Grief & Bereavement

Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care (MVHPC) provides bereavement support following the death of a loved one for one year as well as offer Free 6 week Grief Support Groups (frequency based on interest).  For more information about our groups or our bereavement program, contact the office (613)756-3045 Ext 350.

"Grief ...never ends...but it changes.  It is a passage, not a place to stay.  Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith...it is the price of love."

Grief

Grief is the normal, healthy response to different types of loss.  Such losses include not only the death of a loved one, but also the loss of health, loss of a special relationship, loss of a job, loss of self-esteem and the changes that invariably take place as a result.  It is the most universal of human experiences and the one for which we are least prepared.

When a loved one dies, our lives are changed forever - we are no longer the same person we were before the death and many of us need some help in navigating the painful journey after the death of a loved one.  The Grief and Bereavement Program can help with this process.

What is the purpose of the Bereavement Program?

  • To foster healthy emotional adjustment to loss
  • To provide support and education about the grieving process 
  • To help individuals and families develop coping skills to deal with their loss
  • To educate the community at large about grief and bereavement
  • To offer a variety of supports to suit the needs of our community 

How does MVHPC provide Bereavement Follow Up?

Staff and trained volunteers will contact family during the first year following the death.
At MVHPC we know that there is not a one size fits all approach to grief support.  Our Bereavement Program includes a variety of services and programs such as:

  • 1:1 Sessions with Professional Grief and Bereavement Counsellor (in home, virtual, or in clinic space)
  • Community grief education and presentations 
  • 6 week structured grief support groups offered throughout the year
  • Walking groups (Fall)
  • Annual Butterfly Release Memorial (July)
  • Annual Family Grief Camp (September)
  • Widow's Retreat (October)
  • Friendly phone check ins by staff or trained volunteers 
  • Email check ins by staff or trained volunteers
  • Email distribution lists
  • Lending library of reading resources and books
  • Legacy activities

Our program is evolving all the time to suit the needs of our community.  If you have programming that you would like to see, please contact Jenna Stamplicoski- MV Hospice Grief and Bereavement Services  (613) 756 3045 ext 350 or bereavementmvhospice@sfmhosp.com 

Visit www.kidsgrief.ca , www.speakinggrief.org , www.mygrief.ca 
www.youthgrief.ca  for additional websites for more information.