Support Services for families who have experienced the death of a child are available through the support of Hospice Wellington.

Our support services are provided by families who have experienced and endured the death of a child from birth to 21 years of age. Support is offered in a “one-on-one” and/or small group approach where families can meet and share experiences in a safe and understanding environment.

We have no official catchment area and will provide support to anyone who is interested in our services. We usually service those within 1-1.5 hours drive of Guelph. See map.

Support Groups

Objective:

To Support parents and their families, who have experienced the death of a child. Through a self-help process, such support is offered by parents who have faced the experiences of having a child die, and who offer support through their own personal experiences. Participants will be guided through a safe, trusting atmosphere, to discuss their struggle with the everyday emotions faced when a family grieves the death of a child.

Group Outline:

Structured within a 6 week group process, participants meet one evening per week. Each session provides the participants the opportunity to reflect on their weekly experiences and relevant topics surrounding their experiences. Although there is a structured process to each evening’s topic, each group will determine their topics of focus and concern. Topics include:

Sharing Your Experience

• Relations: Partner, Family, Friends
• The World of Routine
• Re-entry Into The Workforce
• When Flowers Fade: The Feelings of Isolation and Loneliness
• Funerals and Memorial Services
• Spirituality and Reflection
• Autopsies and Inquests
• Reflections and Memories

Facility:

 For several years, the Parent Bereavement Group has called the Guelph General Hospital ’s Chapel “home”. Hosting the sessions within the hospital can be an emotional venture to some families. Returning to the hospital for the support sessions may be the first time back since the death of their child. In some ways, this challenge is therapeutic and possesses a necessary element within the healing process. Many families who contemplate more children after their loss, must face the re-entry into a hospital facility, and for this reason, bridging the link in a controlled and safe environment during our sessions, helps families down the road. In recognizing the anxiety that may be associated with this setting, at times, some sessions may be offered within the office of Hospice.