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Support Groups & Events

In-person Grief Support - Heron Hospice Society of Delta

The following groups are facilitated by Tama Recker, Registered Therapeutic Counsellor:

GRIEF CIRCLE 

This safe and supportive space is an opportunity to connect with other Delta residents who are grieving the loss of a loved one. When: 6 consecutive Tuesdays May 9th - June 13th, 5:30 - 6:30 pm

RELAXATION CIRCLE  Experience a sense of calm and ease through guided meditation, soft music, and compassionate support. Open to Delta residents who are bereaved, or have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness.

Note: There may be spaces open for caregivers. Contact us if interested. When: 4 consecutive Tuesdays  May 23rd - June 13th, 1:00 - 2:00 pm

All sessions are held at the Centre for Supportive Care: 4631 Clarence Taylor Crescent, Delta

For information contact info@heronhospice.org or call 604-245-7380.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required.


Sunshine Coast - Children/Family Grief Support, March 31

Being There For Grieving Children

A Conversation with Dr. Heather Mohan, a safe space will be created for open conversation about supporting children and familes who are grieving a significant loss.

When: Friday, March 31, 7-9 pm

Where: Sunshine Coast Arts Centre (5714 Medusa Street, Sechelt)

Admission by donation. All proceeds go to the Sunshine Coast Hospice.

For more information and to register: https://www.coasthospice.com/grieving-children

 


Langley Hospice, Parents Bereaved by Substance use or Suicide

Join the Langley Hospice Society this March for a 10 Session Traumatic Loss Support Group for Parents who Have Lost Children by Suicide or Substance Use.

When: April 13th, to June 15th 2023

Where: 20660 - 48th Avenue, Langley, BC

For More Information, please contact Linda

Phone: 604.530.1115

Email: linda@langleyhospice.ca

 


Lower Mainland Grief Recovery Society Grief Education Workshop

This 12 hour, two day workshop is designed for anyone who wants to develop a better understanding of how to help those who are dealing with loss and grief. It may be of special benefit to those professionals who work in healthcare, financial services, insurance, law, HR/EAP and college/university counselling departments.

Program Objectives

  • Gain an in-depth knowledge of the grieving process
  • Develop skills of 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

March 31 and April 1, 2023

9am – 4pm in Downtown Vancouver

Registration starts January 9, 2023

If you are interested in this workshop, please email: lmgr@lmgr.ca

 


VIRTUAL - BEING WITH GRIEF WORKSHOP

BEING WITH GRIEF EDUCATION WORKSHOP

The Nancy Chan Palliative Care Ambulatory Clinic will be hosting a 2 hour virtual grief education workshop via Zoom on Tuesday, April 25th. 

If you have recently lost a loved one and have been wondering about the grief process, or you would simply like to learn more and share your experience, please feel free to join the session. It may be helpful for those who might be wondering 'What are common grief responses?' or 'How do I know if I need additional help?' 

Where: via Zoom

When: Tuesday, April 25th, 2023

Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm 

For registration or more info, please contact the Nancy Chan Palliative Care Ambulatory Clinic at 604-659-1160 or nancychanclinic@vch.ca

 


VIRTUAL - SUICIDE SUPPORT GROUPS BY CRISIS CENTRE OF BC

A CUP OF TEA FOR THE SOUL: A SERIES OF GATHERINGS FOR SUICIDE LOSS SURVIVORS

After a suicide loss, many survivors feel isolated. Finding sameness and belonging are key ingredients needed to help their journey through bereavement. Feeling supported and with the possibility to create new connections is essential.

In this75 min session, you will find a safe place to meet other suicide loss survivors to share challenges and resources, feelings, and ideas.


VIRTUAL/IN PERSON - LUMARA PROGRAMS 2023

Program Registration for Spring 2023 is open!

Lumara Grief and Bereavement Society

(formerly Camp Kerry Society) is a charitable organization that helps children, youth, adults & families cope with serious illness, grief, and bereavement. Lumara has numerous online grief support programs for children, families and adults: https://lumarasociety.org/home/

Adult Support Groups (Virtual):

Adult Grief Support Group (8 weeks): Thursdays, April 20 - June 8 from 5:30-7:30pm PST

Perinatal Loss Support Group (6 weeks): Tuesdays, April 4 - May 9 from 3:30-4:30pm PST

Writing Our Grief Adult Support Group (6 weeks): Wednesdays, May 3 - June 7 from 5:30-7pm PST

Adult Support Groups (In Person):

