Support Groups & Events

Events & Support Groups

These support groups and events are provided by our community partners, but does not reflect an exhaustive list of all grief support options. If you do not find what you are looking for, please connect with a Helpline volunteer via phone or email and they will help identify grief supports that may fit your needs.

*Please note, postings are approved once per week and must be submitted at least ten days in advance.

Healing Through Writing Workshop

Burnaby Hospice Society

16-10-2023 6:00 pm - 16-10-2023 8:00 pm

Type: In Person

Cost: Free

How to register: Pre-registration is required. Please call (604-520-5087) or email us at [email protected].

Writing can be an effective strategy for processing grief. You will be guided through therapeutic exercises in a small group setting. Open to all writing levels – no previous experience is required. For Burnaby residents aged 18 and over who have experienced a loss more than 6 months ago.

Grief Support Group – Kerrisdale/West Side

Lower Mainland Grief Society

03-10-2023 7:00 pm - 07-11-2023 7:00 pm

Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada

Type: In Person

Cost: $200

How to register: Call us at 604-696-1060 or email us at [email protected]

6 week in person Grief Support Group for those mourning the loss of a significant person. Held Tuesday evenings, 7-9pm. Pre registration required

Supportive Walking Group

Fraser Canyon Hospice Society

13-09-2023 12:00 pm - 27-12-2023 1:00 pm

Location: Hope, BC, Canada

Type: In Person

Cost: Free

How to register: Please contact Mary at 604-860-7713, email [email protected]

Website: http://www.frasercanyonhospice.org/our-programs.html

Come and join the hospice walking group in beautiful Hope. This self-care walking group is for palliative clients, caregivers, and those who are bereaved. This gentle walk is an opportunity to relax with new friends.

10 Session Traumatic Loss Support Group

Langley Hospice Society

04-10-2023 6:30 pm - 06-12-2023 8:30 pm

Location: 20660 48th Avenue, Langley, BC, Canada

Type: In Person

Cost: Free

How to register: There is no cost to attend. Registration and an intake is required. For more information, please contact Stephannie, by phone: 604.530.1115 or by email: [email protected]

We remember them because they were important, and they were loved. For each person who dies by suicide or substance use, their loved ones live on in overwhelming grief and isolation. Please come and connect with others who understand.

Traumatic Loss Online Grief Support Group

Surrey Hospice Society

21-09-2023 6:00 pm - 09-11-2023 8:00 pm

Type: Online

Cost: Free

How to register: Space is limited so register early at [email protected].

8 week program, this group is free, curriculum-based, and led by counselors online through Zoom. Registration is required. You will need to commit to participation for the entire eight weeks.

Suicide Loss Grief Support Group

Valley View Funeral Home

21-09-2023 6:30 pm - 09-11-2023 8:30 pm

Location: Valley View Funeral Home & Cemetery, 72 Avenue, Surrey, BC, Canada

Type: In Person

Cost: Free

How to register: To register, contact Tricia at 604-312-0484 or email: [email protected]

This support group is for adults grieving the death of a loved one to suicide. There is no cost to take part in this group. Registration is required. 8 week program, one evening per week.

Traumatic Loss: Grief Support Group in Punjabi, Hindi

Valley View Funeral Home

18-09-2023 6:30 pm - 06-11-2023 8:30 pm

Location: Valley View Funeral Home & Cemetery, 72 Avenue, Surrey, BC, Canada

Type: In Person

Cost: Free

How to register: To register, call us at 604-312-0484 or email: [email protected]

Taking part in a support group cannot change what has happened, but we can help you to find new ways to manage your loss. You will find others, like yourself, who have experienced a traumatic, painful loss. We encourage you to join a 8 Week, in-person program.

Connections: Virtual Grief Support Group

Lumara Grief & Bereavement Care Society

04-10-2023 5:30 pm - 22-11-2023 7:00 pm

Type: Online

Cost: $40, subsidies available

How to register: https://lumaraprogramming.campbrainregistration.com/?ReturnUrl=%2fHome%2fLanding

Website: https://lumarasociety.org/home/

This 8-week online program provides opportunities for adults who are bereaved to connect, to share their experiences of loss in a supportive environment, to honour their loved ones, and to learn strategies that can assist them in coping as they grieve.

Circles of Strength: Family Support Group

Lumara Grief & Bereavement Care Society

02-12-2023 10:00 am - 02-12-2023 12:00 pm

Location: New Westminster Secondary School, 6th Street, New Westminster, BC, Canada

Type: In Person

Cost: $30 per family, subsidies available

How to register: https://lumaraprogramming.campbrainregistration.com/Registration/SessionSelection?seasonId=b4106724-aa42-4070-9aef-ff658a240558&submissionId=9ee253c4-5ea3-444a-bbb3-4604cc6538c0

Website: https://lumarasociety.org/home/

This group is for families with kids age 6-12 years. This in person program provides ongoing opportunities for those who are bereaved to connect, to share their experiences in a supportive environment and to learn strategies that can assist them in coping with their grief.

