For many people, connecting with your social network and local community can help with grief and loneliness.
To explore community-based grief supports available in your community, visit Nova Scotia’s online grief support directory at:
Support in Annapolis Valley, South Shore, and South West Nova Scotia
Includes areas near Wolfville, Kentville, Berwick, Middleton, Annapolis Royal, Digby, Yarmouth, Shelburne, Caledonia, Liverpool, Bridgewater, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, New Ross
Grief & Bereavement Services (Western Zone)
Nova Scotia Health works closely with the Valley Hospice Foundation who provide grief support for this region. Please visit for more information about supports and resources which includes:
Valley Hospice and Community Palliative Care
- Bereavement Support- Spiritual Care & Social Workers provide support and resourcing in person or by phone.
- Available to patients and caregivers who are enrolled in those programs
- Grief and bereavement support groups take place twice monthly in Kentville, Berwick and Bridgetown by the Friends in Bereavement group for those experiencing the grief and bereavement related to loss. Please contact Jennifer Longley at (902) 681-8239 for more information.
- Bereavement Volunteer Visitation Program currently in development
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Support in Cape Breton, Guysborough and Antigonish Areas
Includes areas near Baddeck, Evanston, Inverness, Glace Bay, Port Hawkesbury, Sherbrooke, Sydney
Grief & Bereavement Services (Eastern Zone)
We offer free support to family and friends grieving the loss of someone cared for by Nova Scotia Health’s Palliative Care Program in Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Resources vary throughout the Eastern Zone. Please ask your local Palliative Care Team what may be available in your area.
Services may include:
- Short-term grief counselling
- Support groups
- Memorial events
- Grief resources and education
We also provide grief education to the community and healthcare providers. Our dedicated team includes a bereavement coordinator, and administrative support.
Upcoming Events
Annual Celebration of Life – Cape Breton
Takes place the first Monday of June
Location: Lady of Fatima Church, 1452 Kings Road, Sydney River
This is a non-denominational service open to all community members experiencing grief.
For further information please visit, Annual Celebration of Life – Hospice Cape Breton.
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Support in Colchester-East Hants, Cumberland, and Pictou areas
Includes areas near Amherst, Elmsdale, Stewiacke, Truro, New Glasgow, Tatamagouche, Pugwash, Springhill, Parrsboro
Grief & Bereavement Services (Northern Zone)
We offer grief education and training, consultation, complex case support, and community programming for service providers and community members who are grieving and/or supporting those who are grieving in Northern Nova Scotia.
Services include:
- Consultation for service providers from both Nova Scotia Health and Community
- Complex Case support
- Grief education and training
- Community programming
Our team includes two grief coordinators and administrative support. Please forward inquiries to NZGrief@nshealth.ca (please do not include client identifying information in emails).
Upcoming Events
Northern Zone Grief Newsletter - Fall 2025
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Support in Halifax area and West Hants
Includes areas near Chester, Musquodoboit Harbour, Mt. Uniacke, Sheet Harbour, Windsor
Grief & Bereavement Services (Central Zone)
We offer free support to family and friends grieving the loss of someone cared for by Nova Scotia Health’s Palliative Care Program in the Central Zone.
Services may include:
- Short-term grief counselling
- Support groups
- Memorial events
- Grief resources and education
We also provide grief education to the community and healthcare providers. Our team includes a bereavement coordinator, dedicated volunteers, and administrative support.
Upcoming Events
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 6-8PM: October 9th - November 20th, 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.
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.
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