All Violet Guides have deep personal experience caring for a loved one through the last stage of life and the accompanying grief. This experience is the only mandatory requirement to be a Violet Guide. However, many of them have also been professional caregivers such as nurses, psychologists and social workers. 

Violet Guides are all volunteers who have been professionally trained and receive ongoing supervision from Violet to help people, carers and families like you over the phone. Guides will give you the time to talk, to share your concerns and to help you create a plan for the path forward. All from the comfort of your home.

We understand how difficult it can be to carve out time to focus on your own needs. In fact, many of our calls happen in the evening. Appointments are 45 minutes long and available 8am - 9pm, Monday to Friday. Most people use up to three sessions, which will help you to move forward if you are feeling stuck and distressed, to a place where you have a better understanding of the situation and what to do next.

Violet isn't a crisis line like Lifeline or Beyond Blue. You need to book an appointment with a Violet Guide, but we always aim to have appointments available within 48 hours. And once you have spoken with a Guide, then you will always stick with that Guide. However, Violet also isn't a replacement for long-term therapy, so you can discuss the best options for that type of counselling with your Guide who can make suggestions.

Violet Guides do not offer clinical, legal, financial or any other kind of professional advice. But they do have the time and training to help families navigate this experience, both emotionally and practically. Some typical topics on a call with a Guide might include:

• Helping you to have important conversations, including with medical professionals, aged care staff and generally how to navigate the system

• Helping when family members and caregivers are distressed and need extra support

• Managing complex family relationships and dynamics

• Helping you to understand how to complete a meaningful advanced care plan that articulates and aligns your loved one's wishes

• Providing support when you are grieving, whether that is in anticipation of the event, or after loss

We recognise that each person's journey through grief is unique and comes with its own set of challenges. Violet Guides are here to offer you compassionate support and a comforting presence as you navigate this difficult time. They can help you understand that grief can take many forms and reassure you that what you're feeling is completely normal. Additionally, they will connect you with the wider Violet community for ongoing support and gently explore the concept of continuing bonds, helping you find ways to cherish and remember your loved one even though they are no longer physically present.

You don't need to have anything prepared before your call. Your Guide can help direct the conversation to  what matters most for you, at this moment in time. But if there are specific issues or questions on your mind, be sure to raise them on your call.

You can book you free call with a Violet Guide via this link. Or use the 'Talk to a Violet Guide' or 'Support' button on the homepage.