this powerful and honest short film about pregnancy & infant loss.
“It's Not All Black And White” shares the stories of five families who have experienced the loss of their precious babies through miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal loss (loss in the 28 days of life).
It is an essential film for everyone to see - it provides education and insight for those who have not lost a child as well as support and acknowledgment for families who have.
Pregnancy & Infant Loss does not discriminate. It cares not about race, financial status or health. It effects so many families worldwide yet it is still considered taboo to talk about. Only by BREAKING THE SILENCE can we heal together as communities, nations and as one united human race. Only then can we give a voice to this devastating loss and find HOPE in the journey ahead.
In developed countries alone:• 1 IN 4 WOMEN WILL EXPERIENCE MISCARRIAGE• 2% OF FAMILIES WILL EXPERIENCE THE LOSS OF THEIR
CHILD THROUGH STILLBIRTH OR NEONATAL LOSS
Numbers are even higher in developing nations.
Pregnancy loss is common but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt.
You can watch this moving film here:http://vimeo.com/76042283
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If you would like to have your Angel listed in the relevant quarterly newsletter, please email Rosalind [email protected] with your Angel’s name and date of birth.
Please note that we only publish names and dates for angels that fall into the months for that season's particular newsletter.
Visit www.givematcher.com.au
Messages of Love Dear Emma, we miss and love you every day. Love mummy and daddy, your grandparents, uncle & aunt, along with your godparents Rodd, Susan, and Justine.
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~*~ My Angel Babies ~*~Dedicated to the 6 angels that occupy my heart & soul.
“I wish that I had known you, that I had seen your face,This world was just to damaged, you're to preciousfor this place.You hold your tiny halos, your wings they hold you tight,Heaven holds you each as I think of you each night.I know each of your names and I wish that you were here,Know you’re in my heart and mommy's always near.Some day I'll find my way to rock you late at night,I'll stumble from the darkness and head into the light.Though I can not hold you now, know this much is true,Never for a moment did I not love each of you.I would have traded places gladly, can't you tell,When you were lost to me this life became more Hell.I wish that you were here my loves, but I know thatyou're not far.My heart is with you my loves, every where you are.I feel as though I failed you as your mother and his wife,I would gladly die for each of you to give you each your life.I love you more than you could know, you're my angels in the sky,Never doubt my love for you, every night I still cry.You can not imagine little ones what you mean to me,You are the family that I wanted, someone to hold so dear,My little angels that I lost and how I wish were here.My angel babies I do not hold but they hold my head and heart,One day I will be with them and never again will we be apart.”-Danielle Johnson
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"Sometimes the littlest things take up the most roomin your heart.”
-A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
Happy 1st Birthday to our little man Cooper William. We love and miss you each and every moment of the day, but are blessed to have held you in our arms. Have a happy birthday with your big sister and your angel friends up in the clouds. Lots of love Mummy & Daddy xx
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Evie’s Christmas Lights Display “Unexpectedly, we went into labour at 23 weeks and 2 days. On 22nd June 2011 we sadly gave birth to our firstborn, a beautiful daughter, Evangeline Frances. She lived in our arms for an hour and a half before she breathed her last breath.
For the four Christmases we've got through since losing our daughter we've sought to cheer ourselves up, and to brighten the season for others in our community, by festooning our house in gorgeous Christmas lights. Our annual 'Evie's Christmas Lights Display' gets a lot of attention locally to our delight and pride because it takes us two and half weeks to get everything up and running.
We love the opportunity it gives for chatting to our neighbours and other locals but we most look forward to speaking with other parents who have lost a child that gravitate towards our display and the banner for Bears of Hope which we've kindly been allowed to display for fundraising purposes. They come forward with their own stories of heartbreak and share the companionship of parents who have also felt the darkness of grief and anger and hopelessness.
In our case we are blessed with a wonderful rainbow boy who is now 2. He knows about his sister, Evie, and blows her a kiss goodnight each night. We hope our visitors leave our bright display feeling a touch lighter in heart and that they feel some peace and serenity from speaking of their child, or children, to us. We are Wil and Alex Long at 37 Bellotti Avenue, Winston Hills. Our lights are on from 1st December through to the end of the first week of January.
Make a huge difference with small change! Are you looking to support Bears Of Hope but have limited time?
We invite you to place a coin box collection at a local shop and help raise funds for Bears Of Hope.Very easy to set up! Money collected once a month! Minimal paperwork to complete!
