Bereavement group takes steps toward healing
The Walking Through Grief Group, supported by dedicated volunteers, provides not only physical activity but also emotional support, embodying the importance of presence and connection for those experiencing loss.
Each Wednesday, hospice volunteers Tammy Baird, Judy Clark and Colleen Moloney walk alongside community members coping with grief and loss as part of the Walking Through Grief program. Since launching in August 2022, the walking group has attracted a loyal following of bereaved individuals who appreciate that they can come as they are and be accepted.
“To me, walking is such a great way to deal with loss,” explains Colleen. “Movement is helpful. And then the nature – there’s birds, the lake, the wind, and the grasses. Everyone comments about how beautiful it is. It causes you to look up.”
The group meets near Lake Ontario in nicer weather and moves indoors to Sherway Gardens during winter. They start with a moment of mindfulness, then walk together for an hour, and end their time with a coffee chat, which happened organically, driven by the group members. For some, the group provides the motivation to venture out.
“They really look forward to it. This is part of their week,” says Tammy. “It is something where they can come and feel safe. Some have told us they didn’t want to get up that morning, but they did because they knew the group was going to be there.”
And for Tammy and Colleen, the experience is meaningful, too — they’ve both learned through their bereavement training and their time volunteering with the group that it’s not about doing but simply being present – a lesson they can carry forward in other areas of life. “It’s okay not to fix it – you’re being constructive, you’re being helpful just being there,” explains Colleen.
Tammy and Colleen first met four years ago when they took the same course as they started volunteering. Between them, they’ve done almost every volunteer role with the hospice – from the kitchen to the residence, as wellness volunteers trained in reiki and aromatherapy, and now in bereavement support.
“I like volunteering because I can be myself when I’m there. The hospice staff trust you to be who you are and do what is needed,” explains Tammy. “And for the volunteers, a lot of us are close. You build on your strengths together.”
Our bereavement supports are available for anyone in the community coping with grief and loss. You don’t need to have a previous connection to the hospice. Learn more about grief and loss supports.
We’re always seeking more volunteers to support our programs. Learn more about volunteering with the hospice.