Red Nose
Beyond the Celebration: Providing a Shoulder for Bereaved Dads this Father’s Day
While Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the joy and love that fathers – and father figures – bring into our lives, we must also remember that this day can be marked by a bittersweet sadness for those who have experienced loss of their baby or child.
Every year in Australia, thousands of dads are devastated by the sudden and unexpected death of their baby or young child. Every year more than 3000 babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers die from stillbirth, SIDS and other accidental causes, while 1 in 4 pregnancies sadly ended in miscarriage.
Red Nose Australia supports grieving families through counselling sessions and their 24/7 support services, yet only around one in five of those who get in touch for counselling are men. Sadly, there is still a stigma around men talking about their emotions and mental health – but the fact is fathers need our support as much as mothers do.
Red Nose Australia invited bereaved fathers to participate in a series of videos titled “Father’s of Loss” – created especially for bereaved dads who may find it challenging to reach out for help.
The series is 10 short videos features dads of all walks of life, including AFL player Rory Sloane and former manager of The Wiggles Paul Field.
Sometimes as friends and family, we don’t know how to support those who have gone through this unimaginable loss. But what’s important is that we step outside our comfort zone and let the family know we are here to support and listen to them. Sometimes keeping our distance to ‘give them space to grief’ is not the support the family needs.
One of the father’s Craig – dad of Sarah – reflects on how friends and family were helpful after their loss. He said, “I want people to ask me how I am, but ask it in a way that really created a space for me to speak my truth.”
Acknowledging the important role of mates, the videos are dedicated to providing advice for friends and family on how to best support a grieving fathers, with some of the advice provided directly from the dads themselves:
- Honouring the Child: Acknowledge was here and born, say their name
- Reaching Out: Extend a supportive hand even if it’s uncomfortable for you,
- Offering Help: Show your support by expressing, “I want to do this for you, would that be okay?”
You can watch the videos at rednosegriefandloss.org.au/fathers-of-loss
Bereaved Father’s Day Sunday 27th August – a week before Father’s day on Sunday September 3rd
The Red Nose Grief and Loss Support Line is available 24/7 for anyone affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, baby or child death on 1300 308 307
