Bereavement Services & Groups
Grief Matters. Offering Compassionate Support for those Who have had a Loved One Die.
Bereavement Services
Grief can be one of life’s most difficult journeys and one that you need not travel alone. McNally House Hospice can provide a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space for you to share your story with others who have experienced a similar loss.
Please contact Jennifer Jowlabar – Bereavement Clinician for the most up-to-date information regarding our bereavement programs. Bereavement support is being offered in-person, zoom, or telephone at this time. To contact Jennifer, email her at jjowlabar@mcnallyhousehospice.com or call her at 905-309-4013 ext. 32.
What We Believe About Grief:
- The deep grief experienced following a death is normal
- Grief is a unique experience
- Everyone possesses the capacity to heal
- Critical to the healing process is an emotionally safe space to grieve
Goals of the McNally House 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 people by identifying their own inner resources and coping
Bereavement Services Inquiry
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What We Offer
Anyone who is coping with the death of a loved one is welcome to attend McNally House Hospice’s bereavement programs. All programs are free of charge and require registration. Below outlines the six different types of services available to you and your family.
Please contact Jennifer Jowlabar – Bereavement Clinician jjowlabar@mcnallyhousehospice.com (905-309-4013 ext. 32) for the most up-to-date information regarding our bereavement programs.
Bereavement Counselling
Bereavement counselling sessions are available to individuals and families with the Bereavement Clinician, who is available to meet in the office or at the home if preferred.
Individual Volunteer Peer Support
Individuals can be matched with a bereavement volunteer who has experienced a similar loss and is trained to provide emotional support and share personal experience when appropriate.
Support Groups
Individuals can register for a support group specific to a particular type of loss. Support groups are facilitated by trained volunteers. As we explore the impact of our grief, sharing our stories and being witnessed can be a powerful part of the healing process for many bereaved people.
Support Groups offered include: spousal loss, parental loss, sibling loss, child loss, etc. Please register to be on the waitlist and be notified of the start date.
Bereavement Support Groups at McNally House 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, who are supported by a professional Bereavement Support Clinician
- Give you a chance to talk about your own grief experience and listen to the experiences of others
Participating in a 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.
Wellness Programs
Group activities designed to support bereaved individuals to reduce isolation, connect with others, and promote overall wellbeing. Group activities include: walking, meditation, yoga, and other kinds of activities. Please register to be on the waitlist for a group and be notified of the start date.
Art Therapy for Bereavement
Individual Art Therapy sessions are available and provided by McNally House’s Art Therapist, Shara McLaren. Art Therapy group sessions are also offered throughout the year.
Workshops
A number of bereavement workshops are offered throughout the year. Topics include, but not limited to, How to Support Someone who is Grieving, Grief in the Workplace, Grief During the Holiday. Season. If you are interested in hosting a workshop at your place of business or for a group you attend, please contact our Community Engagement Coordinator, Amanda Black, at ablack@mcnallyhousehospice.com or 905-309-4013 ext. 31
Bereavement Groups
All bereavement groups are free of cost and open to anyone who suffered the loss of a loved one. For more information or to register for any of the bereavement groups please contact Jennifer Jowlabar—Bereavement Support Clinician 905-309-4013 ext. 32 or at jjowlabar@mcnallyhousehospice.com.
Mixed Loss Support Group
Join us for a 10 week, discussion-based support group – open to any type of loss. This group involvesthe use of Alan Wolfelt’s Understanding Your Grief book to guide discussion and support connection around different topics related to the grief experience.
This is closed group which means it is progressive and builds on the previous session. Once the group starts new people will not be added to the group. It is encouraged to attend most/all the sessions to get the full benefit.
Registration is required. Use the button below or call Jenn at 905-309-4013 ext. 32.
Date: Thursday, April 16th- June 18th, 2026
Time: 6PM-8PM
Location: McNally House Hospice
Walking with Grief
Our walking group offers a gentle, supportive space to process loss while walking outdoors. Participants can share or walk quietly alongside others, finding comfort, connection, and moments of calm through movement and nature.
This is an open group which means once you register you can attend sessions flexibility as you like, or join in at any point.
Registration is required. Use the button below or call Jenn at 905-309-4013 ext. 32.
Date: Tuesday April 28th, May 12, May, 26, June 9, June 23
Time: 1PM-2:30PM
Location: Southward Park
Mindfulness in Grief
Our mindfulness group focuses on introducing simple practices like breathing exercises, guided
mindfulness, and sharing. Participants learn to sit with difficult feelings without judgment, build resilience, and find moments of calm and connection as they navigate their grief. No previous mindfulness or mediation experience required.
This is an open group which means once you register you can attend sessions flexibility as you like, or join in at any point.
Registration is required. Use the button below or call Jenn at 905-309-4013 ext. 32.
Date: Monday, April 20th, May 4, May 5, June 8, June 23
Time: 6PM-7:30PM
Location: McNally House Hospice
Compassionate Connections Drop in Group
Our drop-in group is a casual opportunity to connect with other grievers going through a similar journey. It offers a chance to share, listen, or simply be among others who understand loss with gentle support and guidance.
This is an open group which means once you register you can attend sessions flexibility as you like, or join in at any point.
Registration is required. Use the button below or call Jenn at 905-309-4013 ext. 32.
Date: Last Monday of the Month, April 27th, May 24, June 29
Time: 6PM-7:30PM
Location: McNally House Hospice
Creative Expressions- Mask of Grief Workshop
Our masking-making workshop offers a creative space to explore and express loss – particularly around the theme of identity and grief. Participants reflect on representing hidden and visible parts of themselves and their grief experience. No previous artistic experience needed.
Registration is required. Use the button below or call Shara at 905-309-4013 ext. 26.
Date: Thursday, May 21
Time: 6PM-8PM
Location: McNally House Hospice
Creative Expressions- Drumming Our Grief Workshop
Our grief drumming workshop is a supportive, experiential space where participants use rhythm and sound to express and process loss. Through guided drumming, gentle facilitation, and moments of reflection, individuals can release emotions, connect with others, and find a sense of grounding and healing beyond words. No musical experience is needed—just a willingness to explore and be present.
Registration is required. Use the button below or call Shara at 905-309-4013 ext. 26.
Date: Thursday, June 18
Time: 6PM-7:30PM
Location: McNally House Hospice
We are grateful for the support of the Turkstra Lumber Fund at the Hamilton Community Foundation
