What We Do
Bereaved Families of Ontario – Toronto is a local charitable organization who supports individuals, families and groups experiencing grief from the death of a loved one. Since 1978, we have supported thousands of people through our peer support model by offering one-to-one sessions and peer support groups.
No matter when, how, or who you lost, we provide an environment and resources to help you in your grief journey. We travel the road together. We can help the healing begin.
It took a long time for me to be ready for help, but when I was, BFO-Toronto was there for me. The people and stories helped me find a healthy perspective and taught me how to cope with my new life.
The BFO Spousal Loss Group provides a gay positive space where I can process, share and learn from the experiences of my “grief buddies”.
I think it’s so important to have groups like these, to connect to people going through similar journeys, and ultimately to learn how to grow after grief.
There were laughs, tears, new perspectives. The peer-to-peer support method really helped. I’ve even made some friends in grief.
In summer 2022, I was enrolled in a BFO group which absolutely helped save my life. The volunteers were warm, relatable, and compassionate, and the group consisted of lovely people, each with a unique experience but brought together united by the love we harboured, and the great loss we experienced.
I remember loving coming to the group because I was surrounded by kids with similar experiences. In other parts of my life, I was the “odd one out” but at BFO I was normal. This group really helped me talk about and express my feelings surrounding grief. Twenty years later, I still have fond memories of the group.
Sponsors
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis or has suicide-related concerns please consider connecting with one of the following confidential services:
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8 for a safe space to talk, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Gerstein Crisis Centre: Call 416-929-5200 for telephone support, an in-person mobile crisis team, community support referrals, substance use crisis management, follow-up and access to short-term crisis beds.
Kids Help Phone: People ages 5 to 29 can call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868 to connect with a trained crisis responder.