The people who help Dads.
Red Nose, Bears of Hope and Heartfelt were with our family through the worst days of our lives. Love From Dad’s group chat has been a great place to talk. Here’s what each of them does for Dads, and how to reach them.
Red Nose
Formerly Sands Australia. When a baby or child has passed on, at any age.
How they help Dads
- A 24/7 support line
- A Men’s Grief program, with ways to connect that suit Dads
- Talk with another bereaved Dad: up to three booked phone calls
- Counselling and support groups
Good to know
- The 24/7 line is for any time: the first night home, or years later
- Calls with another Dad are booked ahead, and aren’t a crisis line
- They also have resources for employers and colleagues
Bears of Hope
Pregnancy and infant loss support. Started in 2002 by two bereaved mothers.
How they help Dads
- Free counselling
- Support groups, in person and online
- A WhatsApp group just for Dads: share a thought or a photo with Dads who get it
- A Dads Sport & Support Weekend: time out with other Dads
Good to know
- They also provide support packages and cuddle cots to hospitals
- Parent support weekends and grief workshops run through the year
- Check their events page for the next Dads’ weekend
Heartfelt
Volunteer professional photographers. Founded in Melbourne in 2010 by a bereaved Dad.
How they help Dads
- Free professional photographs of your little one, taken gently, with your family
- Photographers can come to the hospital
- Families receive prints and digital copies
Good to know
- For families after stillbirth, and for premature or seriously ill children
- Ask your midwife or hospital social worker, or request a session through Heartfelt
- These photos can become the most precious things you own
Love From Dad
Dads supporting Dads after stillbirth, termination for medical reasons, miscarriage and infant loss. Built by Wren’s Dad, in memory of Wren.
How they help Dads
- A private WhatsApp group for bereaved Dads across Australia and beyond: talk, listen, or just sit quietly with Dads who get it
- Weekly updates in the group with resources and support options
- Podcasts and conversations with Dads who’ve been there
- Unspoken Journeys: Dads’ own stories, in their words
Good to know
- To join the group, email matt@
lovefromdad.com.au or message @love.from.dad on Instagram, and Matt will help you in - You don’t have to talk. You can just be there
- It isn’t a crisis or medical service
lovefromdad.com.au@love.from.dad on Instagrammatt@
“Matt from Love From Dad was incredibly warm and welcoming, and their WhatsApp group has been a great place to talk.”
SMS4dads
Text messages for Dads.
How they help Dads
- Grief text messages for 15 weeks, written with Dads who’ve been there
- Built with Red Nose
Good to know
- Free, and you read them in your own time
- Good if you’d rather read than talk
Every service we point Dads to
| Service | What | Contact | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Nose | Phone 24/7, counselling, calls with a bereaved Dad, groups | 1300 308 307 | 2 Oct 2026 |
| Bears of Hope | Counselling, groups, the Dads’ WhatsApp group, the Dads’ weekend | 1300 11 4673 | 2 Oct 2026 |
| Heartfelt | Free professional photography | heartfelt.org.au | 2 Oct 2026 |
| Love From Dad | A private WhatsApp group for bereaved Dads, podcasts, Dads’ stories | lovefromdad.com.au | 2 Oct 2026 |
| SMS4dads | Grief texts for 15 weeks | sms4dads.com.au | 2 Oct 2026 |
| Lifeline | Crisis support by phone, text or chat, 24/7 | 13 11 14 | 2 Oct 2026 |
| MensLine Australia | Counselling for men, 24/7 | 1300 78 99 78 | 2 Oct 2026 |
| Suicide Call Back Service | Phone and online counselling, 24/7 | 1300 659 467 | 2 Oct 2026 |
| Find a helpline | Free helplines outside Australia | findahelpline.com | 3 Oct 2026 |
Bereaved Fathers Day is independent, and isn’t part of any of these organisations. We list them because they help.
- Red NoseSupport when a baby or child has passed on, at any age. Open 24/7.1300 308 307
- LifelineCrisis support by phone, text or chat. Open 24/7.13 11 14
- MensLine AustraliaCounselling for men, including grief. Open 24/7.1300 78 99 78