Restore and Relate Weekend is a specialised program delivered by Bears of Hope to support mothers navigating the profound grief of pregnancy and infant loss. Recognising that loss can deeply impact relationships, communication, and emotional wellbeing, the weekend provides a safe, trauma‑informed environment where mothers can pause, reconnect, and restore their bond while honouring their ...
Bears of Hope Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support
Restore and Relate
GOAL
$10,000
Australia > National / Multi-state > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Community and economic development
- Health/wellbeing and medical research
Target Population
- General population
- General population
Bears of Hope Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support
Bears of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Inc is a registered Australian charity providing trauma‑informed, culturally sensitive care to families who experience the devastating loss of a baby. Established in 2002 by two bereaved mothers, Bears of Hope has grown into a national organisation offering comprehensive support services that ensure no parent walks this journey alone.
At the heart of its mission is the commitment to deliver dignity, choice, and connection. Bears of Hope provides immediate comfort through its signature Bears of Hope packages, gifted to families in hospitals across Australia. These packages acknowledge the loss, offer resources for grief, and connect families to ongoing support. Beyond this first touchpoint, the organisation delivers counselling, peer‑led groups, online communities, and specialised programs tailored to the diverse needs of parents, including fathers, couples, and families in rural and remote areas.
Bears of Hope also invests in systemic change, advocating for improved bereavement care within healthcare and correctional settings, and equipping professionals with training to respond compassionately and effectively. Programs such as the Sport & Support Weekend for fathers and reflective workshops for couples highlight the organisation’s innovative approach to inclusive, gender‑sensitive care.
With Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) endorsement and active registration with the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission (ACNC), Bears of Hope is recognised for its transparency, accountability, and impact. Guided by directors with lived experience of pregnancy and infant loss, the organisation ensures authenticity in every initiative, empowering families to navigate grief, honour their children and rebuild with resilience.
Project Summary
Restore and Relate Weekend is a specialised program delivered by Bears of Hope to support mothers navigating the profound grief of pregnancy and infant loss. Recognising that loss can deeply impact relationships, communication, and emotional wellbeing, the weekend provides a safe, trauma‑informed environment where mothers can pause, reconnect, and restore their bond while honouring their child.
The program blends structured therapeutic exercises with gentle, reflective activities designed to strengthen emotional integration and relational resilience. Mothers participate in facilitated sessions that explore grief, communication, and coping strategies, alongside creative practices such as journaling, ritual, and shared reflection. These activities encourage participants to express their grief in ways that feel authentic, while also learning to listen and respond to each other with compassion.
Beyond structured sessions, the weekend offers space for rest, peer connection, and private reflection. Participants benefit from the presence of trained facilitators who provide guidance and emotional safety, while also engaging with others who share similar experiences. This balance of professional support and peer solidarity helps reduce isolation and fosters a sense of community.
Project Outcomes
The Restore and Relate Weekend is expected to deliver significant benefits for bereaved mothers by reducing isolation and stigma, improving emotional wellbeing, and strengthening self‑compassion. Through trauma‑informed facilitation, reflective exercises, and peer connection, participants gain practical coping strategies to manage grief and anxiety while reclaiming a renewed sense of identity and agency. The program fosters lasting peer networks that extend beyond the weekend, ensuring ongoing support through Bears of Hope’s community groups and online platforms. Families benefit indirectly as mothers return home with greater emotional capacity, improved communication, and stability, while broader community resilience is enhanced through the ripple effects of stronger family relationships and peer‑led networks. Outcomes will be measured using pre‑ and post‑program surveys, facilitator observations, participant reflections, and follow‑up engagement data, ensuring both quantitative and qualitative insights into the program’s impact.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $15,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Donations from bereaved parents | $5,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Accommodation for 12 Bereaved Parents | $4,500 |
| Function Room Hire | $1,000 |
| Stationary Printing | $350 |
| Care Packs for support | $275 |
| Exercise Tools (stones, journals) | $550 |
| Interstate Flights for 6 participants | $1,200 |
| Transport and Transfers | $650 |
| Counsellor Facilitation | $1,500 |
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