Revelstoke Hospice Society launched a new resource aimed at increasing grief literacy, or knowledge and skills associated with grief.
The grief library features non-fiction books on the science of grief and the impacts it has on the brain, children’s books for youth navigating family loss and more.
Grief resources remain key for rural communities where hospice and palliative care options might be limited and financially inaccessible, Theresa Hamilton, Revelstoke Hospice Society executive director explained.
“Grief is not just a personal journey, but a community health issue in remote and rural areas like Revelstoke,” she said.
While online resources to help navigate grief are readily available with a search, finding the right resource can be daunting during end-of-life planning or following a sudden loss, Hamilton explained.
“The grief library is such an easy, low cost way to meet as many people in all of their different, complex layers of grief,” she said.
Folks can access the grief library by setting up an appointment with Revelstoke Hospice Society or through a referral from various organizations, such as Revelstoke Women’s Shelter Society and Community Connections. Self referrals can also be made by contacting the office at 250-837-5523 or [email protected].
Once connected, volunteers provide additional information, programs and invitations to help combat the isolation common after a recent loss.
“It’s a way to stay connected to your community, people need to feel that village,” Hamilton said.
The Grief and Bereavement support groups and a monthly Death Cafe, hosted at Spilt Milk Coffee, offer another touchpoint for those navigating grief whether it be the loss of a family member, pet or career.
The bereavement support groups, run out of the Revelstoke Senior Centre, offer a more structured, eight-week program for those seeking longer-term connections
“Sometimes it’s easier to talk to strangers than your closest family about grief,” Hamilton said.
Visit revelstokehospicesociety.ca to earn more about end-of-life care planning, available grief resources and connect with a Revelstoke Hospice Society volunteer.
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