Each group meets at 10:00 a.m., walks for about an hour, and finishes the morning with coffee/lunch and a social/discussion time.  Groups are led by experienced volunteers who meet with and are accountable to the Bereavement Coordinator.  Before joining a group, prospective clients meet with the Bereavement Coordinator and obtain a note from their doctor regarding their mobility, general health, etc. (Fraser Health/Burnaby Hospice policies).  Once all the paperwork has been completed, the co-ordinator refers the client to the group leader, who in turn welcomes the client to the group.

Our focus is to provide ongoing support to clients in an accepting, supportive and an emotionally safe environment as they work through the impact their loss has on their lives. From a somewhat tentative beginning and not knowing quite what to expect, the Wednesday group quickly evolved into a cohesive mutual support system – a place where a statement such as ‘I’m having a bad day” or “It’s my anniversary” does not need to be explained but is accepted and understood.  For many people the combination of fresh air, exercise, and side by side chatting seems to make it easier to initiate ‘close to the heart’ conversations.

To register, please contact info@burnabyhospice.org.