The official newsletter of Bears Of Hope Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Mother’s Day Special Edition Edition, May 2015

Contents: 1. Our Vision, Mission and Values Contact details 2. Welcome from our Vice President 3. Messages of Love 4. Leo’s Story

“It’s Not All Black & White” Feature Film 5. “Surviving Mother’s Day” from our Support Counsellor6. “An Empty Cradle on Mother’s Day” by Kerri-Anne Hinds Mother’s Day High Tea event details7. 7th Annual Benefit Ball Event Details 8. Beards Of Hope info Starting your own fundraiser Bears Of Hope Apparel9. 2015-16 Entertainment Memberships 10. Bears Of Hope Support Packages11. Resources: Book, CD and Jewellery Collection Social Media links 12. Support Groups, Play Groups & Skype Support13. Our generous partners

1

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: support@bearsofhope.org.au

General EnquiriesPh 1300 11 BEAREmail: contact@bearsofhope.org.au

Newsletter EditorRosalind AvellinoEmail: editor@bearsofhope.org.au

Our Annual Sydney Mother’s Day High TeaSee page 6 for details

If you are a family member or friend of a bereaved mother, it may be helpful to ask her how she may be spending her day. This can help guide you to better support your friend and her wishes during this time.

Please know that Bears Of Hope provides both face to face and online support groups and we are also only a phone call away for support during this time. If you are attending our Sydney High Tea event on the 9th May, we hope you feel a sense support being surrounded by those who understand.

I hope that others are sensitive to your loss this Mother’s Day, remember and acknowledge you as a mother and provide support where needed. Remember, you are a beautiful mum and have every right to acknowledge your motherhood and your baby.

“The essence of motherhood is a woman loving a child unconditionally”. You are that mother. You own that title. It may not be the way any of us had planned, but you are one remarkable mum who loves fiercely and lives courageously every single day, facing life after the greatest fall of all.

With hope,

Toni Tattis Vice President & Co-Founder

Welcome! Mother’s Day is generally considered a day of celebration, but for countless grieving mothers it is a terribly painful day to face and experience. This stands true for many bereaved mothers who also have earth children.

You may have already started to notice or feel the momentum of Mother’s Day approaching through the TV commercials, online advertisements or whilst you’re out and about.

Whether this is your 1st or your 30th Mother’s Day, please know you are not alone and are all in our thoughts during the lead up and on this very special day.

As the beautiful mum to your precious child/children who live within your loving heart, it may be helpful to plan this day in a way that is important to you or you may prefer to just take it moment by moment. Whether that means having a quiet day in, a day out to a special place of remembrance or going away for the weekend, we wish you a gentle day filled with love and support.

Kelly, our Bereavement Counsellor, has included an article for this Mother’s Day edition and provides some suggestions on how you may like to spend this day.

2

“She is just as real as mums with living children. For she is still a mother.She is the bereaved mother.”

- Lindsey Henke

Messages of Love Dear Annabelle,

A few well-meaning people may greet me with delight that this will be my first Mother's Day. In actual fact, it will be my 4th. The first one I remember was spent with you in my belly and having lunch with family discussing potential names for you. Little did they know, we'd already decided you were Annabelle.

The second Mother's Day was spent with BabySo in my belly and you in my heart. It was spent in trepidation not knowing what the future would hold and whether I would be a mother in an everyday kind of way.

The most recent Mother's Day was filled with mixed emotions. I had Jema in my belly and held you and BabySo in my heart. I was much more hopeful but the Mother's Day greetings to me were sparse. But that was ok. I retreated from the world for that one day.

So this year and probably every year from now on, Mother's Day will remain bittersweet. Although I hold Jema lovingly in my arms, they ache as I cannot hold you and cuddle you the way I hold her.

Missing you on this special day.

Love Mummy.

~~~~~

To our precious Ava Grace,

We love and miss you and can't wait to see you in heaven one day. We will never forget the joy you brought to us in the short time we knew you.

Love you so much our tiny princess.

All our love, Mummy, Daddy, Ella and Oliver xxx

~~~~~

“Beautiful baby of HeavenYou are such a precious oneYour life was lost and you’re surely missedA darling little baby like my brother

Beautiful baby of HeavenMay you stay close to meI may not see but I can feelA sweet little baby like my brother

Beautiful baby of HeavenMay you fly above the treesWith wings made of love you’ll catch any breezeA cute little baby like my brother

Beautiful baby of HeavenMay the stars watch over youAnd guide you through night and darknessA brave little baby like my brother

Beautiful baby of HeavenMay the rain fall down when you cryAnd the sun shine brightly at your smileA happy little baby like my brother, Huon.”

