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Navigating Grief and Bereavement: Finding the Right Support

Updated: Oct 11, 2024


Grief is a natural response to loss, a complex and often overwhelming mix of emotions that can affect us physically, mentally, and spiritually. While grief is most commonly associated with the death of a loved one, it can also stem from other significant life changes, such as divorce, the loss of a job, or a serious illness. Bereavement refers specifically to the period of mourning following a loss, particularly after someone close has passed away.


Grief is deeply personal and unique to each individual. Some may experience a rollercoaster of emotions—ranging from shock and denial to anger, sadness, and eventually, acceptance—while others may feel stuck in one stage for a long time. There's no right or wrong way to grieve, but one thing is certain: it helps to have support.


Fortunately, there are numerous programs available to provide comfort, guidance, and connection for those navigating the grieving process. Below is a list of grief and bereavement support programs in and around Toronto, Ontario, and online designed to help individuals and families through this difficult time.


Adult and Family Grief Resources


Bereaved Families of Ontario

Bereaved Families of Ontario offers individual and group programs across the province for children, adolescents, young adults, parents and grandparents.


Soaring Spirits Canada

Soaring Spirits Canada connects widowed people with each other through various online and in-person programs. Among them is program called Camp Widow Toronto a weekend event for people who have lost their partner. Dates and prices can be found on the website.


Canadian Virtual Hospice

The Canadian Virtual hospice provides information and supportive resources on palliative care, end-of-life care, and loss and grief.


The Dinner Party (for people aged 21-45)

The dinner party is a platform for grieving 21-45-year-olds to find a peer community and build lasting relationships. The platform screens, trains and supports a growing network of peer Hosts, and connects them to 10-12 other grievers, who share a similar age, identity, or loss experience through Tables or a 1:1 Buddy System.


Hummingbird Centre for Hope (for widowed parents)

Provides support groups and resources for young, widowed parents.


What’s Your Grief

Provides online resources for coping with grief and loss, podcasts about grief, articles, and books on grief for both individuals who are grieving and those who are supporting them.


Gilda's Club Greater Toronto

Gilda's Club offers free support to families touched by cancer, including those grieving the loss of a loved one. While they primarily support those affected by cancer, their bereavement programs are open to families who have lost loved ones from cancer.



Children and Youth Support and Programs


Children and Youth Grief Network

The Children and Youth Grief Network provides information, resources and programs across the province of Ontario for grieving children and youth.


Lighthouse Program for Grieving Children

A place for children and youth and their families to receive grief support and to connect with other on a similar journey.


Heart House Hospice

Heart House Hospice offers bereavement support for families, including children and youth who are dealing with loss.


Kids Grief

Kids Grief is a free online resource that helps parents support their children when someone in their life is dying or has died.


Camp Erin

Camp Erin Toronto is a free, weekend bereavement camp for youth who are grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. Children and teens ages 6 to 17 attend a weekend camp experience that combines grief education and emotional support with fun, traditional camp activities.


Camp Keaton

Camp Keaton is a bereavement camp designed for children and youth aged 7–17 who have experienced the death of someone important to them. Campers are grouped by age in their cabins and for activities, which enables them to meet others who have had a similar experience.


The Dr. Jay Children's Grief Centre

This centre provides free, specialized support for children, youth, and their families grieving a terminal illness or death. They offer individual counselling, group programs, and in-home hospice support.


Grief Counselling with Licensed Therapists


Sometimes, working one-on-one with a professional therapist or grief counsellor is the most helpful option. Many therapists specialize in grief, offering personalized sessions to help process emotions. Some programs that offer affordable grief counselling include:


Family Service Toronto

416 595 9618

In-person counselling services at 5 locations in Toronto, including traumatic experiences. Fees are charged on a sliding scale based on household income. No referral needed.


Kemp Care Network

The Kemp Care Network offers individual conversation-based counselling and group support for adults 18 years and older.



Grief is not a linear process, and it looks different for everyone. The most important thing is to find the right support for you—whether that’s through group therapy, holistic practices, or one-on-one counselling. These programs are designed to help ease the burden of loss and guide you through your grief in a supportive environment.


How I can Support You

While I am not a professional grief counsellor, I am here to offer a compassionate and supportive presence as you journey through grief and bereavement. I provide a listening ear, empathetic conversations, and a caring connection to help you feel seen and supported during this challenging time. I can assist you in navigating and connecting with professional grief resources, and I will actively reach out to check in, offering gentle encouragement and validation as you experience your unique grief journey.

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