The grief process is a difficult task. It is hard work, but you do not have to do it alone.
Our New Hope Bereavement program, with certified Bereavement Counsellor Denise Baynton is available to assist you after the death of a loved one, helping you cope with the many complex feelings and life adjustments that you will be dealing with. You can reach her at (905) 689-4852 or by email.
Regular 10 week peer group sessions are held three times per year on Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. This support group will be topic specific, allowing for questions, answers and sharing stories. Pre-registration is required with Denise.
Monthly drop-in sessions are held on the 4th Thursday evening of the month from 7-9 p.m. in the Family Centre. This evening is open to anyone who would like to learn more about what is available for you, to meet with Denise, and to network with others who have followed the 10 week support program.
Support after Suicide is a safe place in our community for survivors (families and loved ones of suicide victims) to share their loss with others who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings. Drop-in support is available to all adult survivors of suicide and is held from time to time in the Family Centre. Feel free to contact Denise for more information.
Each November we host a Community Bereavement Education and Support event and each December we host a Handling the Holidays candlelight memorial to support families in grief during the holiday season.
All of these events are complimentary as an extension of our Family Care program.
Individual or family grief counselling is available and can be scheduled with Denise at a set fee per session.
365 Days of Healing
With our daily emails of comfort and hope, you will feel supported knowing we’re here to walk with you through your journey of grief.
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Just One of Many
Here’s one example of our 365 Days of Healing emails, designed to offer advice, tell stories, and otherwise help you heal.
Grief & Healing Websites
GriefShare
GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences.
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Web Healing
Web Healing offers grief discussion boards where you can talk with others who are grieving or browse recommended books on grief.
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The Compassionate Friends
Whether your family has had a child die (at any age, from any cause), or you are helping those who have gone through this life-altering experience, The Compassionate Friends exists to provide friendship, understanding, and hope to those going through the grieving process as a parent.
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AARP
With AARP you’ll find articles, discussions, and helpful information on dealing with end-of-life care, the challenges faced by caregivers, and how to deal with grief after a loss.
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Children & Grief
When a loved one dies, it can be difficult to know how to help kids cope with the loss, particularly as you work through your own grief. By being open and honest, encouraging communication, and sharing your own feelings, you and your children can cope with painful times and begin your healing journey together.
The following links provide more detailed information on topics related to helping children and teens cope with loss.
When Families Grieve™
This guide was created by Sesame Workshop, the educational organization behind Sesame Street. It explores children's understanding of death and offers information about communicating, ideas for coping together, and ways to move forward with your children after a loss.
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Helpful Children's Books
This list from Allina Health recommends children’s books that deal with death and grief. There are suggestions for children of all ages, from preschool to age 12. They also have books for different types of losses, such as the loss of a parent, sibling, grandparent, friend, or pet. With these books, you can start a meaningful conversation with your child and help them understand their feelings
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More Advice
Here you'll find a Huffington Post article by Judith Acosta containing advice and guidance from her book Verbal First Aid, which counsels parents on ways to help kids heal from fear and pain in a variety of situations, including the death of a loved one. If you find the advice in the article helpful, you may want to read her book for even more insight.
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