- Tahryn Anderson, age 10.

3

In Honour of Alexandra Lau

I write this in honour and remembrance of our beautiful daughter, Alexandra Lau, born sleeping at 38.5 weeks on 13th February 2015. After a very healthy 9 month pregnancy, our baby girl’s heart unexpectedly stopped beating one day. She was perfectly formed. They could find nothing wrong with her.

No words can describe the depth of our sadness and loss. We love her and miss her every day. Our arms, every fibre of us, aches to hold her body once more and we long to gaze upon her beautiful face once again.

Why was our time with our daughter cut so short so suddenly?

Why was our baby girl taken from us without the chance to grow up and live life?

Perhaps one day we will emerge from this fog and be able to look back and realise how our daughter made us stronger, kinder or more compassionate people. Perhaps we will look back and see how she transformed the journey of our lives.

For now, I hold onto the words of an unknown person…

“Cling to the knowledge that you will survive this. When you don’t believe you will get through another moment, another hour, another day, cling to the knowledge that you will survive”.

We must be strong and live on but we wait for the day we get to see you and hold you once more… when we will meet again in heaven. We miss you and love you, Alexandra, more than words can describe.

Love from your Mummy and Daddy, Elaine Cheung and Jonathan Lau.

~~~~~

To our Little Sprout,

2 years have passed since you so briefly came and went.As the birth of your rainbow brother or sister approaches I sometimes still get caught up in the thoughts of what could or should have been. But then I must remember what is. You changed me.

Love mummy xx

If you would like to submit a Message of Love to your Angel included in the next edition, please email Rosalind editor@bearsofhope.org.au

4

“My beautiful little Leo,

It amazes me how the great love shared between a mummy and daddy creates such new beautiful and wonderful little human being. Your dad and I spent so long wanting a family of our own, we went through many ups and downs trying, but we were determined to have the child we so desired.

I remember the day I got the positive test and your dad’s reaction, we were so excited at the thought of becoming parents. When we were told you were going to be a boy and saw you for the first time during our first ultrasound scan all warm and cosy inside me, our already growing love for you increased by a million. Daddy was already talking about buying motorbikes and all the camping and fishing trips in the years to come. The excitement he showed was infectious.

Over the coming months we enjoyed watching you grow and develop, your changing face always in my dreams. I started to feel you kick at 20 weeks - at first I wasn’t sure it was you, but I remember one weekend I was very fond of cheese sandwiches and after every sandwich you move and kick around. It was then that I knew my boy was a strong one and loved cheese.

It was around this time that the debate on your name was settled: Leo - a beautiful strong name for a strong Edgar boy. Your middle name was very sentimental to mummy, Heath, after your great aunty Heather, who I loved very much. Leo Heath Edgar.

Daddy was adamant that you would be a superhero boy and your room was to be decorated with the things that he loved as a child. Aunty Emma helped by making the best mobile to make all the other boys jealous.

With 15 weeks to go daddy and I were wishing those weeks away, we were so desperate to meet you and hold you in our arms. Unfortunately mummy got really sick but that didn’t seem to bother you too much, you were still happy inside me, wriggling around, giving the midwives and doctors grief when trying to find you on ultrasound and CTGs. “Wow! He is a very active baby” they would say.

Monday the 2nd of February mummy’s doctor said it was time, you would need to come early. We were both very scared, but mummy was sick and couldn’t keep you safe any longer. The doctors would take care of you now.

I remember your dads face when they pulled you out, you gave 3 little squeaks, and the teary eyes your dad had were the same joyous eyes that looked into mine on our wedding day.

We visited you in the NICU everyday as often as we could, daddy sat with you when mummy couldn’t, we both took in your beautiful features, your feet, hands, button nose and black hair. Looking at you I see your dad, you were strong, of course you’re both an Edgar and a Perry. You were with us 4 ½ days, 4 ½ beautiful, unforgettable days. We were complete, a family. Your dad and I will always cherish those days spent with you, holding and kissing you, for the rest of our lives. I am so very lucky to have your dad, he is where you got your strength and good looks. I love him and you so much, and I will see your face each and every day I look at him.

Leo you will forever be in mine and your dad’s thoughts, our hearts, and our dreams. We love you, sleep now, we will see you again. Goodbye our brave boy. “

- Leisa & Dion Edgar

“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

5

