Disenfranchised Grief Webinar

Originally recorded on Tuesday 13th May 2025

Deb Collard, Carer Advocate and Learning & Development Coordinator invites our guests Tonya Bavaro and Jake Iaria – Therapeutic Practitioners with the FCAV’s Carer Assistance Program to speak about Disenfranchised Grief.

Many carers have or will experience grief and loss in the course of their caring journey and may feel their experience is not widely understood or validated. The nature of our care system can compound feelings of sadness and isolation, often making it difficult for carers to grieve openly, as their feelings of loss may be overlooked. This experience of grief/loss is known as Disenfranchised Grief.

The webinar explores:   

• Why is my experience of grief considered disenfranchised?;

• Validation of this grief experience;

• The dynamics of Disenfranchised Grief – both personally and within the care system;

• Ways Disenfranchised Grief/loss might impact carers; and

• Strategies in navigating grief – both personally and systemically.

Key Issues:

• Validating grief/loss in the context of providing out of home care

• Acknowledging this grief is valid, despite often being minimised, ignored or dismissed

• Recognising the impact on carers across all wellbeing domains, including psychologically, physically, socially etc

• Exploring systemic support as well as strategies promoting personal wellbeing

Please contact the FCAV's Carer Support Team if you'd like additional information or support.