Bereavement Support
Burnaby Hospice Society provides support for individuals and families after the death of a loved one. Our trained and dedicated volunteers bring understanding, listening skills and support to help people find comfort during grief. These caring individuals recognize that loss often involves more than death, and may include anticipatory grief, as well as less tangible losses such as loss of purpose, loss of roles and/or functions and loss of hope.
Sometimes when you are grieving it can be hard to find a place where you can openly express all of your feelings. Often, as time passes, family and friends may appear less understanding and supportive, and they want to “move on”. However, you may find you are unable to simply carry on.
Grieving the loss of a loved one is a natural part of healing. Let Burnaby Hospice Society support you on your grieving journey. You do not have to do it alone.
Individual/Family Counselling
Our registered clinical counsellor provides individuals and/or their families with practical, emotional and spiritual support to help people deal with the strong and unfamiliar emotions which accompany change and loss.
Services are designed to meet the individual’s specific needs and we help people of all ages: children, teens, adults, and seniors. In cases where additional support may be needed, we may also assist to make referrals to specialized professionals.
To make an appointment with a counsellor, please contact us.
Grief Support Group
In the safety of a group, participants meet once a week for 8 weeks to explore and express thoughts and feelings experienced during their grieving process. By listening, sharing, recognizing, learning, and guiding one another, people benefit personally and socially as they bear witness to each other’s struggles and stories of loss and healing.
Burnaby Hospice Society grief support groups are offered regularly throughout the year.
One-on-One Bereavement Support
Individual support is available for those who have received clinical counselling support and are waiting for placement in a group or who prefer individual support. Trained volunteers offer support by phone and visits.
Walking Group
Our walking group is led by trained volunteers and open to all bereaved individuals. It is an opportunity to walk and talk, at a relaxed pace, while meeting new people who share a common experience and to provide mutual support and acceptance. This program combines informal support with fresh air and exercise. To register, please call 604.520.5024 or email us.
Anyone who is experiencing grief may use our bereavement support services – your loved one did not have to be registered within the Burnaby Palliative Care Program.
For more information on our services or to request support, please contact us.
All our services are provided without charge. Your donations are welcomed to help us fund and expand our programs.