Finding your way through grief and navigating complex emotions with the loss of a loved one

Robin Krafft, Post Correspondent

If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, the grieving process can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling a range of complex emotions, but you don't have to go through it alone.

Losing someone to any sudden and unexpected circumstance, including suicide, can be shocking, painful and confusing. A prolonged illness or decline can be just as challenging, in different ways. Regardless of the causes, any life-altering loss can have a profound effect, and, according to VON, "learning how to grieve in a healthy way can protect your physical, mental and emotional health."

The Oxford VON offers a variety of Bereavement Care options in Tillsonburg, free of charge. There are programs for death loss (Journey Through Grief) as well as any profound loss (Self Compassion).

Jessica Swance, Supportive Care Coordinator – Grief and Bereavement Programs, added that VON also offers one-to-one peer support. Volunteers have specific grief support training and have had their own experiences of loss.

“As more volunteers come on board, we will be able to open up more programs such as a drop-in coffee and chat style group called 'Cups of Care' for all types of grief, and hopefully walking groups in the spring,” Swance said.

Programs for kids and teens who have experienced death-related loss are also available. All programs are open and welcoming spaces.

“Delivered through a trauma-informed approach, programs provide an inclusive and respectful environment for people of all genders, spiritual or religious beliefs, sexual orientations, and physical abilities,” Swance said. “Each program includes a blend of grief education, reflection, and practical coping strategies, while also creating opportunities for meaningful connection, shared experiences, and emotional expression.”

The Journey Through Grief program is held in the lower level of Tillsonburg Hospital in the VON space.

“Every loss is unique, and the supportive spaces offered are welcoming and non-judgmental for all types of grief, including losses related to suicide and MAID,” Swance said. “These deaths can carry stigma, and often bring questions, emotions, and challenges that may feel difficult to navigate alone. Participants are invited to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable, knowing they will be met with empathy, respect, and understanding.”

VON also offers educational seminars and guest speakers throughout the year on a variety of topics such as grief, loss, caregiving, and wellness.

“There is no ‘right’ way to grieve, nor is there a timeline for grief,” Swance said. “The group and individual supports offered through VON provide opportunities to learn about grief, dismantle assumptions, develop coping strategies, connect with others, and better understand the many ways loss can affect our lives.”

Jessica can be congtacted at VON Oxford directly to learn more about the programs available, or to volunteer at jessica.swance@von.ca or 519-539-1231 ext. 6200.

Several area churches will also be offering grief groups: a 13-week program called GriefShare, supporting participants as they recover from the loss of a loved one.

Sessions begin at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church at 46 Brock Street on Sept. 16. The sessions will take place on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. with experienced co-facilitators Kathy Yarosloski and Joyce David. (Call 519-317-0583 to register).

“Participants may have no Christian background,” Yarosloski said. “You can have any faith or no faith.”

"It's based on biblical principles, but that doesn't mean it's not for the wider community," David agreed. "People are welcome to just sit and listen. If the faith aspect isn't right for them (or if accessibility is an issue), we can meet with them one-on-one."

Joyce David has conducted grief circles with the VON and has a background in communication disorders. Both facilitators have had personal experience with loss and grief.

“Having been through it yourself, you relate differently,” Yarosloski said.

"We start meetings by watching a video, in which several grief professionals share their expertise, then people can share, and then there's a workbook that we go through,” David said.

Sharing isn't compulsory, but in this caring and accepting environment, participants often feel safe and comfortable enough to open up as the program progresses.

"This is tried and tested material," David said. "Our main goal is to be open and welcoming to the community."

Bethel Pentecostal Church at 269 Quarter Town Line will also be offering the GriefShare program beginning on Sept. 17, on Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. (Call 519-842-9401 to register).

Volunteer Administrator Terry Williams agreed that although GriefShare is a trademarked, faith-based program, that shouldn’t be a deterrent to anyone.

"It's a program that gives people hope," Williams said. "That what they're going through is normal; brain fog, physical issues, this is all perfectly normal. The first thing we deal with is self-care. You need to look after yourself first."

The program provides people with valuable tools for how to go on.

"There is healing," Williams said. "Some people come in and they're one foot in front of the other, but they're actually helping others by the end of the 13 weeks."

Williams added that it's a safe, non-judgemental space. For people dealing with loss of a loved one to suicide or MAID, this is an accepting and supportive environment.

Facilitator Jon Fekete initially attended the program as part of his own healing journey but found a new calling as he developed an interest in helping people with their mental health.

“This is for people of all backgrounds, all demographics,” Fekete said. “You can be real, be honest, be raw if you need to be, and we just journey together. We create an environment where people feel safe.”

The Salvation Army Church will also be offering the program. Major Denise Walker explained that people can register for any of the GriefShare programs online at www.griefshare.org/findagroup.

“I recently offered a Grief Support group - "GriefShare" - a 13-week grief recovery support group covering everything from sadness, fear, anger, and regret to how grief affects relationships with loved ones and friends,” Walker said. “And we address questions many people have for God. The program is pastoral in nature - providing a safe place for people to sort through their grief experience, but it is open to anyone. I'm offering the next session beginning Sept. 12, 2026.”

The sessions will take place at The Salvation Army Church, 110 Concession St. W., on Saturday mornings from 10 to 11:30 a.m. (call 519-842-3231 to register).

“I think the best part of the program is hearing the stories and experiences of others and realizing that while your own grief journey is unique to you, we all experience many of the same things,” Walker said. “It's very healing to be able to talk about what you're feeling, knowing you're not alone - there are others who get it.”