BCBH Core Values
Compassionate
Trustworthy
Resourceful
Inclusive
Purpose
Since its inception in 1988, the BCBH has been active in the provision and encouragement of, and remains committed to:
1. Support – by acting as a resource and support to the bereaved and caregivers through referral and interdisciplinary communication.
2. Education – by providing knowledge and understanding of the psychological, sociological, physical and spiritual dimensions on dying, death, and bereavement.
3. Research – by encouraging research projects on death, dying, and bereavement.
4. Advocacy – by advocating on behalf of the bereaved within the public and private sectors.
The BC Bereavement Helpline assists the bereaved and their caregivers in coping and managing grief and loss. When you call us your call will be answered by a caring, compassionate volunteer who is familiar with over 300 grief support groups and organizations in the province. Volunteers are trained to provide compassionate listening and offer an opportunity to lend a sympathetic ear for the bereaved. Your call is free, confidential and anonymous and will be treated with care in helping you find the most appropriate support for your specific type of loss.
Our traumatic loss support groups provide a safe, nurturing environment for participants to share and support each other in their grief, with a focus on restorative storytelling (talking about the deceased person’s life). Trained facilitators provide information about grief and encourage individuals to speak about their loss as they feel comfortable.
BCBH Staff
Executive Director – Pam Bilusack (On Leave)
Pam is an accomplished non-profit professional with a diverse background, holding a Applied Psychology and Counselling Diploma from the Kelowna College of Professional Counselling and a Human Resources Management Certificate from Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
Pam is a trained facilitator with extensive experience leading traumatic loss support groups and peer support grief groups. Her personal experience with loss inspired a passion for working with the bereaved and those who support them. She has been an active member of the bereavement community for many years, including serving as an Executive Board Member for the Crisis Centre of BC and contributing to their Bereavement Advisory Committee since its inception in 2021.
Pam’s additional training includes Traumatic Loss Group Facilitator Training, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), safeTALK, Supervisor Training for Substance Abuse Prevention, and Aboriginal Awareness Training.
Having experienced many losses in her life, Pam has found a passion in supporting the bereaved. Her motto is, “I can’t turn a negative into a positive, but I can turn it into a purpose.”
To contact Pam directly, email [email protected]
Program Manager – Anisha Toor
Anisha is a dedicated non-profit professional with nearly ten years of experience in Psychiatric, Palliative, and Hospice care. She holds diplomas in Nursing Administration and Counseling Therapy from Stenberg College.
As Program Manager at BC Bereavement Helpline, Anisha oversees all programs, including support groups, the Helpline, and facilitator training. She leads volunteer recruitment, training, and supervision, manages administrative operations, and ensures services are delivered with care and consistency.
Her personal experiences with palliative loss and the tragic loss of a sibling shortly after birth have shaped her commitment to supporting those navigating grief. Anisha is passionate about creating safe, compassionate spaces where people feel heard, understood, and supported.
Outside of work, she enjoys connecting with her community, spending time with family and friends, and exploring new destinations through travel.
To contact our general inbox, email [email protected]