When we experience the death of a loved one, we need the support of our family and friends. Sometimes the care and support of peers and trained volunteers can be helpful as well. Bruce Peninsula Hospice offers the following Bereavement Services to residents residing in South and Northern Bruce Peninsula and the adjacent area of Georgian Bluffs.

Bereavement Support Groups

Support Groups can provide a safe, confidential and non-judgmental environment to learn about grief and to meet others who have also experienced the death of a loved one, thereby lessening the sense of being alone. Bruce Peninsula Hospice typically hosts two Bereavement support groups per year and each group runs for eight weeks. Groups meet in the evening or afternoon depending on the needs of the participants. At each meeting, we watch a short video about the grief journey and share our stories and offer support to one another with the help of experienced facilitators. Our facilitators are there to support and never pressure a participant to share.

One to One Bereavement Support

As we grieve, it is helpful to connect with others – to get out for a coffee or to take a walk at a regular time with someone who can offer gentle support and a listening ear. For those whose timing or comfort may suit individual support, our One to One service may be of help. You can be matched with a trained volunteer. Meeting times will fit your schedule and be in a mutually agreed location.

Sharing Time

Children also need time to express their thoughts and feelings when dealing with the death of a loved one. “Sharing Time” offers support to children and their families. Using talk, stories and art we will give you and your children an opportunity to share the loss, feelings, hopes and worries. The service will be offered by two trained volunteers at a time and location that fits your family’s busy life.

Information

Periodically we offer public workshops and information sessions about mourning and grief. We are also available to meet with teachers and parents looking for ways of supporting children who have experienced a death of someone important to them. These presentations will be advertised publicly and on our website.

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Benefits of a Bereavement Support Group

A bereavement group is a support group for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one.  It can help you learn more about grief and bereavement and can offer you emotional and social supports.  After the loss of a loved one, we experience a wide variety of feelings and emotions and we all need a support system to help us as we move through our grief journey.  Family, friends, neighbours can be a vital part of this process but a support group can add to this support system by providing you with companionship and understanding from others who have experienced a similar loss and are experiencing similar challenges that living with grief brings.

Often we don’t want people to see our hurt and disappointment or we may feel that it’s our problem and that the hurt is too personal to share.  Sometimes we are experiencing guilt or anger.  All of these feelings can lead to isolation.  It’s important to know that you do not need to fight the battle alone. Sharing your experience of grief and listening to others will help you understand that what you are experiencing is normal.  You will have the opportunity to share your story openly and express your thoughts and feelings in an environment where nobody is pressuring you to talk and nobody is pushing you to “get over it”.  You will also have the opportunity to hear the stories of others and talk about coping day-to-day.

You’ll find that others share many of the feelings you don’t even admit. If you’re not comfortable about sharing personal information with a group of people consider attending one meeting and listening, rather than talking.  The goal of a support group is to assist you in gaining strength.

A bereavement group offers:

• A safe and non-judgmental environment
• A sense of belonging, thereby lessening the sense of being alone
• It can help you find solutions to situations and problems.
• An opportunity to begin the healing process through sharing your own story and hearing the stories of others.
• Coping skills to help out through the most difficult days
• Strength and hope through companionship with people who understand first-hand what you’re going through.
• Often deep and lasting friendships are made.
•  Information and resources about grief

If you are interested in upcoming bereavement support groups or to register for upcoming groups serving the South and North Bruce Peninsula, please contact us at info@bphospice.ca or (519) 534-1260 ext. 5612.   Be assured that all calls are confidential. Please leave you name and phone number and we will call you back.