Bereavement Support Groups
Meet others who’ve lost a loved one and share your experience in our bereavement support groups.
Our support groups give you the opportunity to meet others who are grieving the death of a loved one, share experiences, and explore ways to move through your grief – all in a caring and understanding atmosphere.
Support groups run all year round across Halton and may focus on a particular type of loss (spousal loss, loss of an adult child).
These groups are offered free of charge through the generosity of our volunteers, funders and donors.
To register for a group please contact:
Peggy Helkaa, 905-827-8800 or 1-800-387-7127 x 2323
Drop-in Support Groups
Our drop-in groups require registration, but you aren’t expected to attend every session. Registration is open and you can join any time.
Coffee & Conversation: Virtual Drop-in Support Group
Grief can feel different from day to day, and sometimes it helps to have a place to connect with others who understand. This monthly virtual drop-in group offers an opportunity to share, listen, and talk about life after loss in a welcoming environment. Sessions offer space for participants to connect in a way that feels comfortable for them. New participants are welcome to join throughout the year.
Details
Date: Every 3rd Thursday of the month
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Young Adult Grief Chat: Virtual Drop-In Support Group
Grieving a loved one can feel isolating, especially when others your age may not understand what you are experiencing. This virtual drop-in group offers adults under the age of 40 a place to connect with others, talk about life after loss, and share experiences with peers who understand. New participants are welcome to join throughout the year.
Details
2026 Summer Dates: Monday, July 27 and Monday, August10
Date: Biweekly on Mondays starting Monday, September 21, 2026
Time: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Virtual
How to Register (Required)
Contact Peggy Helkaa
905-827-8800, ext. 2323 or email [email protected]
Bereavement Walking Group
A free walking group for adults grieving the death of a loved one.
Join trained volunteers for fresh air, gentle movement, and connection with people who are grieving. Share your experiences, talk with others who understand, or simply walk alongside those who are navigating life after loss. New participants are welcome to join throughout the walking season.
Details
Date: Thursdays, Fall 2026 (to be confirmed)
Time: 10:00 am
Location: In-person (Oakville)
How to Register (Required)
Contact Carole LaTour
905-827-8800, ext. 2312 or email [email protected]
Caring for Grieving Children: A Parent Drop-In Group
This virtual monthly group is for parents or caregivers who are supporting children through grief. This drop-in group offers flexibility, with no requirement to attend every session. Each session will have a light structure while leaving space for questions, discussion, and sharing. New participants are welcome to join throughout the year.
Details
Date: Every 4th Wednesday of the month
Time: 8:45 pm – 9:45 pm
How to Register (Required)
Contact Jennifer Liantzakis, Children’s Anticipatory Grief and Bereavement Counsellor
289-834-3274 or email [email protected]
Closed Support Groups
Closed support groups are typically 8 weeks in length. Registration is required and we ask that you attend all the sessions.
Adult Child Loss Support Group
The death of an adult child is a profound loss that can change the course of a parent’s life. No matter your child’s age or the circumstances of their death, the grief that follows is deeply personal and often difficult for others to fully understand.
This eight-week, in-person support group offers a compassionate space for parents who have experienced the loss of an adult child. Through shared experiences, reflection, and conversation, participants will explore the many layers of grief, learn ways to navigate life after loss, and find comfort among others who have walked a similar path. Space is limited.
Details
Date: Tuesdays, September 15, 2026 to November 3, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: In person (Oakville)
How to Register (Required)
Contact Peggy Helkaa
905-827-8800, ext. 2323 or email [email protected]
Spousal / Partner Loss Support Group
The death of a spouse or partner changes life in profound ways. Along with grief, you may experience loneliness, uncertainty, or a sense that no one truly understands what you’re going through. Whatever your experience, you don’t have to face it alone.
This eight-week, in-person support group provides a compassionate setting to connect with others who understand the loss of a spouse or partner. Participants will explore the challenges of grief, talk about adjusting to life after loss, and find encouragement, understanding, and hope from others who share a similar experience. Space is limited.
Details
Date: Wednesdays, October 14, 2026 to December 2, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: In person (Oakville)
How to Register (Required)
Contact Peggy Helkaa
905-827-8800, ext. 2323 or email [email protected]
Young Spousal / Partner Loss Virtual Support Group
Losing a spouse or partner at a younger age can feel especially isolating. Alongside grief, you may be navigating work, parenting, finances, and a future you never expected.
This eight-week virtual support group brings together individuals facing the unique challenges of grieving a partner at a younger age. Participants will explore ways of coping, navigate life changes after loss, and find support from others who understand what you’re experiencing. Space is limited.
Details
Date: Wednesdays, September 23, 2026 to November 11, 2026
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Virtual
How to Register (Required)
Contact Peggy Helkaa
905-827-8800, ext. 2323 or email [email protected]
Parent / Guardian Loss Support Group
The death of a parent or guardian can affect you at any stage of life. Whether your relationship was close, complicated, or somewhere in between, their loss can bring a range of emotions and changes that others may not understand.
This eight-week virtual support group offers an opportunity to reflect on your relationship, share your experiences, and connect with others who understand the loss of a parent or guardian. Participants can explore their grief, honour their memories, and find ways to navigate life after loss. Space is limited.
Details
Date: Wednesdays, September 23, 2026 to November 11, 2026
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Virtual
How to Register (Required)
Contact Peggy Helkaa
905-827-8800, ext. 2323 or email [email protected]
2SLGBTQIA+ Grief Virtual Support Group
The death of a loved one is a deeply personal experience, and grief can be shaped by our identities, relationships, and communities. For 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, there may be unique experiences and challenges that are not always understood or recognized by others.
This eight-week virtual support group offers an affirming environment to reflect on your grief, share your experiences, and connect with others who understand the importance of being seen and supported in all aspects of who you are. Whether you are grieving the loss of a partner, family member, friend, or chosen family member, you are welcome. Space is limited.
Details
Date: TBD
How to Register (Required)
Contact Peggy Helkaa
905-827-8800, ext. 2323 or email [email protected]
Thank You!
This program is supported in part by our wonderful funders and donors.
❤️
Client and Staff Stories
A Journey with Grief
"I couldn't talk, I couldn't socialize with anyone, and this program has allowed me to be where I am today". Joanne's daughter Jenny was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of twenty and told she had an approximate two-year survival rate. Although very upset, Jenny made the mental decision to live her best…
A Story About Bereavement
https://youtu.be/dTJc0ApDWbY A Story About Bereavement “I have come through this grief because of Acclaim Health” When a loved one passes away, the grief can be a difficult journey that takes the mind into uncharted territory, but there’s a chance to feel hopeful and grateful on the other side. “Looking back, it’s really an adventure,”…
