Pausing 1:1 Peer Support Bookings
As we work to clear a high demand for peer-to-peer support, we are temporarily pausing our 1:1 sessions.
Spring groups will be starting soon, so you can expect to hear from us over the first two weeks of April.
We expect to start the 1:1 sessions again by late spring as we try to address these long waitlists.
We appreciate your understanding. For additional resources you can reach out to info@bfotoronto.ca and we will do our best to respond in a timely manner.
Peer-to-Peer Model
Sharing our stories, actively listening to others, and exploring the thoughts and feelings that surface with the death of a loved one. These are an integral part of the healing process.
BFO-Toronto support groups are based on the peer-to-peer model where people with similar grief experiences can come together to share, reflect, grow, support and inspire. There is something powerful about being with people who just get it.
Peer Support Groups
Closed groups at BFO are committed attendance support groups. Meeting once a week for a period of eight weeks, these groups are led by peer volunteer facilitators and volunteer professionals. A key feature of closed groups is that the facilitators and other group members will be consistently attending the sessions, allowing for a greater level of comfort and support in sharing our stories and discussing relevant topics. We currently offer groups for folks 18+ who have lost a loved one.
How to Join
Please send us an email at info@bfotoronto.ca and a member of our staff will be in touch.
Closed Groups
| Group type | Dates | How To Join |
|---|---|---|
| Parents’ Child Loss Group | 8-week closed group starting March 2023 | Groups are full |
| Spousal Loss Group (ages 55 and under) | 8-week closed group starting March 2023 | Groups are full |
| Spousal Loss Group (ages 55 and over) | 8-week closed group starting March 2023 | Groups are full |
| Young Adult Group (ages 18-29) | 8-week closed group starting March 2023 | Groups are full |
| Family and Friend Loss (ages 30+) | 8-week closed group starting March 2023 | Groups are full |
All of our March 2023 closed groups are at capacity. Please check our website or social media for updates on the next available support group.
FAQs
A safe space for you to explore your grief in whatever way makes sense for you.
A space to connect, share, and listen with others in their grief journey.
Develop skills, knowledge, and coping strategies to assist you in learning how to live with your grief.
Some things you may want to think about before joining a mutual support group:
- Am I ready to share my story with others?
- Am I ready to hear the stories of other bereaved people?
- Will my schedule allow me to regularly attend the group?
- Is this the right time for me to benefit from a mutual support group?
Please call the office at 416-440-0290 to have your name added to the next available session.
Please note that there is sometimes a wait to join a support group, as we run our groups when we have the optimal amount of participants.