Register your fundraising interest viahttp://bearsofhopecommunityevent.gofundraise.com.au/cms/fundraisingapplication
Or email [email protected] for more information
Is It Normal? It is a question often asked to me:– Is it normal to feel this way, to react this way, to grieve this way.?
The death of a baby is one of the most devastating experiences that can occur to a parent and the way we react will depend on life experiences that occurred prior to that heart breaking moment in time, the way we are treated at the time of our loss and the way we are supported after our loss. There is no one way, no “right” way and there is no grief path that says each day has to be better than the next. Yet, while grief affects people in different ways, many parents experience similar “symptoms” when they’re grieving.
If you are in the first few weeks or months of your loss then there is good chance that you may feel all or more than what I have highlighted. Sometimes you may feel like you’re going crazy, like you are in a bad dream and you may be questioning everything around you.
So, what is normal when grieving the loss of a child? There is no order in these feelings, you may feel all of them at once or some may come and go as the months tick over. Grieving is not a stage process, we change depending on our triggers.
• You may have poor sleep, lowered appetite, low moods and change in sexual desire.• You may feel numb, have feelings of emptiness, despair, yearning for a baby (your baby) or deep loneliness even when surrounded by
people.• At first, you may feel your baby’s loss is not “real” or refuse to believe it has occurred. You may have feelings like you are still
pregnant.• You may feel disconnected from others and have conflicting thoughts about those that are pregnant or have newborns around you.• You may feel guilt about not initially feeling heartbroken, guilt about things you did or could have done. You may feel guilt about
thinking of having another baby, guilt about smiling and thinking of happy times.• There can be mood swings and feeling teary and emotionally unstable.• There can be waves of sadness and anger which can be overwhelming at times and come on suddenly or “out of the blue”.• You may feel anxious, helpless or insecure. You may have panic attacks. The death of your baby may trigger fears about your own
mortality and that of loved ones. Fear of facing the future, of returning to work or family and social events can also occur.
So, how can we manage our days and what can we do to help ourselves through?
It takes energy to grieve – what we take out we need to put back in so we can have the energy to tackle the days ahead. It is important to remember to give yourself space to think, to process that day where life changed, to be aware of what makes you feel supported and what just adds to and complicates the grief.
It is important to have “me time”, to be able to stop and to breathe and to work through the ever changing emotions and thoughts – go for a walk, find a quiet spot to think, write your thoughts down, join a support group (in person or online) but more than anything give yourself the permission to feel what you feel on any given day.
If you are concerned about how you are feeling or want to chat more about your grief then please contact me at [email protected].
Kelly Merchant Bereavement Support Counsellor
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Volunteer Positions Available We are seeking two enthusiastic and well-spoken people with a drive to get results.
1. Volunteer Corporate Supporters Co-ordinator
About this opportunity:We are seeking a great communicator with expertise in admin and proficiency in Excel & Word to work with our corporate partners, ensuring documentation and relationships are well kept.
As organisations are required to enter a trader agreement to partner with Bears Of Hope, the successful applicant will approve applications once all details are correctly submitted.
A spreadsheet will be required to be updated for renewals, and contact with companies to enhance relationships will be ideal. Knowledge of laws for traders agreements are desirable.
Express your interest here: http://volunteer.com.au/Opportunity/Details/59494
2. Volunteer Grant Researcher/Writer
About this opportunity: The Grant Researcher/ Writer will help to generate funds by researching and writing grants proposals. There is potential for several candidates to share the duties depending on time available, experience/skills and interests.
Duties:• Become familiar with potential relevant funding sources (There are many government and non-government providers of
grants).• Compile required information needed to apply for grants.• Awareness of deadlines and future grant openings.• Compose and send proposals.• Maintain records and keep track of proposals.
Express your interest here: http://volunteer.com.au/Opportunity/Details/59639
If you would like to be part of the volunteer team at Bears Of Hope in any capacity and have an interest inhelping us provide leading support and exceptional care for families who have experienced the loss of their baby,
we would love to hear from you. You may have a small or large amount of time to commit, so we can discuss what involvement might be suitable.
Would you like to raise funds for Bears Of Hope? Bears Of Hope rely heavily on the community to fundraise to be able to continue our valuable support services. We are so grateful
and thankful for all the amazing support we have received over the past 8 years.
