LATEST NEWS

New research study seeking participants for a survey study looking at bereavement experiences in British Columbia 

We are conducting a study looking at bereavement experiences and supports in British Columbia. The findings of the study will inform the development of priority actions and strategies to make effective supports accessible to more British Columbians with bereavement experiences. We have recently completed interviews with the bereaved and now have developed a survey to capture more experiences. Additionally, we have expanded the participation criteria.  

We are looking for British Columbians who experienced a death of someone that was important to them since March 1, 2020. 

The survey should take approximately 15 minutes. It asks about: 

• The experience of grief following the death or deaths 
• Whether and how it was affected by the pandemic  
• What resources and grief supports (formal and informal) were used 
• What changes would they like to see to grief support services in BC 

This is the link to the online survey https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bBphBxDPL0pPwyy 

The deadline to participate is March 25, 2022. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at jblack@bc-cpc.ca or 604-553-4866 ext. 230 should you have any questions or concerns.  

Who are we? 

The BC Centre for Palliative Care (BCCPC) (www.bc-cpc.ca) is a non-profit organization that works with partners in the health system and community to help British Columbians affected by serious illness have the best possible quality of life.  As part of this mission, we provide tools and resources to support community organizations who are helping their community members with grief, bereavement and other related activities. 

Study Title: A provincial evidence-informed approach to supporting people experiencing bereavement in British Columbia.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Eman Hassan (ehassan@bc-cpc.ca, 604-553-4866). Ethics ID: H21-01672. 

Loss and Grief is Universal

Our new BCBH video highlights that even in grief there is a common thread of humanity, with the overarching message that You are Not Alone.

We are here to help. Contact us if you’re dealing with grief or loss by phone at 604-738-9950, toll-Free 1-877-779-2223 or by email at contact@bcbh.ca.

If you’d like to donate or help please CLICK HERE or email contact@bcbh.ca.

Thank You For Your Support! 

The BC Bereavement Helpline relies on government grants, community grants and private donations to deliver its services. Please consider a donation towards additional programming and support for the BCBH.

Make a donation to the BC Bereavement Helpline in the  month of June and BCBH will be entered for a chance to win $20,000 through the CanadaHelps June Great Canadian Giving Challenge.

The COVID-19 Pandemic

The BC Bereavement Helpline would like to address the grief that is impacting communities on many fronts as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. Many people are feeling deep grief and loss over the death of their loved ones due to cancer, heart disease, substance use and many other causes. Unfortunately, they are also feeling the loss of their ability to grieve those loved ones in the way they would wish. Because of Covid-19, extended family and friends cannot be invited to attend funerals. The bereaved are not even allowed to hug their grieving loved ones. 

This crisis has led to many secondary losses such as daily routine, a sense of connection, job security, social gatherings, family gatherings, as well as immediate and long-terms goals. The future has become largely unknown and unknowable. Now, more than ever, we need the support of our community. 

At the best of times a death can feel isolating, but even more so during Covid-19. Fortunately, community members are stepping up to support bereaved individuals. For instance, funeral homes are starting to live stream services. An increase in our volunteer numbers is another sign of the community’s desire to help.

The loss of security, predictability, and even life is hitting everyone hard. Let us remember to be gentle, to connect meaningfully with one another, and to care for our hearts however they may be grieving in these very trying times. And remember that if you need us, the BC Bereavement Helpline is here for you.  

Throughout the pandemic our Helpline has been open Monday – Friday, 9am to 5pm. Our trained volunteers and staff are available to provide compassionate listening or to refer telephone/virtual support options available in your community.

Please call 604-738-9950, toll-free at 1-877-779-2223 or by email to contact@bcbh.ca.

With deep care for all,
From the BC Bereavement Helpline.

Grief in the Time of COVID - An Educational Video

Please let us know what you thought of this video. Please fill out this short 5 Question Survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/UL22A9mJdb

We wish to thank the Sovereign Order of St. John Jerusalem, Vancouver Commandery for their support.

Sometimes we don't know what exactly to say to a friend or loved one experiencing a loss.

Here's a guide with comments which grievers find helpful following a loss.