Grief and Loss Supports
Grief Support for Adults & Youth
Grief can be one of life's most difficult journeys and one that you need not travel alone. Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice can provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space for you to share your story with others who have experienced a similar loss.
Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice is dedicated to providing quality, volunteer-based bereavement support services to individuals and their families in Hamilton, free of charge.
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"Grief is like the ocean; it comes in waves ebbing and flowing.
Sometimes the water is calm and sometimes it is overwhelming.
All we can do is learn to swim."
- Vicki Harrison
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Goals of the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice Bereavement Program:
- To provide a safe space to explore grief, however, works best for the individual
- To reduce isolation by connecting with other bereaved people
- To normalize the grief experience
- To nurture the resiliency of bereaved people by identifying their own inner resources and coping
Our 1:1 peer mutual support program will match you with one of our trained bereavement volunteers, who have experienced a similar loss experience. Clients and volunteers usually meet once a week for approximately 12 sessions.
If you are interested in pursuing individual support, please contact our Bereavement and Supportive Care Manager, at 905 387-2448 ext. 2206 or email support@kemphospice.org Please also see other avenues of support available on our website under Resources.
Youth Grief Support
Any child or teen, ages 7-17, who has experienced the death of a family member or very close friend can join a group. Concurrent parent groups will occur at the same location in a different room.
Let us know that you’re coming. Please RSVP: Susan Repa 905-387-2448 x 2230 or childandfamily@kemphospice.org
GOT QUESTIONS: If you have questions please email or give us a call.
What’s said in group, stays in group!
• September 11
• September 25
• October 9
• October 23
• November 6
• November 20
• December 4
All group sessions are held from 6:30–8:30 p.m. on the following dates: Venue to be announced. There is no charge for participation.
Camp Keaton Family Nights
New in 2019 is the opportunity for families that have participated in Camp Keaton (formerly Camp Erin) to participate in family group nights. These will offer check in and support throughout the year. Through participation in our family nights, the kids and parents will do interactive activities together as a group, have separate parent/child check in support and then regroup for another activity.
Let us know that you’re coming. Please RSVP
childandfamily@kemphospice.org
• September 18, 2019
• October 16, 2019
• November 13, 2019
• December 11, 2019
All group sessions are held from 6:30–8:30 p.m. on the following dates:
For More Information and to register for youth grief support programs, call Sue Repa, Coordinator of Children and Family Support Programs. 905-387-2448 ext. 2230
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Adult Grief Support
Peer Mutual Support Groups
Sharing our stories and being witnessed as we explore the impact of our grief can be a powerful part of the healing process for many bereaved people.
Bereavement Support Groups at Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice:
- Are small groups of people who have experienced similar losses
- Meet weekly to explore their grief in a confidential and supportive setting
- Are facilitated by two peer bereaved volunteers how are supported by our
Bereavement and Supportive Care Manager - Give you a chance to talk about your own grief experience and listen to the experiences of others
Participating in a peer mutual support group may:
- Provide a safe space for you to explore your grief
- Reduce your sense of isolation by connecting you with other bereaved people
- Normalize your experience of grief by hearing from and sharing with others
- Provide you with information and resources
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2019 Spring Programs:
Hiking Through Grief
Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice is proud to invite you to join our weekly hiking group designed specifically for those who are grieving the death of a loved one. No previous experience necessary. Participants may join at any point. The group is free of charge. Donations welcome. Proper footwear and water required.
Please join Richard Reble, a hike leader with the Bruce Trail Conservancy with over 20 years of experience and hospice volunteer, as he invites us to grieve (and hike) together surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Wednesdays beginning April 3
8:30am to 10:30am
Dundas Valley Trails - Richard will notify participants on Tuesday Evenings with information pertaining to starting point (this may vary weekly)
Participants will be notified through email if there are any cancellations.
Contact Jessica our Bereavement and Supportive Care Manager, at 905 387-2448 ext. 2206 or email support@kemphospice.org
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Music Therapy
When we experience the death of a loved one, we may grieve in ways that words along cannot describe. This program offers opportunities for grievers to share, listen, and tell their stories in a supportive environment, using the emotional and creative qualities of music-listening and music-making experiences.
Over the course of 8 weekly sessions, group members will be given time and space to explore/express different themes pertaining to grief through a combination of verbal discussion, instrument-playing and improvisation, songwriting, group singing/vocalizing, song lyric analysis, and music-facilitated drawing/writing.
Music will be used to help participants identify and express their own responses to loss, to connect with others who are also grieving, and to learn and develop additional coping skills and music resources that can be used for continued support through the grieving process.
This group is facilitated by Sara Klinck MMT, RP, MTA (Registered Psychotherapist and Music Therapist Accredited)
8 consecutive weeks, beginning Thursday, April 11th from 2:00-4:00pm.
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Spousal Loss Support Group
The loss of a spouse and/or partner can be one of life’s greatest challenges. Our spousal loss support group provides an opportunity to connect with other bereaved individuals in a safe and supportive environment. This group welcomes anyone who has experienced the death of their partner.
DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED
Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice 277 Stone Church Road East
Contact Jessica our Bereavement and Supportive Care Manager, at 905 387-2448 ext. 2206 or email support@kemphospice.org
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Finding Our Way: Learning to Live With Loss
After the loss of a loved one, it can feel as if your whole world has stopped while the rest of the world continues to turn. Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice invites you to take part in our 10-week group designed for those who have experienced the death of a loved one. This 10-week group is offered free of charge and is facilitated by trained hospice volunteers.
DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED
Contact Jessica our Bereavement and Supportive Care Manager, at 905 387-2448 ext. 2206 or email support@kemphospice.org
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A Daughters Grief
Each loss is as unique as your relationship with your loved one. The bond between parent and child is one of the first we experience in our life, however there is a uniqueness to the relationships between a daughter and a parent or caregiver.
Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice invites those who experienced the death of a parent or elder to please join us for a 10-week support group facilitated by trained hospice volunteers.
DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED
Contact Jessica our Bereavement and Supportive Care Manager, at 905 387-2448 ext. 2206 or email support@kemphospice.org
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Caring for the Caregivers Support Circle
We believe:The deep grief an individual experiences while anticipating the death of their loved one is normal; Grief is a unique experience for every person; Grief does not need to be carried alone. We can share its burden when gathered together in community; We can best care for those we love when we create time and space to care for ourselves.
Join us for an informal support circle facilitated by trained hospice volunteers. This is an opportunity to connect with other caregivers in a safe and supportive environment.
DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED
Contact Jessica our Bereavement and Supportive Care Manager, at 905 387-2448 ext. 2206 or email support@kemphospice.org
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Grieving Mindfully
Join us for an 8-week mindfulness meditation-based class specifically designed for those who are grieving. No previous experience necessary.
DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED
Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice 277 Stone Church Road E
Contact Jessica our Bereavement and Supportive Care Manager, at 905 387-2448 ext. 2206 or email support@kemphospice.org
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Support Over Supper
Nourish both your body and grieving soul at our 8-week drop-in supper group facilitated by trained hospice volunteers. This group is offered free of charge, donations are welcome. Participants are welcome to attend as many or as few of our suppers during this 8 week period.
DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED
Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice 277 Stone Church Road EHamilton
Contact Jessica our Bereavement and Supportive Care Manager, at 905 387-2448 ext. 2206 or email support@kemphospice.org
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