Resources
Navigating the topic of death and dying can be challenging. Whether you’re planning ahead or coping with the recent loss of a loved one, having some guidance can be invaluable. Here are some resources to help you begin this journey.
Your grief is unique to you
Everyone grieves in their own way and there are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ ways to grieve.
Other factors, such as culture, gender and belief systems can also influence the ways you grieve. It is a highly personal experience, and at SMCT we understand the importance of respecting that each and every individual will have their own way of grieving.
When a loved one dies, people often find coping with grief difficult. This grief can then present itself in poor mental health and make daily life a struggle.
For urgent assistance to make arrangements for someone who has recently passed, please call 1300 466 904.
Read our 10 steps guide answering the questions often asked by families when planning a burial, funeral or memorial service:
“[Grief] is the normal, natural and inevitable response to loss, and it can affect every part of our life, including our thoughts, behaviours, beliefs, feelings, physical health and our relationships with others.”Grief Australia
Support services
Our Community Care & Wellbeing program offers resources to help you connect and explore your wellbeing and self-care following the death of a loved one.
However, we are not a counselling or crisis support service. If you are feeling distressed or in need of extra counselling, we strongly recommend that you reach out to our partner organisation, the Australian Centre for Grief and BereavementExternal site on 1800 642 066 or 9265 2100.
If you need additional grief counselling or support, you can contact the following organisations:
- For 24-hour phone support contact Lifeline, call 13 11 14.
- Beyond Blue: For mental health and wellbeing support, phone 1300 22 46 36.
Helping yourself during difficult times
If you are grieving, you may not be putting your needs first. However, taking the time to look after yourself can make a big difference to your wellbeing. The following suggestions may help you to get through some difficult times:
Helping yourself during difficult times
- Try to delay major decisions that cannot be reversed for 6–12 months, e.g. disposing of belongings
- Keep a diary or journal
- Create a memorial
- Develop your own rituals, e.g. light a candle, listen to special music, make a special place to think
- Allow yourself to express your thoughts and feelings privately, e.g. write a letter or a poem, draw or collect photos
- Exercise to use pent-up energy, e.g. walking, swimming, cycling, gardening
- Draw on your religious or spiritual beliefs and practices
- Explore other people’s experiences through books, movies and articles
- Do things you find relaxing and soothing, such as drawing, writing or listening to music
- Try self-care, including meditation, relaxation and massage
- To help with sleeplessness, exercise, limit alcohol and caffeine and try to maintain a routine, especially around bedtime
Books to support the grieving process
“In the case of good books, the point is not to see how many of them you can get through, but rather how many can get through to you.”
Mortimer J. Adler
Books to support the grieving process
- Dying to Know: Bringing Death to Life – by Andrew Anastasios
- Coping with Grief - by Mal & Dianne McKissock
- Stuck for Words - What to Say to Someone Who Is Grieving - by Doris Zagdanski
- After Life, After You – by S.K. Reid
Popular articles
Costs and how to compare prices
Costs will depend upon the memorial location within the cemetery and the type of memorial option chosen.
Funeral Etiquette
In the article, we explain some of the etiquette surrounding funerals and the grieving process
What should you say to someone after a funeral?
It's important to balance conveying your sympathies without trivialising their grief.
10 inspirational quotes about overcoming grief
- 22 May 2025
Here are ten of our favourite quotes about overcoming grief that we hope will bring you solace.
Funeral Planning
Costs and how to compare prices
Costs will depend upon the memorial location within the cemetery and the type of memorial option chosen.
Deciding between burial and cremation
Many people have a preference, but if you’re not sure, this information may help guide you.
5 things you need to know when planning your own end-of-life care
- 17 July 2023
End-of-life planning involves making decisions about the type of medical treatment you would like to receive if you become seriously ill or incapacitated and unable to make your own decisions.
- Planning
Choosing the right cemetery
Choosing the right cemetery is an extremely important decision as this determines where family, friends and future generations can remember and honour a life.
How to find the right funeral director for you
Planning for a loved one’s funeral can seem like a daunting task – but the right funeral director can make the process much simpler.
Attending a funeral
What should you say to someone after a funeral?
It's important to balance conveying your sympathies without trivialising their grief.
Funeral Etiquette
In the article, we explain some of the etiquette surrounding funerals and the grieving process
Grief and support
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
10 ways to cope with your loved one's first anniversary of death
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.
5 reasons to try yoga or mindfulness to help you cope with grief
- 30 March 2022
For Carmel Arnold an out-of-the-blue encounter with yoga as a teenager was all she needed to fuel a lifelong passion.