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

How does MVHPC provide Bereavement Follow Up?

• Staff and trained volunteers will contact family during the first year following the death.
• Two annual events to honour the memories of loved ones who died will be held in;
  • July - Memorial Butterfly Release
  • November - Hope for the Holidays

Pamphlets are available with helpful information about the grieving process and can be made available to anyone who requests either by email or phone or in person.

Visit www.kidsgrief.ca website for more information as a resource for all families.