Adult Grief Support Group (8 weeks): Fridays, April 14 - June 2 from 10-11:30am PST at Vancouver Unitarian Church

In-Person Programs in BC:

Circles of Strength Adult and Children's Grief Support Groups (age 6-12):  Saturday, April 29, May 27, and June 24 from 10am-12pm at New Westminster Secondary School Welcome Center

Youth Retreat (13-19): May 12-15, Strathcona Park Lodge, Vancouver Island

Free Your Voice Music Workshop: Saturday, June 17, 1:30-4:30pm PST at Everyday Counts Center, North Vancouver

Workshops (Virtual):

Families and Feelings: Sunday, April 16 at 10-11:30am PST

Guided Imagery and Music: Saturday, June 3 at 10-11:30am PST

Drop-in Groups (Virtual):

Mindfulness Meditation Drop-in: Every Thursday starting Jan 5 from 7-8 pm PST / 10-11 pm EST

To register please go tohttp://lumaraprogramming.campbrainregistration.com

All of Lumara’s online group programs are being offered with a nominal registration fee.  As always, fee subsidies are available to ensure that our programs are accessible to everyone. Simply send us an email request for program fee financial support to info@lumarasociety.org or call our office at: 604-553-4663.  

For questions or help with registration, please contact the Lumara office at info@lumarasociety.org or 604-553-4663.


VIRTUAL - VICTORIA - MAiD BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

Island Health MAiD Bereavement Support Group - Virtual (Ongoing)

When: 2nd & 4th Thursday of every month, from 1:30pm - 2:30pm.

When a family member or close friend chooses medical assistance in dying (MAiD), those left behind may experience a wide range of emotions and possibly conflicting feelings about the choice their loved one made. Grief and loss (bereavement) support is available. Our free bereavement support group for family and friends of MAiD recipients in the Victoria area is a judgement free, safe, compassionate environment to share and express your feelings and emotions. This group is founded on a supportive culture of end-of-life dignity and freedom of choice. During COVID, and in accordance with the Provincial Health Officer's order to practice physical distancing, the group will be meeting virtually via a secure video link connection.

Please contact Oceanna Hall, Clinical Specialist at 250-886-1077 to register or for further details


VIRTUAL/ IN PERSON - GRIEF SUPPORT CHRISTIAN GROUP

Grief Share (Christian) Virtual and In-Person Grief Support Groups (Multiple Locations Ongoing)

Grief Share is an international, church-based recovery program designed to help people grieving and dealing with a loss. Grief Share groups meet weekly to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. Each Grief Share session has three distinct elements: video seminar with experts, support group discussion, personal study and reflection.
Visit https://www.griefshare.org/findagroup to search by postal code for support groups in your area.


VIRTUAL - KIDS GRIEF MONTHLY (ONGOING)

Kids Grief Q&A facilitated by Andrea Warnick and Canadian Virtual Hospice

In this monthly webinar you can ask children's grief expert Andrea Warnick (RN, MA) all about grief and how it relates to children. In this event you are welcome to ask your own questions or learn from the questions of others.  

When: First Tuesday of every month from 10:00 - 11:00 AM PST .
Cost: Free.
Register here


LOSS DUE TO SUBSTANCE USE GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

When: Thursdays, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm May 4th – June 29th

Where: Valley View Funeral Home - Arbor Lounge 14660 72 Ave., Surrey, BC V3S 2E

This support group is for adults grieving the loss of a loved one who has died by substance use. Common responses to a traumatic loss are: • Guilt, shame, and rage • Anxiety and depression • Panic attacks and mood swings We encourage you to tell your story and to honor the life of your loved one. This in-person group is at no cost and requires registration.

For more information and registration contact:

Tricia, tkeith@arbormemorial.com

604-312-0484


ONGOING - BRITISH COLUMBIA - LOSS BY DRUG USE SUPPORT

Loss by Drug Use Support Groups: BC-wide (Ongoing)

Grief Support specific to loss from Substance Related Harms.

Moms Stop The Harm is pleased to announce that we are expanding our Peer Led Bereavement Groups to the following locations in BC:

  • Vancouver
  • East Kootenays
  • North Delta/Surrey
  • Powell River/Texada Island
  • Langley
  • Grand Forks 
  • Mission
  • Kelowna 
  • Kamloops

For information on how to register please visit healingheartscanada.org, or click here to find the email for the coordinator in your area.


ONGOING - BRITISH COLUMBIA - SUPPORTING SUBSTANCE DISORDER

Holding Hope Canada

Supporting a Loved One with Substance Use Disorder - Ongoing

Holding Hope support is offered by Moms Stop the Harm (MSTH), a network of Canadian families impacted by substance-use related harms and deaths. MSTH advocates to change failed drug policies and provide peer support to grieving families and those with loved ones who use or have used substances.

