NOTE: This episode contains discussion of death, grief and stillbirth. Listener discretion is advised.

There’s a lot of reasons why Christmas and the New Year can be difficult, stressful and affect our mental health.

Our guest for this episode is Kelly Scott, the current Victorian President of the Australian Funeral Directors Association and also its National Senior Vice President.

Kelly is the General Manager of T J Scott & Son Funeral Directors based in the Macedon Ranges, Victoria – it’s a family business, which was established by her great-grandfather Thomas John Scott in 1938. She works alongside her father John Scott, and brother Daniel and has been in the profession for more than 25 years.

Kelly sees grief and loss up front and works with people during the most difficult time of their lives. 

We thought she’d offer insightful living experience of the how the Christmas and New Year can be a particularly tough time. And we were interested to know more about how funeral directors play a role in supporting individuals and communities. It’s an area of support that may not be front of mind when we think about mental health and wellbeing.

If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• 13 YARNon 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

MORE SUPPORT

• SANDS - miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death support
• Suicide Callback Service
• The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement
• Other Bereavement Services

Produced and hosted byEmily Webb, ermha365Advocacy and External Communications Advisor with Karenza Louis-Smith, CEO ermha365.

ermha365 provides mental health and disability support for people in Victoria and the Northern Territory.

Follow ermha365 on social media:
FACEBOOK - @ermhaorg
TWITTER - @ermha365
INSTAGRAM - @ermha365

ermha365 acknowledges that our work in the community takes place on the Traditional Lands of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and therefore respectfully recognise their Elders, past and present, and the ongoing Custodianship of the Land and Water by all Members of these Communities.

We recognise people with lived experience who contribute to GET REAL podcast, and those who love, support and care for them. We recognise their strength, courage and unique perspective as a vital contribution so that we can learn, grow and achieve better outcomes together.