|
|
|
 |
3.2.1 |
 |
|
Bereavement Support Groups |
 |
|
|
 |
| A Place For Parents To Share Their Grief |
|
|
| Many bereaved parents find that sharing their experiences
is often helpful. It makes them realize that they are not alone, and
that their feelings are normal. PBSO holds Bereavement Support Groups
in a variety of locations
across Ontario. |
|
| How PBSO Support Groups Work |
|
|
PBSO is a self-help organization, so parents all over
Ontario must refer themselves by calling the PBSO line and leaving
a message. A trained PBSO staff member who is also a bereaved parent,
will return the calls and speak with parents to help determine what
kind of support is best for them. If a support group seems to be appropriate,
then the PBSO staff member will direct parents to the group in their
community.
For support services to be effective, parents must be ready to accept
help, so self-referral is an important step in the healing process.
At any time, PBSO will gladly provide information about its services
to relatives or caregivers but will not contact parents directly.
Getting support is important when trying to cope with grief. That’s
why there is no "waiting period" for parents who wish to
join PBSO support groups. Most groups meet twice a month, so the longest
time any parent would have to wait is two weeks. There is no set period
of time that it takes to overcome grief. So parents who join PBSO
support groups may attend for as long as they need – whether
it’s for one meeting or for several years.
Parents who attend support groups can rest assured that all of the
PBSO Volunteers facilitating the meetings are fully trained. All PBSO
Support Groups are facilitated by two Volunteers. Most Volunteer Facilitators
are bereaved parents, but some groups are Co-Facilitated by one bereaved
parent and a community Volunteer with personal or professional interest
in bereavement. All Direct Client Service Volunteers (CSV) including
PBSO Support Group Facilitators and 1-To-1 Support Volunteers are
required to complete basic training. (Training Modules follow this
orientation website. To access training, contact the volunteer coordinator
at volunteer@pbso.ca). After
completing this basic training, facilitators then must attend a number
of meetings as a "Facilitator in Training" whenever it’s
geographically possible. This training period allows new facilitators
to experience first-hand the PBSO support group methods and topics
to be covered. In addition, all CSVs are encouraged to attend a two-day
Bereavement Support training seminar at some point during their first
year with PBSO, and ongoing continuing education which is offered
twice a year. |
 |
 |
© 2004 PBSO |
 |
|
|
