Community Care & Wellbeing Program
The Community Care & Wellbeing (CCW) program provides activities, events, tools and resources, creating a safe space for people to connect and normalise conversations about grief and death.
Aims of the program
SMCT proudly supports our community through innovative and inclusive programs like the Community Care & Wellbeing (CCW) program. This program aims to help people through grief by providing:
- tools and resources
- wellbeing activities
- general-interest activities
- a safe space to connect our community to a broader support network
Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences in life. Grieving is natural, and everyone copes differently. Remember to practice self-care and give yourself time to heal. Lean on friends, family, or professionals for support, and cherish special moments. You are not alone in your journey through grief.
Contact us: 0428 213 776 | care@smct.org.au
“I was deeply touched by the courageous families who came along to share their story, I connected with so many people and was able to share and learn a great deal.”CCW visitor
“A peaceful place of calm serenity surrounded by beautiful gardens.”CCW visitor
“Warmth of staff and the high quality of the activities.”CCW visitor
“Understanding everyone's grief is different and it can take many years to unravel.”CCW visitor
“I look forward to connecting again through other events and workshops at SMCT.”CCW visitor
“Friendships made and healing and learning discovered.”CCW visitor
CCW Monthly Schedules
Click the month of your choice below to view the CCW schedule. You can also download a copy.
Upcoming events
CCW runs regular events at our cemeteries and memorial parks to support you through your grief and to help you honour the life of a loved one. Explore and book our upcoming activities, events, and online services.
Navigating Grief at Springvale
- Springvale Botanical Cemetery
- 2 April 2025
Facilitated group discussion - Discuss the emotional, physical, and spiritual ways we can help to support ourselves during times of despair and sorrow.
ANZAC Dawn Service
- Springvale Botanical Cemetery
- 25 April 2025
Join our inaugural ANZAC Day Dawn Service as we reflect and remember the service and sacrifices of all who have served for our country.
National Miscarriage Awareness Day: Butterfly Garden Launch
- Bunurong Memorial Park
- 4 May 2025
This year we warmly invite you to join us to acknowledge National Miscarriage Awareness Day at a remembrance service, followed by the formal opening of Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust's highly anticipated miscarriage/early pregnancy loss memorial garden at Bunurong Memorial Park.
Recommended articles
Creating community and connection: Grieving Together Grief Retreat
- 12 September 2024
The annual retreat intends to bring together people to gain greater knowledge and understanding of grief and how to process it.
- Community Care & Wellbeing Program
- Events
5 reasons to try yoga or mindfulness to help you cope with grief
For Carmel Arnold an out-of-the-blue encounter with yoga as a teenager was all she needed to fuel a lifelong passion.
Supporting community together: Miscarriage Information Support Service
- 8 October 2024
Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT) has collaborated with Miscarriage Information Support Service (MISS) for many years, co-hosting events and creating an inclusive space to acknowledge miscarriage and early-pregnancy loss.
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Dying to Know at SMCT
- 24 August 2023
In August, SMCT partnered with Grief Australia to host a ‘Death Café’ style event in honour of Dying to Know Day.
- Community Care & Wellbeing Program
Honouring Remembrance Day at Springvale and Brighton
- 14 November 2024
Every year on November 11 we commemorate Remembrance Day, the anniversary of the moment in 1918 when the gunfire on the Western Front fell silent and the Great War ended.
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10 inspirational quotes about overcoming grief
Here are ten of our favourite quotes about overcoming grief that we hope will bring you solace.
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Small things like a song or a memory trip us up, and then there’s the big one—your loved one’s first anniversary of death.
How to support a grieving colleague
Supporting your grieving colleague can help make a very difficult time easier, but it can be very hard to know what to say or how to help. These are our tips.
Be kind to yourself
Here are a few ways that you can begin to self-care and refill your cup. You can only be there for others when you yourself are ok.
Flowers and their meaning – one for every occasion
We dive into some of the meanings of different flowers so you can give an extra special flower arrangement for your next occasion.
Online Wellness Video Series
Self-care is vital to navigating grief. Make self-care part of your everyday. We’ve developed these free online classes to help you nourish your body, mind, and spirit. Explore our full series of self-care videos on YouTube. External site
Online Wellness Video Series
Resources to support your journey
Here are some valuable resources that may support individuals who have lost a loved one. These articles, guides, and links can provide comfort, practical advice, and emotional support during a challenging time.
Are you grieving?
SMCT works closely with like-minded partner organisations dedicated to supporting people experiencing grief. Together, we facilitate the connection to reputable support services, provide a safe space to remember our loved ones, gain deeper insights into our grief, and connect with others who truly understand our experiences. If you are currently experiencing grief and are looking for more immediate support, our monthly schedule (hyperlink) includes "Navigating Grief", a small group session facilitated by a counsellor designed to create a safe space to share tools and support each other.
Urgent assistance
If you are in an emergency or are at immediate risk of harming yourself or others, please call 000.
For 24/7 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services, contact Lifeline by calling 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.
Further support from specialist organisations
If you or someone you know is going through grief, remember that seeking support is a crucial part of the healing process. Whether through professional help, peer support groups, or personal reflection, these resources can offer valuable guidance.
The below partner organisations may be able to provide additional support or resources.
Grief Australia – https://www.grief.org.au/External site
MISS - https://www.miss.org.au/External site
TCFV - https://www.compassionatefriendsvictoria.org.au/External site
Griefline - https://griefline.org.au/External site
Standby Support After Suicide - https://standbysupport.com.au/External site
Office of Australian Wargraves - https://www.dva.gov.au/wargravesExternal site
RSL Victoria - https://rslvic.com.au/External site
Blue Ribbon Foundation - https://copshop.com.au/External site
Red Nose - https://rednose.org.au/External site