Remembering lost child at Christmas

WHEN a family suffers the loss of a child, grief can be unbearable particularly at Christmas.

The annual Ceremony of Remembrance is a time for family and friends to reflect on the life of a child as they prepare to celebrate another Christmas without them.

Poetry readings, bubble blowing and releasing helium balloons, many with the child’s name written on them, are some of the ways a child can be remembered at the ceremony.

The community is encouraged to bring chairs or blankets and a picnic basket, to share before or after the formalities.

The Ceremony is supported by Very Special Kids, Ballarat Hospice Care, The Compassionate Friends, SANDS, Red Nose Grief and Loss, Support After Suicide, Lifeline, Djerriwarrh Health Services, Ballarat Health Services, St John of God Hospital, Cops N Kids and the Leukaemia Foundation.

Ceremony of Remembrance will be held on Monday, December 17 at Ballarat General Cemetery, corner of Lydiard and Norman Streets Ballarat at 5.30pm. Gold coin donations welcome.