Holding Hope Groups are peer-led support groups, offered at no cost, to families with loved ones living with addiction (substance use disorder) across Canada.

FIND A HOLDING HOPE GROUP in B.C.


BURNABY & VANCOUVER - CHILD LOSS SUPPORT

The Compassionate Friends - Burnaby

A voluntary self-help organization offering support, understanding and hope for anyone who has lost a child for any reason at any age.

Meeting Information:

Location: Online ZOOM* meetings  - RSVP for a link 

Day/Time: last Tuesday of each month


BRITISH COLUMBIA - TRAUMATIC LOSS & DIVERSITY SUPPORT

  • seeking 4 to 6 participants
  • bereaved by a sudden, traumatic death
  • involves one 2-3-hour session held weekly on zoom
  • approximately 12 weeks duration
  • no cost to participate
  • private & confidential by signed agreement
  • discussion guided by Bereaved Peer,  Joanna Lundy
  • session material based on the works of Resmaa Menakem, Dr. Cindy Blackstock, Gabor Mate & others
  • discussion focused on the history of colonization, systemic oppression, examining common bias, assumptions & perceptions as it relates to grief and justice
  • a space to develop compassion for ourselves and others as we explore our diversity and the diversity of our deceased loved ones
  • Contact for dates

For more information please contact: Joanna Lundy,  Founder, The Guinnevere Project

theguinnevereproject1@shaw.ca

guinnevereproject.com


CHILLIWACK - SUPPORT GROUPS

Chilliwack Hospice Support Groups

When: Ongoing - call for upcoming dates. 

Where: In-person or online. 

Email: info@chilliwackhospice.org

Web: www.chilliwackhospice.org

Contact: Individuals interested in registering for this group may call Lucy at (604) 795-4660.


KAMLOOPS - SUICIDE LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

This Suicide Loss Support Group is for anyone who has been impacted by suicide loss; this is a safe space to share your story, connect with others, receive support, comfort and strength after suicide loss. This is an open group that offers in-person or virtual option. Please note that contact with the facilitator is required before attending your fist meeting. You can contact the facilitator by email, text or phone call. 

When: Every Monday 6:00 - 7:30pm (except holidays)

Where: In person >  546 St. Paul Street, Kamloops, BC.

             Virtual > contact Rebecca directly for the link.

Contact Info: Rebecca Sanford, PHD, RCSW. Phone 250-574-7664. Email Kamloopssuicideloss@gmail.com

 


LANGLEY - Langley Hospice Traumatic Loss Support Group April 2023

Langley Hospice will be starting a 10-week support group this upcoming April for Parents of Adult Children who have died from Substance Use or Suicide.

When: Thursday evenings 6pm - 8:30pm starting April 13th - June 15th, 2023

Where: Langley Hospice Supportive Program Centre 20660—48th Avenue, Langley, BC

For more info and registration please contact: 

Linda Sheridan at 604-530-1115 or linda@langleyhospice.ca

*Please note that there will need to be an intake appointment before the group starts, so please contact Linda ASAP to set up an intake appointment.


LANGLEY - Substance Related Loss Group - Ongoing

Substance Related Loss Support Group - Healing Hearts

Date: The first Monday of each month

Location: Online

Time: 7:00pm

Contact: E-mail Healingheartslangley@gmail.com

More info on Healing Hearts: https://www.healingheartscanada.org/


NEW WESTMINSTER - G.O.A - GRIEF ON ARRIVAL - OVERDOSE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

G.O.A. - Grief On Arrival - is an anonymous faciliated peer bereavement group for those who have lost a loved one due to overdose. Two meetings are offer weekly with an 8- week rotating education program. Mondays is an open group for sharing experiences, strengths and hopes; and Thursday is an educational group where information and tools around grief will be offer it.

Where: 502 Columbia Street, New Westminster, B.C. 

When: Mondays (peer group) and Thursdays (facilitated education group) 6pm to 8pm. This program start date is Monday December 5th, 2022 and will continue through 2023

For more info visit website Grief On Arrival – Lower Mainland Purpose Society for Youth and Families or phone 604-526-2522 or via emial to mail@purposesociety.org


Surrey Homicide Grief Support Group March - April 2023

Who's it for? Adults are bereaved by homicide

Where is it? Valley View Funeral Home - 14644 72 Ave, Surrey, BC

When is it? Thursday March 2nd at 6:30pm, weekly meetings until April 27th. 