We currently have fundraising licences for NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, TAS, NT and SA. We apologise to all WA residents who wish to fundraise for us as we are currently unable to accept any fundraising until we attain our licence. However, you are most welcome to
make donations through our website. We hope to have our WA licence in the near future.
ALL fundraising, whether it is collecting donations, holding a raffle or trivia night, MUST be registered with Bears Of Hope BEFORE you begin fundraising.
Register here to receive your Fundraising Authority Number: http://bearsofhopecommunityevent.gofundraise.com.au/cms/fundraisingapplication
Have your donation matched today! All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Bears Of Hope have partnered with Givematcher who deliver a unique service that allows you to have your charitable donation matched by companies and philanthropists of your choice. Which means you get to give more to us than you actually donate!
Help drive more donations to Bears Of Hope to assist us in supporting families through their loss.https://www.givematcher.com.au/campaigns/bears-of-hope-pregnancy-infant-loss-support-inc/donations/new4
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These businesses have already signed up! We have 3 caring companies already matching your donations to our charity:Hills Swimming, Emma Steen and Polyglot Group.
Donate to us this month and your money will be DOUBLED*. Donate now at https://www.givematcher.com.au/bears-of-hope-pregnancy-infant-loss-support
(*Up to the total monthly amount offered by our matching businesses and philanthropists)
We are looking for businesses who are socially minded or a philanthropist who would liketo support our charity through Givematcher. Please get in touch us through Givematcher:www.givematcher.com.au
Great
Incentives!
More information: www.bearsofhope.org.au/events/city2surf2015
Get Involved!
Upcoming Fundraisers 2015 City2Surf Fundraising Incentives
$150+ • 1 Bears Of Hope standard T-Shirt*• For every $45 you raise, a Bear of Hope will be donated in memory of a baby special to you.
$300+ • 1 Personalised Bears Of Hope T-shirt or Singlet *• For every $45 you raise, a Bear Of Hope will be donated in memory of a baby special to you.
$1,000+ • 1 Personalised Bears Of Hope T-Shirt or Singlet*• 1 Bears Of Hope Cap• For every $45 you raise, a Bear Of Hope will be donated in memory of a baby special to you.
$3,000+ • 2 personalised T-shirts or Singlets*• 2 Bears Of Hope Caps• 1 ticket to the Bears Of Hope Ball**• For every $45 you raise, a Bear Of Hope will be donated in memory of a baby special to you.
$5,000+
• 2 Personalised T-shirts or Singlets*• 2 Bears Of Hope Caps• 2 Tickets to the Bears Of Hope Ball** • For every $45 you raise, a Bear Of Hope will be donated in memory of a baby special to you.
$10,000+ • 2 Personalised T-shirts or Singlets*• 2 Bears Of Hope Caps• 2 Tickets to the Bears Of Hope Ball**• Buy a Brick on wall in memory of your baby (in BOH new premises)• For every $45 you raise, a Bear Of Hope will be donated in memory of a baby special to you
$20,000+ • 4 personalised T-shirts or Singlets*• 4 Bears Of Hope Caps• 4 tickets to the Bears Of Hope Ball** • Buy a Brick on wall in memory of your baby (in BOH new premises)• For every $45 you raise, a Bear Of Hope will be donated in memory of a baby.
Would you like to take part this year? Go to http://www.bearsofhope.org.au/events/city2surf2015
Guidelines: 1. Each fundraiser (participating as an individual or within a team) must create a fundraising page through the Everyday Hero
City2Surf Campaign to be eligible for the incentives.
2. Two people maximum are permitted to share the one fundraising page and the same incentives apply to each fundraiser. E.g. if $3000 has been raised, it would be divided by 2 = $1,500 each which means the $1,000 incentive would apply to each of them.
* Shirt incentive needs to be achieved by SUNDAY 12th JULY 2014 in order for shirts to get printed and posted in time to you before the event. We will still honour the incentive if you reach it after this date, however, the shirt may not arrive in time for the event.
** The fundraising target to receive a Benefit Ball Ticket must be achieved by TBA. Confirmation of your attendance MUST be made to [email protected] with any dietary requirements. Please note that Bears Of Hope will do our best to place you on a preferred table, however this may not occur due to this last minute seating arrangement.
We wish you all the very best in reaching your fundraising goal and helping us support 2222 families in 2015.
