Supporting little hearts through big loss

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Charlie’s Wings of Support was created from our own lived experience of loss.

When our son Charlie died, we quickly realised how deeply grief affects siblings. While parents are navigating unimaginable pain, children are often quietly carrying their own confusion, sadness, and questions. Many don’t yet have the words to explain what they’re feeling, but their hearts are still trying to make sense of a loss that has changed their world.

Through our daughter Ella, we saw firsthand how important it is for children to have a safe space to talk, express themselves, and begin to understand their grief.

Charlie’s Wings of Support was created to make that support more accessible at any time after your loss.

Charlie’s Wings of Support exists to remind bereaved siblings that their grief matters, their voice matters, and they don’t have to carry it alone.

We are here to help families find the support their children deserve.

whO is eligable?

To apply for the program, your child must meet the following criteria:

• Be a bereaved sibling who has experienced the death of a brother(s) or sister(s)

• Reside in Western Australia

• Be under 18 years of age (unless otherwise approved)

• Have a parent or guardian complete the application

• Choose a registered therapist from the booklet available here

how it works

Each eligible child can access up to $1,500 in financial support through the Charlie & Friends Foundation. Funding is provided via reimbursement once a valid invoice or receipt for approved therapeutic services is submitted.

1. Apply Online
A parent or guardian completes a short application for their child via the Charlie & Friends Foundation

2. Application Review
Applications are reviewed by the Foundation within 5–10 working days & you will be sent out a booklet containing our approved therapists.

3. Approval
If the application is approved, the family is contacted and confirms their preferred therapist or therapeutic provider.

4. Therapy Begins
The child attends therapy sessions with their chosen practitioner to receive grief-informed support.

5. Reimbursement
Charlie & Friends Foundation provides reimbursement for approved therapy sessions once a valid invoice or receipt is submitted, up to the allocated funding amount.

crisis care

Charlie & Friends Foundation provides funding to support access to therapeutic services; however, we do not provide crisis or emergency mental-health care.

If a child or family member is experiencing immediate distress, crisis or is at risk of harm, please seek urgent support from a qualified crisis service.

You can contact:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

• Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 (24/7 support for children and young people aged 5–25)

• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

• Emergency Services – Call 000 if someone is in immediate danger

These services provide immediate, professional support and can assist during times of crisis. Charlie & Friends Foundation encourages families to seek urgent help through these services when needed.