Circles of Strength: Family Support Group

Lumara Grief & Bereavement Care Society

04-11-2023 10:00 am - 04-11-2023 12:00 pm

Location: New Westminster Secondary School, 6th Street, New Westminster, BC, Canada

Type: In Person

Cost: $30 per family, subsidies available

How to register: https://lumaraprogramming.campbrainregistration.com/Registration/SessionSelection?seasonId=b4106724-aa42-4070-9aef-ff658a240558&submissionId=9ee253c4-5ea3-444a-bbb3-4604cc6538c0

Website: https://lumarasociety.org/home/

This group is for families with kids age 6-12 years. This in person program provides ongoing opportunities for those who are bereaved to connect, to share their experiences in a supportive environment and to learn strategies that can assist them in coping with their grief.

Bereavement Walking Groups

Vancouver Hospice Society

23-09-2023 10:00 am - 11-11-2023 12:00 pm

Location: Vanier Park, Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Type: In Person

Cost: Free

How to register: Walks Run Weekly for 8 Consecutive Weeks this fall at: Saturday Mornings at Vanier Park - September 23rd - November 11th Sunday Afternoons at Trout Lake- September 24th - November 12th To register call 604-737-7305 ext. 216 or email [email protected]

Trained volunteers facilitate bereavement walking groups at serene locations in Vancouver. Bereavement walks provide an opportunity to gather with others who have lost a loved one and are experiencing grief. Groups offer a supportive space to walk, talk, and share, while receiving fresh air.

Grief Education Workshop

Lower Mainland Grief Society

27-10-2023 9:00 am - 28-10-2023 5:00 pm

Type: In Person

Cost: $450 before September 30, 2023 or $500 thereafter

How to register: visit our website at lmgr.ca for more details. Early bird pricing available.

• Gain an in-depth knowledge of the grieving process • Develop skills on how to support the bereaved - individually and in groups • Learn various grief management models • Understand the different kinds of losses • Increase awareness of disenfranchised and complicated grief

Gathering for Those Who Have Lost a Parent to Suicide

Crisis Centre of BC

10-10-2023 12:00 pm - 10-10-2023 1:15 pm

Type: Online

Cost: Free

How to register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-gathering-for-those-who-have-lost-a-parent-to-suicide-tickets-675706114177

Facilitated grief circle for a particular loss-type relationship. In this 75 min session, you will find a safe place to meet other suicide loss survivors to share challenges and resources, feelings, and ideas.

Gathering for Those Who Have Lost a Partner to Suicide

Crisis Centre of BC

24-10-2023 12:00 pm - 24-10-2023 1:15 pm

Type: Online

Cost: Free

How to register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-gathering-for-those-who-have-lost-a-partner-to-suicide-tickets-675707067027?aff=oddtdtcreator

Facilitated grief circle for a particular loss-type relationship. In this 75 min session, you will find a safe place to meet other suicide loss survivors to share challenges and resources, feelings, and ideas.

Gathering for Parents Who Have Lost a Child to Suicide

Crisis Centre of BC

07-11-2023 12:00 pm - 07-11-2023 1:15 pm

Type: Online

Cost: Free

How to register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-gathering-for-parents-who-have-lost-a-child-to-suicide-tickets-675707859397

Facilitated grief circle for a particular loss-type relationship. In this 75 min session, you will find a safe place to meet other suicide loss survivors to share challenges and resources, feelings, and ideas.

Homicide Grief Peer Support Drop-In Group

BCBH & Valley View

04-10-2023 6:30 pm - 04-10-2023 8:30 pm

Location: Surrey, BC, Canada

Type: In Person

Cost: Free

How to register: https://form-can.keela.co/homicide-peer-support-group

Group will take place on the first Wednesday of each month from 6:30-8:30 PM. In person in Surrey (Whalley area), location will be shared upon confirmed registration. Hosted by Valley View Funeral Home & BCBH.

Toxic Drug Poisoning Grief Support Group

BC Bereavement Helpline

16-10-2023 6:00 pm - 16-10-2023 8:00 pm

Location: Kamloops, BC, Canada

Type: In Person

Cost: Free

How to register: https://form-can.keela.co/BCBHtoxicdrugloss

In response to the ongoing provincial toxic drug crisis, the BC Bereavement Helpline is adapting our proven 8-week traumatic loss support group model to support those that have lost someone due to toxic drug poisoning. Downtown Kamloops (address will be shared with confirmed participants).

Pet Loss Peer Support Group

BCBH

09-11-2023 6:30 pm - 08-11-2023 8:00 pm

Type: Online

Cost: Free

How to register: https://form-can.keela.co/pet-loss-support-group

BC Bereavement Helpline's Pet Loss Peer Support Group provides a safe place where you can learn, connect, and share with others. Various topics will be introduced at each meeting and peers are encouraged to share as much or as little as they are comfortable with.