We recognize the unique grief and bereavement needs of families and individuals within our community. Grief is a process without a finish line, it includes the challenges of the adjustment necessary to adapt to life without our person. Our programs are designed to establish a fellowship for the bereaved, creating opportunities for mutual support, providing education on grief and bereavement and exploring the resiliency and strength within all of us to cope with loss and change.
Bereavement Peer Support Groups: are available to anyone in our community, regardless of the location or cause of death. Stories, experiences, understanding and companionship are shared among those with similar challenges impacted by grief. Emotional support is provided in a safe and non-judgmental environment while providing strength and coping through the most difficult days of your grief journey.
(Bereaved Parents, Spousal Loss, Family Loss and Substance-Related Loss are examples of grief groups offered at St. Joseph's Hospice).
Next Steps: We know that grief doesn't end just because your 8-week support group has completed. Next Steps offers continued peer support for grief expression for a year after the completion of a Bereavement Peer Support Group.
Grief & Bereavement Counselling: Short-term grief and bereavement counselling is provided to clients who are experiencing complex grief. Eligibility requirements must be met to access counselling services which are assessed during the intake process.
Bereavement Activities:
Join us as we focus on making connections through mind, body, and soul through activities such as yoga, art, music, and crafts, etc. Activities are designed to reduce isolation, encourage healing, promote expression, improve mental health and physical well-being while providing a safe space to hold thoughts and feelings in a welcoming environment.
Walking Group: An opportunity to meet and walk with others who are grieving or caregiving. Explore the benefits of connecting with others who are journeying in their loss one step at a time. From spring to fall, enjoy a leisurely scenic 2.5km route in Canatara Park guided by St. Joseph's Hospice staff and volunteers. During the winter, enjoy a stroll with two loops of the Lambton Mall that equals a 2km route, guided by St. Joseph's Hospice staff and volunteers.
Grief Education Series: A 90-minute workshop designed to gently introduce common themes in griefwork. Each person carries unique life experiences connected to grief. This series is meant to encourage thought, to provide education and offer support during a difficult time.
Lending Library: St. Joseph's Hospice is pleased to provide information, referrals, and book recommendations on any topic related to grief and bereavement, caregiving and living with a life-limiting illness for both adults and children. Our Lending Library is open to the public and is available for anyone interested in borrowing a book on a relevant topic. The Lending Library is located at our Community and Supportive Care Centre at 460 Christina St. N., Unit #1.
How to Register:
Please contact the Community and Supportive Care team by emailing supportiveservices@sjhospice.ca or calling 519-337-0537 to learn more about these programs and to register.
All programs are provided at no cost.