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The Dick Smith Foods Foundation is running a charity giveaway!
How does it work? It’s very simple! Just take a photograph of any Dick Smith Foods product(s) in your pantry and email it to
[email protected] together with your nomination for the charity you wish to
support. Over $6.5 million has been given away so far!
You can also include your name and it will be added to the Dick Smith website so you know you have reached us and
your vote has been recorded.
The charities with the most votes will share in $1 million in donations from the Foundation.
www.dicksmithfoods.com.au
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Register now!www.beardsofhope.com.au
Bears Of Hope Apparel Our latest range of Apparel is available for purchase on the website for those who are participating in fundraising events.
Unisex Adults T-Shirt $40Kid’s T-Shirt $35Women’s Running Singlet $40Men’s Running Singlet $40Embroidered Cap $40
T-shirts & running singlets can be personalised at no extra cost.
Order online: http://www.bearsofhope.org.au/a/378.html
Beard Season
Coming Soon!
Book Here!
For further information relating to attendees at our events or support groups please email [email protected].
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I haven’t been before, what will it be like? Here is what some of our guests said about last year’s Ball…
“It was a truly amazing night. Thank you to all the volunteers and management for all yourhard work on the night. Without you guys the night would not be as successful as it is. Thank you for allowing us to honour all our babies with our friends and family. “-M. Morrison
“Such an amazing uplifting and beautiful night. To be in a room full of love for each other and our beautiful babies. The volunteers did an amazing job. So very grateful to be a part of it. Will be on our calendar every year.”-R. Webb
“What a truly magical way to celebrate all our beautiful babies… I was blown away by the buzz that was in the room from the moment we entered the room… all the effort that went into the guests outfits, the effort that went into the decorations on the tables and all the time and effort that went into acknowledging each and every child represented in the room. The slideshow was very touching. The MC spoke well and conducted the evening beautifully. Amanda's speech was very touching and inspirational and made us feel that we are all on the journey of grief and one day I hope that we, too, can be survivors like her. There was so much going on with the prizes etc and the night went so quickly. After all the tears, and there have been trillions this year, it was really nice to let our hair down and enjoy the night for what it was. We had two tables there and all the guests have sent us messages today saying what a beautiful night it was. So thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are so truly appreciative of all that the team at Bears of Hope have done for us this year. Xoxo.”- M. Parker
Help us out! Do you work for OR know of a business that may be able to donate to the big night?
We are currently seeking prizes for our auctions, raffles and lucky dips. We are also seeking samples to be included in our gift bags that each of our attendees will receive on the night. We are estimating between 350-400 guests for 2015.
To learn more about our sponsorship packages, please email [email protected]
The Bears of Hope Benefit Ball is a night to not just raise much needed funds for Bears of Hope, but also for bereaved parents, along with their friends and family, to celebrate and honour their babies.
Grab your family and friends and book a table at our 7th Annual Benefit Ball. We promise it will be a night you will never forget.
Since our first Benefit Ball in 2009, the night has grown dramatically. Over 6 years the Benefit Ball has raised over $120,000 for Bears of Hope.
The new 2014/2015 Sydney Greater West Entertainment™ Memberships are available now and packed with thousands of up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers.
This year you have the choice between the Entertainment™ Book Membership
and the new Entertainment™ Digital Membership!
From every Entertainment™ Membership we sell, 20% goes towards our fundraising!The more Entertainment™ Memberships we sell, the more we raise, so please tell your family and friends!
For just $65, you'll receive over $20,000 worth of valuable offers. Use just a few of these offers and you'll more than cover the cost of your Entertainment™ Membership.
Please remember to reference Bears of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss Supportwhen registering your 2014/2015 Entertainment™ Membership.
ORDER NOW!
Or contact Amanda Bowles with enquiries [email protected]
Ph: 0439 643 203
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Bears Of Hope Support Packages Bears Of Hope have a vision to offer personal guided support to all families before they leave the hospital from a miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal or infant loss. We hope to soften the devastating fall for parents by wrapping them in our love and support right from the very beginning and provide them with the most crucial information they need to know before leaving the hospital without their baby.
The "Bears Of Hope Gift Package" Project for our Early Support Program was launched throughout Maternity Hospitals of Australia in January 2011. Both our “Early Support” and “Beyond the Bear” Programs are highly supported but we need your help to continue this very important service.
