GRIEF AND THE HOLIDAYS - holding hurt and hope together

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KIDS' AND PARENT'/CAREGIVER

GRIEF PEER SUPPORT GROUPS

Saturday December 5 2026

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Join us for a unique holiday grief support event for families who have experienced a death loss. The loss does not have to be recent - it also does not have to be a relative. Families often have people who have made a significant impact in their lives who are not related and their death can be equally as profound.

 

We are hosting TWO facilitated peer group sessions at the same time, in separate rooms:

• ROOM ONE: Our kids' group (ages 7 to 12) features a therapy dog visit, what is grief actually?, yoga movement, and a hands-on craft activity to encourage sharing of grief experiences and remembering our loved ones together.

• ROOM TWO: Our parents/caregiver group offers a supportive space to share challenges and explore strategies in caring for grieving children while navigating our own grief. 

 

Date: Saturday December 5 2026

Time: 10am - 1130am

Location: Adaptive Mindset: ADHD Counselling Services, 366 Main Street, Kentville, NS

Cost: no charge

 

SPACE IS LIMITED AND REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BY FRIDAY NOVEMBER 27 2026 - please click to register HERE

 

You may also contact us and register by email at berniesbuddiesnovascotia@gmail.com or call us at 403-467-7923 (if this is a long distance number for you, please email or text that you'd like a call back).

 

**Please note this event is intended as peer group support only and is not a replacement for counselling or therapy.

 

Very special thanks to:

Braedon MacDonald, MA, RCT-C, for collaborating and facilitating our adult peer group     

Adaptive Mindset: ADHD Counselling Services for generously providing event space 

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FAQ

 

Does the death loss have to be a relative or have occurred recently?

• The death does not have to be recent - grief can and does evolve over time. As our young grievers experience new phases of development, so too will their grief. The loss also does not have to be a family member. Children and youth often have people in their lives who are not relatives that have made a significant impact and their death loss can be equally profound. 

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My child's age falls outside 7 to 12 years. Can he/she still participate?

• We do our best to ensure our group activities are age and developmentally appropriate for our participants. Please contact us directly if your child is outside of this age range and you feel they'd like to join us.

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My child attended a previous Bernie's Buddies session - can he/she participate again?

• Absolutely! Grief is experienced over time and although we may cover some of the same topics or activities, these can resonate in different ways during additional sessions, encouraging our kids to discover new skills to express themselves while feeling supported in their grief.