Bereavement Support Groups
Because not everyone’s grief is the same, Victoria Hospice offers a variety of bereavement support groups. Some groups run for a fixed number of weeks, while others use a drop-in format. Some groups are facilitated by counsellors, others by volunteers, and still others by both.
While there is no charge for most of our groups, fees are charged for some groups in order to recover costs. A limited number of bursaries are available.
Registration & Further Information
Call 250-370-8868, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, Monday to Friday, or email Victoria Hospice Bereavement Services.
Victoria Hospice Bereavement Support Groups include:
• Walking Group
• Young Widows Group
• Grief & Beyond Group
• Daughters Group
• Touchstones Children’s Drop-In Group
• Journal Group
• Weekly Drop-in Groups
• Saturday Night Social Group
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Walking Group
An opportunity to meet and talk with other bereaved people; to get out and have a little exercise; to encourage the group to become self-directing and continue to meet for walks. Weekly sessions are an easy walk, rain or shine, but on fairly level ground. A one-hour walk is followed by a social time, which includes refreshments. No fees are charged.
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Young Widows Group
For women who feel prematurely widowed and who may or may not have dependent children living at home. The focus of the group is adapted to the needs and wishes of participants but may include issues such as returning to work or facing challenges when a partner is no longer present for support.
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Grief and Beyond
A one-day retreat for creative exploration and learning, focusing on care of the grieving self and re-creation of relationships with self and the world outside. Offered according to demand. Fee: $100 (some bursaries available).
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Daughters Group
For women who are coping with the death of their mothers. Each session explores relevant topics about this grieving process through personal sharing, information-giving and creative visual expression. Offered according to demand; usually consists of seven weekly sessions. Fee: $125 per participant (some bursaries available).
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Touchstones Children’s Drop-In Group
A safe and supportive environment for bereaved children aged 5-12 years to come together to share feelings, learn and have fun. Saturdays year round except on statutory holidays. No fees are charged.
Please click here to see a brochure about the Touchstones group.
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Journal Group
Learn and practice journal writing as a tool for healing, and to guide grieving people in strategies and exercises in journalling. A variety of topics on grief and healing are covered. Each session involves teaching, writing, and sharing with others. Suggestions are given for journalling between sessions. Offered according to demand; usually consists of seven weekly sessions. Fee: $125 per participant (some bursaries available).
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Weekly Drop-in Groups
Victoria: Wednesdays, noon to 1:30 pm
West Shore: Evening (please contact for details)
A safe, supportive place in which bereaved people can listen and share their experiences as they wish, while learning about grief and other Victoria Hospice bereavement services. The purpose and guidelines are introduced each week. Members may attend regularly or periodically, for as many sessions as they choose. Held every week year round, except on statutory holidays. By donation.
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Saturday Night Social Group
For bereaved people, particularly spouses, who want to form new social connections. Most sessions include socializing, cards and game playing. A newsletter highlights other activities available to group members. The Saturday Night group hosts a newcomers evening on the second Saturday of each month to provide information about the group’s activities. Held every Saturday evening year round. $2 for coffee.
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