We currently provide three Support Packages to meet the more personal needs of families:
Hope Package - Early Miscarriage Loss SupportDonated to support families who experience an early pregnancy losswhere they don't have the opportunity to see and hold their baby.
Sophie Package - Mid to Full Term Loss Support
Donated to support families who experience the loss of their baby duringand after birth who are not transferred to Intensive care. This is where familieshave the opportunity to see and hold their baby which includes late miscarriage,stillbirth and loss shortly after birth.
Xavier Package - Neonatal or Infant Loss Support
Donated to support families who experience the loss of their babywhilst in Intensive Care, Special Care Nursery or Paediatric Intensive Care Units.
Our Support Packages include: • A Bear of Hope keepsake: Sophie, Xavier or Hope teddy bears. • “Creating a Lifetime Of Memories In Just One Moment" Booklet: a must have guide for parents to create cherished memories with a ‘no regrets’ outlook, and to immediately connect parents with our parent support network. • A Candle. • Seeds of Hope (Forget-Me-Not Flowers). • Journal / Notepad and Pen• A Photo Frame with sunset and poem "A Life So Brief, A Child So Small, You Had The Power To Touch Us All". • Guidance Brochure for family and friends on how to support parents. • Standard Brochure about Bears Of Hope.• Our Song “Live Among Angels” on CD.
Our items are of high quality and each item has been deliberately chosen by our executive committee of bereaved parents, to meet the very early and ongoing needs of parents.
How you can help • Set our program up in your local hospital - Please contact us for further information.• Donate a Bears Of Hope Package in honour of your baby to a hospital• Create an online fundraiser for family and friends to honour your baby and support another family. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Allied Health Services Our Gift Packages come at no cost to hospitals across Australia. We can deliver as many as you need for as long as you need. If you find that there is something else you would like us to provide your families within this bag, or to omit, please let us know so that we can better assist you in your role. Please email [email protected] for more information.
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A child's journey through the loss of their baby brother or sister can be filled with sadness, confusion, anger, and loneliness. It can also be filled with incredible love and gentle remembrance.
“I Have a Baby Sister in Heaven” acknowledges and honours the special connection a grieving, young girl continues to have with her sister who now lives in heaven.
Purchase your copy here: www.tonitattis.com
Bears Of Hope has created it’s own beautiful song “Live Among Angels” to help grieving parents.
Please visit our website to purchase the CD: www.bearsofhope.org.au/a/269.html
Or visit iTunes to sample and download the song:www.itunes.apple.com/au/album/live-among-angels-bears-hope/id406221882
“Live Among Angels” Music CD
Bears Of Hope is proud to partner with Aurea Designs to bring you a range of Bears Of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss memorial jewellery items. We have worked closely with Aurea Designs to put together this range which represents and embodies Bears of Hope and all that it entails.
Furthermore, the relationship with Aurea Designs is not simply one in which jewellery is made, it is one where Aurea Designs will donate 10% of every piece of jewellery purchased by a Bears of Hope member to the Bears of Hope cause.
You can view and purchase pieces from this stunning collection here:www.bearsofhope.bigcartel.com/products
“I Have a Baby Sister In Heaven” by Toni Tattis
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Keep up to date with events and fundraisers throughout the year by visiting theBears Of Hope Fundraising Portal:
www.bearsofhopefundraisingportal.gofundraise.com.au/cms/home
Jewellery Collection
Facebook Getting on Facebook has been a great way for us to create pregnancy and infant loss awareness, help raise our profile and maintain regular contact with the community. Keep up to date with our program by Liking our Page and please recruit your family and friends. We also have a range of private support groups on Facebook so that parents, friends and family have the opportunity to connect with each other for support. Parents are also able to connect with each other
through the Bears Of Hope they have received and donated, as well as to build friendships with others who have experienced baby loss. These groups are closed and secret so you will need to request to join.
Twitter You can now also follow us on Twitter to get the latest updates on our events, sponsors and fundraisers. We welcome
you to communicate with us, retweet our posts and help spread the word!
Support Groups Our parent-led groups are a wonderful avenue to make connections, develop friendships and feel supported throughout your grief journey. Some of our groups are also facilitated by a psychologist and are a free service to families.
Please note: there may be other bereaved mums that are in a subsequent pregnancy that attend these meetings. These are informal gatherings of bereaved parents – neither Bears Of Hope, it’s management nor it’s volunteers will be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of, or in any way related to the groups.
