Bereavement

024 - BEREAVED FAMILIES OF ONTARIO SOUTHWEST REGION
519-686-1573

571 Wharncliffe Road S., Suite 4,  Fax: (519) 686-1573
London, ON N6J 2N6  
  
Fees: No fees. Donations welcome   
     
Area Served: Middlesex, Elgin, Oxford, Kent, Huron, Lambton and Perth Counties  

Bereaved Families of Ontario-London was formed in 1984 by a group of concerned parents and individuals to share their insights and experiences with other grieving families and lend support to them as they restore a balance to their lives. Volunteers give many hours to Bereaved Families. All volunteers are bereaved and have received specialized leadership training so that they may provide sensitive peer support to families who have experienced similar losses. 

Bereaved families can access the services of the organization for any length of time. The organization is structured to provide a non-judgmental, caring environment to ensure that families come to terms with their loss and continue through life with a renewed sense of strength. 

SERVICES AND PROGRAMS 

The healing process is a different one for each individual and family. Agency programs designed to help families deal with all aspects of grieving are as follows:

  • Monthly Meetings - These meetings offer a safe and supportive environment where bereaved parents are given the opportunity to discuss feelings with other bereaved parents who truly understand. The meeting begins with a short presentation pertaining to the challenges of grief and then moves to small group discussion format.
      
  • Grief Support Groups - Small groups (6-8 parents) gather for six consecutive weeks to remember, reflect and share experiences with other bereaved parents of similar circumstances. Trained facilitators, themselves bereaved parents, provide direction and help lead the group.
     
  • One to One Support - Speak directly to one of our "veteran" bereaved parents. Either face to face or over the phone, our trained volunteers will listen to you as you express your feelings and can offer some insight from their own personal experience.
      
  • Miscarriage Support - An opportunity to talk to other women who have experienced a form of bereavement that is often downplayed or completely overlooked by society.
     
  • Young People's Workshops - This workshop is designed to support young people ages 15-23 who have experienced the death of a brother, sister or parent. Each group consists of 5-8 participants all who are given opportunities for input into planning the workshop. These all day workshops aim to help youth with their grief by giving them an opportunity to express themselves through discussion, music,  art activities, sharing keepsakes and photos etc. in a safe, confidential environment with other young grievers. These groups are facilitated by a health care professional and a trained young bereaved person.
     
  • Children's Grief Support Groups - This group for children ages 7-14 who have experienced the death of a brother, sister or parent, is designed to support and encourage the unique needs of young grieving children. Through discussion, play and art activities children are able to understand their experiences of death and loss and connect with one another in a supportive, safe and nurturing atmosphere. Each group consists of 5-7 participants and is facilitated by a health care professional and a trained young bereaved person.
     
  • Lending Library - An extensive collection of books relating to a variety of subjects is available to all family members and the community. We can offer some advice as to which books might be useful for each particular situation.
      
  • Monthly Newsletter - We have over 600 families who receive our newsletter each month. 

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