There are some discussion groups one hopes to need never attend.
But alas, life always comes full circle, making a support group starting in Penetanguishene Tuesday all the more essential.
Grief Matters will allow those suffering a loss to express themselves and learn they’re not alone in a completely open and non-judgemental environment while also receiving plenty of support.
“This is the first time we’re offering this group,” said Debbie Kesheshian, executive director of Hospice Huronia, which is hosting the weekly bereavement support group.
“It’s a little bit different in that we’re using a really great video to start things off with discussion afterwards and support. Typically, we’ve done a 10-week bereavement program but it was more of a read and listen type (seminar).”
The morning get-togethers are slated to run from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 in the hospice’s meeting room at 25 Jeffery Street.
Each week a video of a relevant topic will be viewed and discussed, thereby giving individuals the chance to share their stories and receive support from other members and seminar leaders as they move through their grief journey.
“This is a little more casual and we thought it might be great to try it this way,” Kesheshian said.
Hospice Huronia provides services free-of-charge to residents in Midland, Penetanguishene, Tay and Tiny townships as well as Beausoleil First Nation and parts of Springwater Georgian Bay, Oro Medonte and Severn townships.
Christine Preston, the organization’s community programs’ coordinator, said the Tuesday group is designed to help people experiencing dramatic life changes, even if it’s “anticipatory grief” where the passing isn’t totally unexpected following a lengthy illness.
“They’re trying to cope with it, but don’t realize its grief,” she said, noting this can also be the case when a loved one commits suicide.
Added Kesheshian: “Even if they come to the first session, Christine can see where they are on their grief journey.”
Kesheshian said Hospice Huronia also offers free counselling and support for not only those experiencing a loss, but also to family members caring for a terminally-ill relative at home.
“A lot of families might not be able to afford it (counselling),” she said. “We already send trained volunteers out into homes to give the caregiver some respite.”
In the spring, the organization will officially open the doors to Tomkins House, it’s five-bed residential facility that will offer 24/7 medical and hospice end-of-life care.
“We take possession on March 25,” Kesheshian said, noting there will be an open house March 29 with the first resident admitted April 6. “Everything’s starting to come together.”
For more information on the Tuesday group, phone (705) 549-1034 or visit hospice huronia.ca.