Sydney
Hills DistrictVenue: Garden Room Level 1, Castle Grand,At: Cnr Castle & Pennant Streets, Castle HillTime: 7.00-9.00pm When: First Friday of the MonthRSVP: [email protected]• Dinner can be arranged at an additional cost. Facilitated by our Psychologist, Sally Findley, who is available during the evening at no cost to you.
Northern BeachesVenue: Nelson Heather CentreAt: 2-6 Jackson Rd Warriewood
(carpark entry via Boondah Rd) Time: 7.30-9.30pmWhen: Last Wednesday of the MonthRSVP: [email protected]• Facilitated by our Psychologist, Sally Findley, who is available during the evening at no cost to you.
SutherlandVenue: Stapleton Avenue Community Centre
Meeting Room 2 **We will also be running a 6-week Grief Workshop, please email to register your interest**At: Cnr Stapleton Road and Belmont StreetsTime: 7.30pm - 9.30pm When: First Tuesday of the MonthRSVP: [email protected] or call 1300 11 HOPE• Morning Tea is provided.
Regional NSW
Central CoastVenue: Meeting Space 2, Erina CentreAt: The Hive, Erina Fair Time: 7.00-10.00pm When: Third Friday of the MonthRSVP: [email protected]
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Skype Support A Skype 10-week Grief Support Workshop is proposed for each Thursday evening from 7.30-8:30pm. Max 6 people to the group. Facilitated by a Counsellor.
Requires you to have Skype installed. Suitable for those that are approx.12months from the date of loss.
The next workshop has not yet been scheduled. Please email [email protected] for more information or to register your interest. Available to Australian Residents only.
More information about Support Groups Central CoastPlease call Emma Sutherland on 0412 563 446 for more information.
NewcastlePlease email [email protected] if you are interested in coordinating this group.
SingletonPlease email [email protected] who is available to meet with parents over a coffee.
PenrithPlease email [email protected] for information on the support group for this area.
Support Leaders needed! If you are interested in becoming a Support Group Leader, hosting a Play Group or a organising casual Coffee Meeting, please email [email protected] or call 1300 11 HOPE.
Play Groups Bears Of Hope Playgroups are an opportunity for siblings to play and comfortably talk about their Angel brother or sister with other children that understand what it is like. We welcome any mums that are expecting a new baby after a loss as this is an opportunity to talk to others that have been through a pregnancy since their loss also.
SydneyVenue: KenthurstTime: 10:30am-1:30pmWhen: First Tuesday of each MonthRSVP: [email protected]• Please bring a plate of something to share.
Central CoastTime & venue varies - please email [email protected] for information.
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“Little Big Love” is a book containing an anthology of stories by women and men affected by miscarriage, aged between 17-78 and challenges the medical profession to update its practices and procedures so as to offer more effective support to women who have been through the experience.
10% of net sales will be donated to Bears Of Hope. https://www.facebook.com/Littlebiglove.com.au or www.littlebiglove.com.au for more information.
Aurea Designs will donate 10% of every piece of jewellery purchased by a Bears of Hope member to the Bears of Hope cause. This includes all jewellery, from a
stunning custom made engagement ring, premium Raymond Weill watches through to remodelling of jewellery you already own. It also includes the Bears Of Hope Jewellery Range. Remember to mention Bears Of Hope when making your purchase: www.aureadesigns.com
Herbert Smith Freehills is an Australian-based international law firm. They back up their commitment to providing innovative, commercial legal advice to clients around the world, with the resources and expertise of around 1000 lawyers, including more than 200 partners across offices in Australia and South-East Asia.
Their support and advice is invaluable and their commitment to our program is incredible. They do all our work for Bears Of Hope pro-bono and we are incredibly grateful. See their website for more info: www.herbertsmithfreehills.com
Hanako Therapies herbal blends are formulated to support the mind, body and soul.15c from every bottle sold worldwide will be donated to Bears of Hope.
http://www.hanakotherapies.com/pages/our-story
Keep It Unique Keepsakes will donate 15% of your sale to Bears Of Hope upon mention of our name.www.keepitunique.com.au
Little Silver Prints will donate 15% to Bears Of Hope from all orders from the Bereavement/Remembrance range.www.littlesilverprints.com.au
www.acs-group.com.au
Our Generous Partners
