’Referrals have increased by 288 per cent’ says SIDS and KIDS NT

IN the past four years, the number of Territory families reaching out to SIDS and KIDS NT for support has nearly tripled

SIDS and Kids NT provides support to Territory families

IN the past four years, the number of Territory families reaching out to SIDS and KIDS NT for support has nearly tripled.

SIDS and KIDS NT General Manager Sarah Roberts said its numbers grew each year as more families found out about the service it provided.

“Since 2015, our referrals have increased by 288 per cent,” Ms Roberts said.

“Last year we provided over 2000 occasions of support to families in Darwin and Palmerston, supporting them through the most unimaginable loss with a tailored, unique and free counselling service.

“We are the only service of its kind in the NT.”

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According to Red Nose Australia Keren Ludski chief executive, the spike is part of a national trend.

CEO of Red Nose Australia Keren Ludski

Ms Ludski said in 2015 Red Nose Australia expanded its charter to include research, support and education for all sudden and unexpected deaths from conception to 18 years of age.

“This includes deaths from not only SIDS, but stillbirth, miscarriage, and accidental deaths,” she said.

“So support is now also provided for childhood and teenage deaths, along with babies and pregnancy.”

Ms Ludski said while latest figures showed SIDS deaths were slightly down and stillbirth had remained steady in Australia, the demand for support continued to grow.

“We are also seeing a shifting landscape where the stigma of seeking help is slowly being removed — along with increased accessibility and awareness of the free, specialised support services that are provided to anybody impacted by the death of a child, by qualified counsellors 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Ms Ludski said.

Statistics from Red Nose Day show the annual Australian stillbirth rate has not changed in 25 years.

Every year, 300,000 babies are born each year in Australia; 2107 babies are stillborn; 742 babies die before they turn one month old; 87 babies die from SUDI and fatal sleeping accidents and 103 children under four years die in accidents such as drownings and poisonings.