Surviving Mother’s Day Mother’s Day… a day that is known as a celebration of honouring motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of mothers in society. But when we are a parent who has experienced infertility, pregnancy loss or the loss of a child then the word “celebration” can feel so confusing… how can we celebrate this day when it is a reminder to what is absent in our world?

If you feel this confusion, then you are not alone. As a parent who has experienced pregnancy or infant loss you may feel uncertain on where you fit in the day – a parent whose arms are empty but whose heart is full of love, just like any other mother. A maternal bond that is so strong it becomes painful to think of Mother’s Day and how it will be spent without your child here with you.

To celebrate means to “publicly acknowledge a significant event with a social gathering or enjoyable activity”. I want to focus on those words I have put in bold because I am sure there is not one mum reading this that would deny the creation of their child was a significant event, and while a social gathering may not be something you are ready for right now there are ways to make this day one that enables acknowledgement because this day is about bereaved mums too. It is about the love you have and about the pain you carry so deeply within because being a Mum is also about the tough times, the moments that in society we often keep quiet and to ourselves, the moments wish we could go back and change.

Like most public events, Mother’s Day can increase anxiety levels, sleep-disrupted nights may reoccur and tears may begin to fall when you least expect. The grieving that might have subsided may re-emerge as you put thoughts (or even try not to think) on how to prepare for the day. It is a day that can trigger a flood of memories and strong emotions with thoughts of remembering the day your world came crashing down and how things could be different “if only”.

If public celebrations and social events are not on your radar for this Mother’s Day then perhaps an activity that brings you comfort is the way to commemorate. Performing a ritual like lighting a candle, releasing balloons or visiting a significant place may help provide that comfort and healing to your aching heart as may some of the below thoughts.

• Write a poem or letter to express your emotions about Mother’s Day and how it makes you feel. Talk with your partner and ask them how they too are feeling and how you can manage this day together.

• Lean on Family and Friends. Spend time with those who understand how you might be feeling rather than those you feel obliged to see. It is ok to avoid pregnant woman and newborn babies.

• If a big family event is not something you feel you can do, then give yourself permission to not attend and make another time to see your mother or mother-in-law. Remember a mother’s love is both ways and hence your pain is something they should feel and understand as well.

• Don’t try and minimise your loss. This is significant to you and you are allowed to feel the way you do, even when there are good things happening around you. We do not have to push our grief aside to be thankful for the things we have to be happy about.

• Give yourself a break. Treat yourself to a favourite food, special place or personal item.

• Buy yourself a gift that is from your child. Find something that you can add to each year such as a charm bracelet, a special quote or remembrance figure.

Even though there is an absence of child with you physically, that lump in your throat and the tears in your eyes are proof that you are a mum… now and always.

We hope this Mother’s Day is one that illuminates the love you hold and that this can be expressed in a way that feels right for you and not by the way people think you should or ought to be doing on this day.

If you are concerned about how you are feeling or want to chat more about your grief then please contact me at support@bearsofhope.org.au

Kelly Merchant Bereavement Support Counsellor

An Empty Cradle on Mother’s Day “A cradle stands empty on this Mother's Day,because even though I am a mummy my baby didn’t stay.I can only get angel kisses that fall down from up above,but just because I can’t see them doesn’t lessen the love.  If you have an earth angel please hug and hold them tight!I would do anything to be holding mine and to have them in sight.But today I can only remember and fantasize about what should be;having my baby here, and in my arms, with them smiling at me.    I miss my baby oh so much but today I miss them even more.Normally it is just a constant ache but today my heart is sore.It is days like this that I wonder if other mummies can see,that just because I can’t hold my baby I am just like she.    I still love, wish and wonder, about my little one.I worry if they are okay and if they are having fun.Please don’t forget the mummies like me on a day such as this,cherish your child always and cherish each wet little kiss!   Although I am so happy to see all the new babies born,don’t forget us mommies who only have babies to mourn.Today is a hard day, but really we just want you to know,though our child you can’t see, our love for them does grow.   

