COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Death Cafés

Huron Shores Hospice is proud to host Death Cafés, a unique and uplifting initiative designed to foster open conversations about dying and death within our community.

With the goal of increasing comfort and understanding surrounding this often-taboo subject, Death Cafés provide a safe and inclusive space for adults to gather, share their thoughts, and engage in empowering discussions. Through this community-driven initiative, Huron Shores Hospice aims to normalize the conversation around dying and death and help people make the most of their finite lives.

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While enjoying delicious cake and tea, participants engage in thought-provoking conversations that transcend societal barriers and encourage personal growth.

It is important to note that Death Cafés are not intended as counselling sessions, but rather as opportunities for individuals to enhance their ease and comfort in discussing dying and death.

For more information please contact info@huronshoreshospice.ca for further information or join our email distribution list for upcoming event notifications.

End-Of-Life Planning Workshops

Discover a compassionate and empowering journey towards end-of-life planning at the Huron Shores Hospice.

Our End of Life Planning Workshops offer a safe and supportive space for all individuals to explore and prepare for their final act of living. Led by our caring End of Life Doulas, these free workshops provide essential tools and knowledge, ensuring your wishes are honoured and your loved ones find peace of mind.

Embrace Advance Care Planning, effective decision-making, and the creation of meaningful legacy projects, all while reframing end-of-life discussions as an act of love and empowerment.

Take the first step towards creating a personalized end-of-life plan by joining our workshops today.

End-Of-Life Doula Services

At Huron Shores Hospice we believe in providing compassionate, dignified, and respectful support to individuals and families facing life-limiting illnesses. Our team of dedicated End of Life Doulas is here to complement existing hospice care by filling the gaps in palliative programs, bringing meaning to the end-of-life, and restoring the sacredness to the dying process.

What is an End of Life Doula? Our doulas are trained through the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA) and equipped with the necessary skills to offer emotional, spiritual, and physical support to those nearing the end of life. They work alongside our hospice professionals, providing specialized care that focuses on deep engagement, personal exploration, and creating meaningful experiences.

Our Services: At Huron Shores Hospice, our End of Life Doulas offer a range of invaluable services to ensure a comforting and meaningful end-of-life experience. They create safe spaces for open and honest conversations about dying, giving you and your loved ones the opportunity to address your thoughts and emotions openly. Through life-meaning exploration, doulas help uncover your personal values, wisdom, and the significance of your life's journey, leaving a lasting legacy for your family.

Our doulas bring a compassionate and intuitive presence to your bedside, fostering deep connections and providing comfort during this challenging time. They assist in planning personalized last days, ensuring that your environment, rituals, and music align with your desires, promoting peace and tranquility.

With a focus on education, our doulas explain the signs and symptoms of the dying process, helping you and your family understand and navigate the natural progression of death. They also offer grief support, guiding and supporting families in processing their emotions and experiences during the early stages of grief, providing compassionate guidance and rituals tailored to your needs.

Collaborating with our hospice care team, our doulas enhance overall support by providing additional resources, such as deeper conversations, vigil planning, and guided visualizations for relaxation. They facilitate life reviews and legacy projects to honor your life and ensure your wishes are respected during this important time.

Our End of Life Doulas are available to anyone on our referral list. If you or your loved one would benefit from the compassionate support of an End of Life Doula, please contact Cheryl Cottrill at cheryl@huronshoreshospice.ca or call 519.385.5683.

Our doulas are here to guide and support you through this challenging journey, bringing comfort, peace, and meaning to your end-of-life experience.

Let's Talk About Grief

These informal drop-in support groups provide a safe, non-judgmental space to share and connect through grief. It's a chance to come together, share stories, and support others experiencing their own grief journey.

This group offers a compassionate space to listen, reflect, and feel less alone — no matter where you are in your grief.

Grief Recovery Method Sessions

At Huron Shores Hospice we offer transformative Grief Recovery Method sessions, a powerful and evidence-based approach to healing from emotional loss and navigating grief.

Led by trained and certified specialists, our sessions provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their beliefs about dealing with loss and find solace amidst life's deepest heartbreaks.

Our Grief Recovery Method addresses the loss of a family member or friend. We acknowledge that each grief experience is unique, emphasizing the importance of respecting the individualized nature of every relationship.

To cater to diverse needs and preferences, we offer a range of delivery methods. You can choose from small group sessions, providing a supportive community to navigate grief together, or opt for private one-on-one sessions for a more personalized approach. For added accessibility, we also offer online sessions facilitated by carefully selected and trained specialists.

Unlike conventional approaches, our method stands out by providing practical and actionable steps to address unresolved emotions, regrets, and wishes. Through challenging common myths about grief, we empower individuals to take charge of their healing journey actively.

The Grief Recovery Group is not a ‘drop-in’ support group. The program builds on each previous session, so attendance and commitment for all sessions is essential.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we offer the Grief Recovery Method sessions free of charge, ensuring that healing and support are within reach for everyone in our community.

For more information please email grief@huronshoreshospice.ca, call 519-385-5683 or register online.

Teen Grief Support Group

Discover a safe and supportive space created especially for teens navigating the loss of someone they love.

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Our Teen Grief Support Group brings together young people ages 13–18 who are experiencing grief, offering a compassionate environment to share, listen, and learn. Guided by counsellor Eugene Dufour, this online group provides tools and activities to help express emotions, build resilience, and find healthy ways to cope with the challenges of grief.

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For more information please email grief@huronshoreshospice.ca, call 519-385-5787, or see more here.