Grief and Bereavement

Vancouver Hospice Society

The Vancouver Hospice Society offers counselling support for those who are faced with death and dying, and bereavement support for those who have lost a loved one. They also provide a wide range of palliative and end-of-life care services for those who are living with a life-limiting illness.

Services Include:

Bereavement walking and support groups
Healing touch services
End of life care
Individual and family counselling
- No charge for up to 6 sessions
- Open to all Vancouver residents
Available by phone, virtually, or in-person

Location: 4615 Granville Street
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-737-7305

Vancouver Hospice Society

Canadian Virtual Hospice

Grief Resources and Support Online with MyGrief.ca

Canadian Virtual Hospice hosts several websites for those grieving the loss of a loved one.

They also provide resources and videos to do with caregiving, facing an upcoming loss, and facing illness, death and grief in different cultures.

MyGrief.ca is one of their websites - it helps you to understand and work through your grief.

Developed by families and grief experts
Stories from people who have "been there"

You can find support from others going through similar feelings and situations, with the discussion forums.

You can also search for support services, groups and phone helplines in your region, and you can ask a professional.

Support for Grief

BC Bereavement Helpline and Resources

The organization is a non-profit, free, and confidential service that connects the public to grief support services within the province of BC. They help individuals find the most appropriate support for their specific type of loss.

Services Include:

Grief Helpline
Support for loss due to homicide, suicide, and/or substance use
Pet loss support
Support groups and events
Education and training workshops

Helpline Hours:

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9 am - 5 pm
Wednesday | 9 am - 8 pm
Saturday | 9 am - 1 pm

Phone: 604-738-9950
Toll free: 1-877-779-2223
Email: [email protected]

BC Grief Support

Lower Mainland Grief Recovery Society

The LMGRS offers support groups for individuals struggling with the pain of losing a significant person. Trained and experienced facilitators walk with participants on a journey through healing by offering coping tools, support and the chance to share feelings and stories. Being with others who ‘get’ what you are going through can be extremely comforting and powerful.

Details:

There is a cost of $200 for 6 weekly sessions because the society does not receive government funding
Facilitators receive training and practical experience
Groups of 8-12 participants
Participants must complete an intake, and drop-ins are not welcome

Upcoming Sessions:
Downtown Vancouver (Georgia & Burrard)

February 12 - March 18, 2024
Mondays starting at 6 pm

Vancouver West Side (37th & Larch)

February 6 - March 12, 2024
Tuesdays starting at 6 pm

Email to register: [email protected]
Phone: 604-696-1060

Grief Support Group

Kelty's Key - Complicated Grief

Kelty's Key is an online therapy and mental health resource created by a diverse group of individuals who are working together to break down mental health barriers. Their team includes clinicians, researchers, designers, and technologists.

Please note that it is not recommended to use this course without a therapist who has training and experience in the treatment of complicated grief.

Complicated Grief Resources:

Learn about complicated grief
Tips on re-telling your story
Identifying your own grief
Facing your grief and the healing process
Resolution and re-investing in your life
Other useful tools

Kelty's Key - Grief

Compassionate Friends Groups

The Compassionate Friends offers support in the grief and trauma which follows the death of a child; no matter the age or cause. The group serves to help individuals better understand more about this life-altering experience.

Group Details:

Designed for people who have lost a child, regardless of the age of the child
There is no pressure to speak at these meetings
Drop-ins are welcome
The group has no religious affiliation
No fee to attend sessions
Several sections offer virtual meetings

Vancouver Group:
Phone: 778-222-0446
Email: [email protected]

Learn More about the Groups

Circles of Strength - Bereavement Support Groups

Circles of Strength Support Groups provide bereaved individuals the opportunity to connect, to share their experiences in a supportive environment and to learn strategies that can assist them in coping with their grief. While the program is family-centred in philosophy, each meeting includes a breakout time with separate talking circles and expressive arts therapy activities for adults, youth and children.

Group Details:

All groups are facilitated by experienced therapists who are often assisted by trained volunteers
Pre-registration is required
All new applicants must participate in a phone interview with a group facilitator before attending their first session
Online and in-person sessions are available
Register with Lumara Grief & Bereavement Care Society

Phone: 604-553-4663
Email: [email protected]

Lumara Support Groups

Camp Kerry

Camp Kerry was established in 2007 by Dr. Heather Mohan as Canada’s very first family bereavement retreat program. It serves children, youth, adults, and families from across Canada.

Program Details:

4-day bereavement retreat program
Facilitated by a team of qualified counsellors and specially trained volunteers
Children and teens can attend with their parents/guardians
Accommodations are often heated cabins, and includes all meals
Cost is $750 per family, though payment options and financial assistance are available for those in financial need

Activities include:

Peer group sharing circles
Music & art therapy
Nature hikes, sports, and outdoor activities
Fishing and boating
Campfires and relaxation activities
Candlelight memory service
Other therapeutic experiences

Phone: 604-553-4663
Email: [email protected]

Explore Camp Kerry