Voluntary assisted dying information and support for family, friends and carers

There are resources to support you while your friend or family member is thinking about or going through the voluntary assisted dying process.

Their doctor may give you advice about getting additional support, special equipment, medical care or help if you need a break. With the person's permission, their doctor may also help you to understand how their disease will progress and any treatment, palliative care or end-of-life options.

Looking after yourself

This may be a difficult time. Remember to take care of yourself and look after your mental and physical health.

Support services can provide you with emotional support while your family member or friend is thinking about or going through the voluntary assisted dying process:

• your local doctor
• Carer Gateway​​ - call 1800 422 737
• Beyond Blue - call 1300 22 4636
• Lifeline – call 13 11 14.

After death: bereavement care

Grief is a natural emotional response to the loss of someone close, such as a family member or friend. Grief often involves intense sadness, and sometimes feelings of shock and numbness, or even denial and anger.

Help is available. You may find the following organisations and resources helpful if you need support:

• Griefline supports anyone experiencing grief, providing access to free telephone support. Call 1300 845 745, Monday to Friday (8am – 8pm) or visit Griefline.
• Grief Australia can help family, friends and carers deal with the death of a loved one and put them in touch with appropriate support groups. Call 1800 642 066, Monday to Friday (9am – 5pm) or visit Grief Australia.
• Palliative Care NSW provides the NSW community with palliative care information and promotes quality palliative care. Call 02 8076 5600 or access MyGrief App (an online resource for grief and bereavement support).
• Carers NSW provides fact sheets in multiple languages on bereavement. Call 02 9280 4744 or visit Carers NSW.
• Lifeline can provide crisis support to anyone who is need of immediate help to deal with emotional distress. Call 13 11 14, (any time day or night) or visit Lifeline.