10-week journey through grief and healing

Alex Hunt 

Advocate Correspondent

For those grieving the loss of a loved one, a 10-week program at the Norfolk County Public Library is aiming to bring comfort, community, and understanding.

Provided by Senior Support Services and its volunteers, the Grief & Bereavement Group 10-week In-Person Program started Oct. 14 and runs every Tuesday until Dec. 16, at the Norfolk County Public Library, Simcoe branch from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Material discussed at the weekly sessions will be aligned with the book called “Understanding your Grief” by Dr. Alan D. Wolfelt. Each week will focus on a concept of managing grief and overcoming it. The program will be facilitated by two Senior Support Services volunteers, Joan Costigan and Sandy Mueller.

“This group is to support people through grief whether it’s a recent bereavement or something in the past that they have dealt with already,” said Sandy Mueller, program facilitator volunteer. “We want to be there through their journey. We are not councillors, we don't address mental health issues if they have any, we do a lot of listening and encourage on what people need to say.”

The program is made up of volunteers and not labelled as a professional guidance setting. However, some of the education that will be provided will resemble the difference between grief and mourning, embracing the uniqueness of personal grief as the feeling is different for everyone. 

“We learned that the brain actually changes when someone is grieving, sometimes thoughts and ideas don’t register properly,” said Joan Costigan, program facilitator volunteer. “People who are really new to grief can be confused and forgetful, unorganized, they may feel like they are going crazy, this is education that’s really helpful to tell people.”

Costigan says that she feels honored that people can tell their story throughout the 10-week framework. She has witnessed people grow from the first week through to the program’s conclusion. Costigan said that friendships develop through people who wouldn't have normally got to know each other.

“It’s an opportunity for people to work through the issues that they are challenged with and have a support group that are going through similar processes and an understanding of what they are going through and have a neutral place to put out their ideas and thoughts,” said Mueller.

Mueller said the group talks about the importance of nurturing yourself and reaching out for help, while also providing resources and crisis support. After the program ends, participants are given a follow-up to see how they are doing.

“It's okay to not be okay, there is help and your feelings will change over time,” said Costigan. “I want these people to know that they are not alone out there, there are others that are going through their grief journey and helping ask for help on what they need.”

Contact Cathy Haynes at 519-428- 2356 ext 108 for more information. Or email chaynes@simcoesupport.ca .