Media Release

21 March, 1997

 

Hard Medicine: A Journey in Adult Bereavement: Launch of Video and Directory of Bereavement Support Services

Bereavement is an experience which, sooner or later, affects us all. It can take a long time to come to terms with the death of someone close in our lives. It can also be difficult to know how to help a bereaved person in pain. Research demonstrates that, compared to non-bereaved people, the bereaved show higher rates of mortality, suicide, anxiety, depression and other health problems. Although the intense pain of loss cannot be taken away, these health risks can be significantly reduced by effective social support.

 

Hard Medicine is a video documentary that is a sensitive and compelling portrayal of the grief process complicated through issues such as multiple loss, sudden death and suicide. Four bereaved people talk candidly about their experience, survival and the struggle to accommodate grief into their lives.

 

The video documentary was produced by the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement with funding assistance from the Department of Health and Community Services. The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement is a new independent, not for profit organisation which opened in January 1996. Its mission is to provide, through education and training, optimum support for all bereaved people to assist in their recovery and prevent chronic illness and ill health. The Centre is a statewide service which receives operational funding through the state palliative care program of the Department of Human Services.

 

Ms. Rosemary Calder, Manager of Services Redevelopment, Department of Health and Community Services will also launch a free directory of Bereavement Support Services in Victoria.

Media are invited to attend.

Where: State Film Centre, Lower Plaza Level
1 Macarthur Place, East Melbourne

 

When: Thursday 10th April, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

 

For further information and interviews contact:

Chris Hall, Director, Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement
tel (03) 9545 6377 or mobile 0419 381 377 or AH (03) 9754 4402.

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