BC Bereavement Day

All of us experience loss and some of us don't know where to turn. In my province, there is help for those who suffered a loss.  Every year for 25+ years, the BC Bereavement Helpline has had a Sunday in May declared BC Bereavement Day to raise awareness for the needs of the bereaved in our communities. It is a day to share stories of remembrance, and feelings of loss, and to seek comfort by gathering with others experiencing similar feelings

They are a non-profit, free, and confidential service that connects the public to grief support services within the province of BC. Whether you are looking for bereavement support groups, community events, information on BC Bereavement Day, or information on how to donate or volunteer with us you will find it here. Please call the BC Bereavement Helpline and speak with one of our caring volunteers for information on our bereavement support groups, agencies, and peer-based support.

Your call is free, confidential, and anonymous. We will help you find the most appropriate support for your specific type of loss.

Call the Helpline at 604-738-9950, Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm

Toll-free 1-877-779-2223  or   Email contact@bcbh.ca 

BC Place and Science World will be lighting up blue on Sunday, May 29, to honour BC Bereavement Day, to show solidarity to those in grief, and to remember those we have lost. 

Grief Shared is Grief Diminished

 The following is from the Bereavement webpage

Links to Online Resources About Loss – General

 Living Through Loss Counselling Society of BC

Living Through Loss Counselling offers professional grief counselling and emotional support to anyone who is experiencing stress due to life changes or loss.

 Lower Mainland Grief Recovery Society

The Lower Mainland Grief Recovery Society provides support groups for the bereaved in the greater Vancouver area.

 Creating Memorial Albums After Loss

How to make a memorial album after loss.

 Grieving and Ritual Podcast

Author and activist Sobonfu Somé on the importance of grieving and ritual.

Roberts Press

Roberts Press provides information and resources on grief and bereavement.

Recommended Reading – General

Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing in Your Heart, by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.

 Grief One Day at a Time: 365 Meditations to Help You Heal After Loss, by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.

 Finding the Words: How to Talk with Children and Teens About Death, Suicide, Funerals, Homicide, Cremation, and Other End-of-Life Matters, by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.

 Getting Grief Right: Finding Your Story of Love in the Sorrow of Loss, by Patrick O'Malley PhD and Tim Madigan.

Life After Loss: A Practical Guide to Renewing Your Life after Experiencing Major Loss, by Bob Deits

 Grief is a Journey: Finding Your Path Through Loss, by Kenneth Doka

 No Enemy to Conquer: Forgiveness in an Unforgiving World, by Michael Henderson

 Facilitating with Heart: Awakening Personal Transformation and Social Change, by Martha Lasley

 See more reading options at for more books by grief counsellor and educator Dr. Alan Wolfelt.