So we too are mummies, you just have to look a little harderto see that we care and carried just like every other mother.Some had their babies for just moments, others for a little while.And although you can not see them, above we feel our child smile.    So on this Mother’s Day take a moment to remember how lucky you are.That you can hold and touch your children knowing they are near not far.I know sometimes they make you angry or keep you up all night,but for me all I have today is a dancing flame as I sit in candle light.  Some other mummies do have living children but also angels up above.Think of them too and remember they are also missing the extra love.I wish all the mummies with angels that do live so farknow that you are still a mummy no matter where your children are.” ©Kerri-Anne Hinds

Mother’s Day High Tea Please join us for High Tea to honour our very special mums. This event is always a very special and touching day and we'd love for you to be a part of it.

Date: Saturday 9th of MayTime: Starting at 3pmVenue: Lachlan's Restaurant, Old Goverment House, Parramatta Park Pitt Street, Parramatta NSW 2150Cost: $50 per person - book here: http://www.bearsofhope.org.au/a/343.htmlEnquiries: Please email social@bearsofhope.org.au

Please Note: Tickets MUST be purchased prior to 30/04/2015 as we are personalizing gifts for the mum's attending. Once you have purchased your tickets please email social@bearsofhope.org.au with details of your attendees and any baby(s) you may be attending in honor of. Friends, Mums, Aunts, Grandparents and of course Dads are welcome to join us, but please remember ALL Bears of Hope Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support events and support groups are intended for adults only, unless stated otherwise. In the event of your children of any age being present at an adult-intended event, regrettably we will not be able allow your entry. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. Please be advised that there may also be other bereaved mums that are in a subsequent pregnancy that attend our events. Neither Bears of Hope, its management or its volunteers will be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of, or in any way related to the groups or events.

6

7TH ANNUAL BENEFIT BALLB E A R S O F H O P E P R E G N A N C Y & I N F A N T L O S S S U P P O R T

DAT E : SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST 2015 ✯ V E N U E : WATERVIEW IN BICENTENNIAL PARK

A D D R E S S : BICENTENNIAL DRIVE, SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK NSW (Entrance of f Australia Avenue)

T I M E : 6 :30PM-11:30PM ✯ D R E S S : FORMAL ✯ COS T : $130* PLUS BOOKING FEE.

Adults only event. Ticket includes canapes and drinks on arrival, beer, red, white & sparkling wine and soft drink, 3 course alternate serve meal, dancing, candle lighting, prizes & auctions. *Please note that ticket purchases are non-refundable.

B A L L E N Q U I R I E S & B O O K I N G S : BALL@BEARSOFHOPE.ORG.AUWe would love for you to donate a voucher, gift or service as a prize on the night. We rely heavily on these to make our major

fundraiser the most successful it can be to continue our support services. If you can help us by please get in touch with us.

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 your hard 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

7

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 ball@bearsofhope.net.au

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.

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 fundraising@bearsofhope.org.au for more information

8

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

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.

If you reside in WA and would like to hold a fundraiser for Bears Of Hope, please get in touch with us:

fundraising@bearsofhope.org.au

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

The new 2015-16 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 2015-16 Entertainment™ Membership.

ORDER NOW!

Or contact Melinda Parker with enquiries minna77@outlook.com

Ph: 0405 411 011

9

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 contact@bearsofhope.org.au for more information.

10

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

11

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: amanda@bearsofhope.org.au• 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: amanda@bearsofhope.org.au• 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: support@bearsofhope.org.au or call 1300 11 HOPE• Light refreshments are 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: emmalenesutherland@yahoo.com.au

12

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 support@bearsofhope.org.au 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 support@bearsofhope.org.au if you are interested in coordinating this group.

SingletonPlease email toni@bearsofhope.org.au who is available to meet with parents over a coffee.

PenrithPlease email support@bearsofhope.org.au 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 support@bearsofhope.org.au 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: amanda@bearsofhope.org.au• Please bring a plate of something to share.

Central CoastTime & venue varies - please email support@bearsofhope.org.au for information.

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

13

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

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

www.bearsofhope.org.au