The Palliative Care Bereavement Service helps the family and friends of people who were cared for by the Palliative Care Program in Nova Scotia Health (NSH) Central Zone. We offer a range of grief support services, including short-term grief counseling, support groups, memorial services, and access to grief-related resources and information.
If you are grieving the death of someone who received care from the Palliative Care Service, please reach out. All services are free.
The team includes a full-time Bereavement Coordinator, a small team of Palliative Care Grief Resource Support volunteers and administrative support.
The Coordinator also provides grief information and education with the community, including the public, healthcare workers, and other groups.
Grief Support Groups
Grief support groups are places where you can talk about your feelings and learn helpful ways to cope with others who are also grieving. These groups are for friends and family (18 and older) of people who passed away while receiving Palliative Care.
There are different types of grief support groups to help different people. The Palliative Care Bereavement Service offers 7-week online groups. In these groups, you meet with the same people each week. You can contact us for a list of other support groups available.
Before joining, each person will have an online meeting with a group leader. This meeting is to explain what the group is like and answer any questions you have.
These groups follow the BC Bereavement Helpline's training and guide for traumatic loss support.
Upcoming Grief Support Groups:
Thursdays from 1-3PM: June 19th, 2025 - July 31st, 2025
To learn more about this or other grief groups, contact us at czbereavement@nshealth.ca or 902-473-1622.
Palliative Care Memorial Services
Twice a year, in the spring and fall, the Palliative Care program hosts a memorial service to honor those who have passed away while under our care. Family, friends, and staff are welcome to attend.
The next memorial service will be at 6:30PM on September 25th, 2025, at the Sackawa Canoe Club in Lower Sackville. It will be held with Nephrology Services.
Those who attend are invited to bring a framed photo of your loved one. The photo will be placed at the front of the room during the service and returned to you afterward.
You can come alone or bring others with you. Children are welcome, but there is no childcare provided. It will help us plan if we know how many people will attend. You don't need to register right now, just let us know when you're ready or simply come to the service. You will be warmly welcomed.
For more information or to register, please call (902) 220-4398 or email czbereavement@nshealth.ca.
Other Supports
Nova Scotia Health Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) Program - Grief supports are offered through the MAiD Program. This includes free individual counseling and grief groups. This support can be accessed by calling 1-833-903-6243 or 902-491-5892.
Halifax Hospice Grief & Bereavement Programs
Bereaved Families of Nova Scotia
HealthyNS Grief 101 - 2 Week Program
Grief is a completely normal response to loss, and yet it can be one of the most difficult human experiences. This session will provide the opportunity to learn more about grief, including resources and supports that are available to you.
