Programs and Workshops
BEREAVEMENT GROUPS
Our grief and bereavement support groups offer compassionate support for people coping with loss. In a respectful environment, participants may share when they wish and listen to others, finding connection through shared experience.
Structured support groups are facilitated by two members of the grief and bereavement team, centered on grief specific discussion.
Partner Loss Support Group
April 9 through May 28
10:30 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.
The Partner Loss group is an 8-week commitment, with the same participants returning each week.
The group provides individuals with a chance to connect and share about their loss and grief with others who have also
experienced the loss of a partner.
To participate in the partner loss support group, individuals must be 18 years of age or older and have experienced the death of a partner.
Note: this group is inclusive of all partner relationships.
Partner Loss Support Group
April 9 through May 28
10:30 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.
The Partner Loss group is an 8-week commitment, with the same participants returning each week. The group provides individuals with a chance to connect and share about their loss and grief with others who have also experienced the loss of a partner.
To participate in the partner loss support group, individuals must be 18 years of age or older and have experienced the death of a partner (Note: this group is inclusive of all partner relationships).
Parental Loss Support Group
May 6 through June 24
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
The parent loss group is an 8-week commitment, with the same participants returning each week.
The group provides individuals with a chance to connect and share about their loss and grief with others who have also
experienced the loss of
a parent.
To participate in the parental loss support group, individuals have experienced the death of a parent
Note: this group is inclusive of all parent relationships.
Expressive Arts Drop-In
May 6 and June 6
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Exploring loss through art provides a gentle, accessible way to express feelings that may be difficult to put into words.
Creating art about your experience helps make your grief visible and tangible, supporting emotional healing.
This group fosters meaningful connections through introductions, collaborative art-making, and shared reflections.
Co-facilitated by Music Therapist Avalon Harris and Art Psychotherapy Student Joanna Chow-Fernandes, this open group provides a welcoming environment to explore emotions through both art-making and music.
No prior music or art experience
is needed.
Coffee and Connections
Monthly on Mondays, Resumes January 26
2:00-300 p.m.
Monthly drop-in group for anyone previously involved in Carpenter Hospice groups.
Walking with Grief
Every Other Friday, Resumes January 2
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Walking with Grief meets bi-weekly at walking paths around Burlington. The group provides individuals with a chance to share about their loss and grief while getting out into nature.
To participate in the Walking with Grief group, individuals must be 18 years of age or older and have experienced a death of a person.
Registration is required for all bereavement groups.
Contact our Grief and Bereavement Support Worker at supportivecare@carpenterhospice.com or 905-631-9994, ext. 135, for more information or to register.
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
Our workshops are open to anyone with an interest in grief, caregiving, or end-of-life care. Topics may include grief and loss, advance care planning, symptom management, and caregiver burnout.
These sessions provide practical information and space for thoughtful conversation in a community setting.
Contact our Grief and Bereavement Support Worker at
supportivecare@carpenterhospice.com or 905-631-9994, ext. 124, for more information.
Mindfulness in Bereavement
Thursday, June 18, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Branch TBD
Registration for the above workshops required through the Burlington Public Library: https://attend.bpl.on.ca/events.
WELLNESS PROGRAMS
Wellness programs are open to anyone living with a progressive, life-limiting illness and their caregivers and family. Many programs are also open to bereaved family and friends.
Reiki
Mondays by appointment
10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 12:30 p.m.
Reiki is a gentle, energy based therapy that supports relaxation, comfort, and overall well being. Practitioners use light touch or hold their hands just above the body to help create a sense of calm and ease. Many people find Reiki helpful during times of stress, illness, or transition.
Sessions are facilitated by a certified volunteer Reiki Practitioner.
The volunteer serves in the residence on Thursdays and may be available to treat residents, families and guests.
Restorative Yoga
Tuesdays
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Restorative and therapeutic yoga is a gentle, supportive practice that can be done laying down or in a chair. For people living with a life-limiting illness, and their families/caregivers, restorative yoga can ease physical discomfort, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall well-being. Breathing techniques help to deepen awareness of your body/mind/spirit.
The focus is not on movement or exertion but on creating stillness and comfort, allowing the nervous system to calm and the body to rest and heal.
This program is facilitated by a volunteer who is a certified Yoga Instructor.
Therapeutic Touch®
Wednesdays by appointment
9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Therapeutic Touch (TT) is a gentle, energy-based healing practice used to support physical, emotional, and spiritual
well-being. For people living with chronic and life-limiting illness, TT can help reduce pain, anxiety & fatigue, while promoting
relaxation & a sense of inner calm. Practitioners use their hands to assess and balance the body’s energy field, typically without direct physical contact. It is often used as a complementary approach to medical treatments to enhance comfort and quality of life.
This program is facilitated by volunteer certified volunteer TT Practitioner, Colleen Mullen.
Wellness Coffee & Chat
Fridays
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Drop in and connect with other wellness participants over a cup of coffee/tea and snacks. This program focuses on social
connection and conversation and is open to people living with a life-limiting illness and
their caregivers.
Quarterly Soup Luncheon
Tuesdays
12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
March 10, May 12, September 22, December 8
An opportunity to connect with other wellness participants who are living with a life-limiting illness and/or their caregivers for a seasonal gathering of soup,
goodies and community.
Registration is required for all wellness programs.
Contact our Wellness Coordinator at volunteer@carpenterhospice.com or 905 631-9994, ext. 123, for more information or to register.