Grief is a normal response to loss. The pain caused by a death can affect every part of your life. You might feel all kinds of unexpected and difficult emotions and even notice physical symptoms. Grief can affect how you think. You might experience changes in your behaviour or in your spiritual beliefs.
Grief is unique to everyone.
You might also be caring for other people in your life — children, aging parents, another adult — as you are coping with your own emotions.
Hospice Niagara offers programs and workshops for people who are grieving a death. Grief support helps people feel less alone, gives voice to their grief and provides helpful strategies to promote healing. You don’t have to do this alone. We are here to help you. All our programs and workshops are offered at no cost to our Niagara community.
Grief workshops for adults focus on specific topics. Workshops are free of cost, but registration is required. Once you register, you will receive instructions on how to join.
“Is this normal? Is this what grief feels like?”
Here’s a chance to learn about grief, ask some general questions and hear about all the programs and workshops we offer to help children, teenagers and adults explore feelings of grief and loss in a safe and supportive space.
The experience of grief is sometimes described as a journey through the wilderness. After a death, we may feel lost, overwhelmed and alone in a strange and unknown place.
Together, as we weave a story with healing images, explore and engage your imagination to promote well-being and relaxation.
Our connection to music is deep and powerful. In dealing with grief and loss, music can help with the expression of difficult thoughts and feelings, when words alone are not enough. In this workshop, you will learn how music can help decrease the stress, anxiety and intrusive thoughts that may come with grief. A Hospice Niagara music therapist will talk about the benefits of music for mental health and provide opportunities to express your grief through music.
A camera points both ways — towards the scene being photographed, and towards the person behind the camera. In taking a photograph, we also learn something about ourselves.
Often we can’t see what our emotions are telling us, or we feel trapped and isolated in our feelings. Using a camera or a cell phone, explore how photography can help us express ourselves and our grief, while feeling connected to the people who remain forever in our hearts.
Future Session TBA
Virtual workshop
Kids grieve differently than adults. In fact, sometimes their inner turmoil can be misunderstood or invisible even to people who know them well.
When children and youth need a break from the intensity of grief, they may play or hang out with friends. Adults in their life may perceive that they are ‘fine’ or ‘coping well.’
Kids need to know they are not alone. Support can make all the difference. This workshop is for parents, family and anyone who wants to better understand how to help kids in grief.
Art can often be a safe and creative way to explore feelings of grief.
Using materials found at home, we create a simple art project together while exploring inner resilience to get through difficult times.
No previous art experience is needed.
Grief programs help adults explore feelings of grief and loss in a safe and supportive space, over several sessions. Work your way towards healing in a healthy way.
The first step to participating in a grief support program, is to fill out a Program Referral Form.
Journaling is a great way to express and monitor your grief journey.
Put pen to paper and write what is on your mind and in your heart through this self-directed, 12-week journaling program.
Grammar, spelling, punctuation, artistic ability or sounding "just right” are not important. Consider journaling in whatever format you like whether that is writing, drawing, or art journaling.
Work at your own pace, in your own space.
An eight-week peer support program.
Share the story of your grief at your own pace in a safe and supportive space, with others who understand from personal experience too. Understand the myths and facts about grief and learn healthy coping skills that will help you move towards healing.
This program available in-person and virtually.
Ages 18 to 25 Virtual program
“I’m fine” … Have you said this recently when someone asked, ‘How are you doing?’
Often what we share with people outwardly does not match what we are really feeling on the inside.
“I’m Fine” is a monthly support group for grieving young adults.
Bring your favourite comfort mug and join us on the third Thursday of the month to share your story in a safe and supportive space.
All Ages
Come together as a family to listen to music and be creative, while meeting other families grieving a death.
Music for the Family is a drop-in space for families and their kids to explore their unique grief together, through music.
Sessions will be led by a music therapist.
Walk and talk with people who are themselves on a personal grief journey. Walk at a leisurely pace for about a half hour, then go for coffee and conversation.
Join at any time on your grief journey and participate for a maximum of 13 months.
There are 3 locations to participate in the Grief Walk; St. Catharines-North, Thorold and Welland.
Pull up a chair and join in on the monthly conversation about grief. We’ll have some coffee (or tea) ready for you. Once you’ve registered, all you need to do is RSVP and show up; we’ll do the rest. Relax, make yourself comfortable and let’s discuss grief with other adults who are also part of our bereavement program. We’ll throw in some background accompaniment by our music therapist too!
The first step to participating in a grief support program, is to fill out a Program Referral Form.
If you would like more information, please call our main number at 905-984-8766 or email info@hospiceniagara.ca. Mention that you are interested in an Adult Grief Program and we will make sure you are directed to the right person.
