Grief Support Program
Providing support and companionship as you grieve
Grieving can be overwhelming. Grief support is an important part of the healing process after the death of a significant person in one's life.
At Hospice Northwest Services, we understand the grief you are feeling can include powerful emotions, and we are here to listen and to support you. Our grief and bereavement services are available at no charge in Thunder Bay and in the regional communities.
View our regional map to see all the communities that we serve.
At Hospice Northwest Services we:
- recognize the uniqueness of your grief journey
- provide you with genuine compassion and support
- refrain from imposing our own spiritual or philosophical beliefs
- help you find useful community resources that will help support your bereavement process
Our facilitators, volunteers and staff are here to provide support and companionship as you grieve, while respecting your privacy and security at all times.
Available Grief Support Programs
Our grief and bereavement support includes compassionate one-to-one volunteer support, as well as grief support groups led by trained facilitators, typically a social worker or therapist in the community.
We are currently NOT ACCEPTING clients on a wait list for our short term (six-session) individual counselling. Please check back in the future regarding availability.
Attending the grief group was a huge step for me. I have spent my whole life looking after everyone else… taking actions to look out for myself is a step in the right direction.
-- Hearts & Hope Client
One-to-One Grief Support Program
The One-to-One Grief Program is a three-month program during which you will be paired with a trained grief and bereavement volunteer. You'll meet once a week, either virtually, over the phone, or in person, and get emotional, social, and spiritual assistance while grieving your loss. The type of support is designed to meet the unique needs of the individual who is grieving.
Hearts and Hope Grief Support Group
Hearts and Hope is a multi-week (typically five-week) grief support group that provides people who are grieving with the opportunity to talk about their experiences and feelings in a safe, respectful, and confidential atmosphere. Participants will learn coping techniques as well as an understanding of their grief experience, and they will be encouraged to show compassion for themselves and others in a helpful environment. All services are offered free of charge to our clients. Clients are expected to commit to the entirety of the multi-week program.
Gashkendamide'e (Be Grieved from the Heart) Loss and Grief Support Group
Led by an Elder, this two-day workshop is delivered in a culturally relevant and spirituality-based manner. It was developed with a "Two-Eyed Seeing" approach that incorporates Western grief theory and Indigenous strengths and wisdom. This loss and grief workshop is individualized depending on the unique needs of each participant and has at least one Indigenous Helper who has experience, education, and knowledge in grief and loss support.
This workshop was developed locally and in collaboration with Indigenous Elders, leaders, and community partners.
Help Us Understand Grief (HUUG)
Do you know a child or teen who is grieving? The HUUG program can help.
This program provides children and teens with the tools and resources to assist them to process their grief after a loved one has died. Support is provided in the form of monthly workshops in each community from September to May. Through the use of books, therapeutic games, art, play and music, the HUUG program helps children and teens address the difficult topics and feelings that grief and death raise.
Receive Grief Support
Anyone grieving the death of a loved one is eligible for support, providing their needs can be met with the services we offer and they consent to receiving services from Hospice Northwest Services. If you or someone you know is interested in receiving grief support, you can complete this online service request form
Circle of Friends Grief Workshops
Our Circle of Friends Program is comprised of monthly workshops from September – June. Each month a workshop is delivered on various topics with the goal to normalize grief and provide supports. Topics range from Indigenous Stories of Grief and Loss, Grief and Mental Health, Coping with Suicide Loss and others. Please contact Jessica Bruce, Grief Program Coordinator at (807) 697-2677 for more information.
Grief Resources
At Hospice Northwest Services, we are also available to help connect you with further supports in our community.
I had a few conversations with my volunteer, and she helped me sort out some difficult situations. I am very grateful for her support and guidance.
-- One-to-One Client
Additional Grief Support Information
For more information or to submit a referral by telephone contact Jessica, Grief Program Coordinator at 807-626-5570 (ext. 5580)