For more information and registration information contact:

Tricia, tkeith@arbormemorial.com

604-312-0484


SURREY, BC - YOGA GRIEF SUPPORT

YOGA GRIEF SUPPORT

Valley View Funeral Homes is offering this yoga grief support for anyone who is experiencing a loss. Yoga is one way to replenish your energy when you are grieving, without having to make excuses for how you feel. We will practice classical posses, breath work, and a short meditation. 

This grief support is 8 week program,one evening per week.

Session begin on:

  • Tuesday, January 10, 2023
  • 6:30pm - 8:00pm
  • at Valley View Funeral Home, Arbor Lounge 14660-72nd Avenue, Surrey, BC

What to bring with you:

  • Bring your yogar mat
  • Wear comfortable clothing

This event is in Person, at not cost and Non-denominational.

For more info and registration, please contact TKeith@arbormemorial.com or call 604-312-0484


SURREY - YOUTH TRAUMATIC LOSS GROUP

This summer, Valley View Funeral Homes will be hosting a support group for youth aged 17-25 years old who are grieving a traumatic loss. 

What is a Traumatic Death?

  • A sudden death due to medical or accidental issues
  • A death due to homicide, suicide, or drug use
  • Multiple deaths in a short period of time
     

There will be 8 sessions on Mondays starting from July 10th - August 28th. All are welcome and there will be no cost to attend. Registration is still required. 

When: July 10th - August 28th
 
Where: Valley View Funeral Home, Arbor Lounge 14660 72nd Avenue, Surrey, BC

Time: Mondays, 5:00pm - 7:00pm 

To register please email Tricia at TKeith@arbormemorial.com or call 604-312-0484


SURREY - SUICIDE LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP FALL 2023

Valley View Funeral Home will be hosting their Suicide Loss Support Group coming this September 2023. The impacts of Traumatic Grief are deeply felt and Valley View encourages you to share your story and honour the memory of your loved one. There will be 8 sessions beginning on Thursdays in September. It will be free to the community with light refreshments served. All are welcome. Registration is still required. 

When: September 21st - November 9th, 2023

Where: Valley View Funeral Home, Arbor Lounge 14660 72nd Avenue, Surrey, BC

Time: Thursdays, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

To register please email Tricia at TKeith@arbormemorial.com or call 604-312-0484


VANCOUVER - GRIEF EDUCATION WORKSHOP

Lower Mainland Grief Recovery Society is providing a GRIEF EDUCATION WORKSHOP (GEW)

This 12 hour, two day workshop is designed for anyone who wants to develop a better understanding of how to help those who are dealing with loss and grief. It may be of special benefit to those professionals who work in healthcare, financial services, insurance, law, HR/EAP and college/university counselling departments.

2023 GEW Information:

Time and Dates: March 31 and April 1, 2023

9am – 4pm in Downtown Vancouver

Registration starts January 9, 2023

If you are interested in this workshop, please email us at: lmgr@lmgr.ca

For more information, please visit Education | Welcome to the LMGRS

*Please note as we do not have a dedicated receptionist, the best way to reach us is by email: lmgr@lmgr.ca. Please allow 24 hours for a response by email, and three business days for us to reach you by phone.


VANCOUVER - MAiD SUPPORT GROUP

MAiD SUPPORT GROUP

Vancouver Hospice Society will be offering a MAiD support group for those who are experiencing a difficult time due to a loss by MAiD. A medically assisted death can bring unique challenges and learning about it will help you to understand how to prepare and care for yourself when the moment comes.

This support group will be offered sometime in 2023. An online option might be possible for those outside the Vancouver area.  For more information or if you are interested in participating in this support group, please contact Vancouver Hospice Society directly.

Kayla Hochfelder, Clinical Counsellor
Ph: 604-737-7305 ext. 216
counselling@vancouverhospice.org

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VICTORIA, BC - SUICIDE SUPPORT GROUP

Pacific Centre Family Services Association (PCFSA) is launching a West Shore Based Drop-In Support Group for folks who have lost a loved one to suicide. The group is free, open to anyone age 19+, and facilitated by experienced mental health practitioners.

Details

When: 3rd Tuesday of every month starting Sept 20th

Time: 6pm-8pm

Where: #200-324 Goldstream Ave.

To get more info or to register, call (250) 940-4373 OR email intake@pcfsa.org.

Free parking is available, space is wheelchair accessible, bike lockups are nearby, and the location is close to the #50 and #46 bus routes.