A new adult bereavement program is coming to Langley Hospice Society, which is designed to be one-on-one in a casual setting.
Focused on grief companionship, the program will include an intake period where people needing grief support can meet with trained volunteers to find a companion match, explained Stephannie Rosencrans, adult bereavement coordinator.
“We found that a lot of people, after they come in and do an intake, not all of them want to be in a grief support group. This way, they can transition to one-on-one support,” she said.
Rosencrans expects matches to meet about once or twice a month for coffee or a walk, something that is most comfortable for the person seeking support.
“Volunteers will be trained and supported as well, given the possible subject matter that may come up. And confidentiality is key,” she noted.
The program is still in development, but Rosencrans anticipates it to start by summer with 10 spots available.
“We’re going to start with 10 and see how it goes,” she said. “But I have a feeling this program is going to go well.”
“The volunteers we have are absolutely amazing,” Rosencrans commented.
Other support programs at Langley hospice include 10-week bereavement support groups, coffee drop-in groups in Aldergrove, Walnut Grove, and at the hospice centre. There is also a support group program for parents who lost their child to substance use or suicide.
Learn more at langleyhospice.ca.
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