Bereaved Families of Ontario is an organization for the living.

Our self-help group programs are led by facilitators. These facilitators are themselves bereaved parents and have been trained under the guidance of professionals. They have experienced many of the same feelings of grief, pain and loss and are now giving back to others, because it has meant so much to them. They have been on the same journey, learning to live with grief, and know that there is hope and a life yet to live.

You will have a chance to hear and to share stories, in a compassionate and non-judgmental way, experiences and feelings with others who are also on this same journey. It is a safe place to share your story. You realize very quickly that you are not the only person going through this sad and difficult experience and that you are not alone. There is a mirror of hope. Often, long-term friendships develop with those with whom you share a common bond. They understand.

Topics of discussion may include: introduction/life story, funeral, picture night, coping styles, relationship with spouse and/or partner, sexuality, other children, anger/guilt, extended family relationships, keeping the memories alive, emotional unrest and support/Belief system.          

Discussions within the groups are kept confidential. What happens within the group stays within the group.

The groups typically run 8-12 weeks.

All of our programs are offered at no charge, but donations are gratefully accepted.

Pre-registration is required for all groups. Please contact the office at 905-318-0070 for the next available start date. Our group support programs are facilitated by trained bereaved volunteers. All support programs are supervised by professionals skilled in grief and group dynamics.

We welcome all ethnic and cultural backgrounds to participate in our programs.

Moms of Younger Children

• Support group for mothers whose child or children are 19 or younger at the time of their death. Topics include talking about feelings, the death itself, the funeral, memories, changing relationships with family and friends, new beginnings.

 Moms of Adult Children

• Support group for mothers whose child or children are 20 years and older.

Fathers of Younger or Older Children

• Support group for fathers who have lost a child or children of any age.

Perinatal Loss

• Support group of parents who have experienced a miscarriage, still birth or the death of an infant younger than 28 days. 

Growing Through Grief

• Support group for young adults (19-35 years), who have experienced the death of a parent or sibling.

• Two groups: 5-8 years and 9-13 years involving the death of a parent, sibling relative or friend. Sessions include talking about feelings and changes since the person’s death, group activities. 

• One-day workshops for teens that have experienced the death of a loved one. Facilitated in partnership with area high school social workers. 

Telephone Support

• Interim support for individuals waiting for a group.

• Support for individuals who are not comfortable in a group setting.