National Grief and Bereavement Day 

The third Tuesday in November marks the annual National Grief and Bereavement Day in Canada. On this day, CHPCA encourages Canadians to engage government and all sectors of Canadian society in a national dialogue to identify and support access to the necessary resources for those living with grief and bereavement. 

National Grief and Bereavement Day 2024 poster showing the silhouette of a person using a wind phone.

November 19th, 2024 

Remember. Reflect. Connect

Grief can make us hesitant to connect with those around us, whether we are the person grieving or someone around them. When someone we know is faced with grief, we can often find ourselves at a loss for words. When we are grieving ourselves, we may not know what support we need.

National Grief and Bereavement Day on November 19, 2024, is the time for us to reflect and take action to create connection with those around us on their grief journey. 

Next National Grief and Bereavement Day | November 18, 2025

2024 Campaign Theme: Remember. Reflect. Connect.

Grief is Universal

Grief is a common experience we will all share, yet it can often leave us feeling disconnected. We might feel disconnected from our loved ones, from our friends, or from who we used to be.

Finding connection through loss can be a powerful tool to help us move forward and through grief. Something as simple as a phone call, someone reaching out, a hug, a prayer, or a treasured memory shared can bring much needed solace after a loss. 

Taking Action

Together, let’s break the silence surrounding grief. Let’s remember those we love and have lost. Let’s reflect on how we can support someone else in their grief, and ourselves in our own. Let’s connect with those around us on a journey with grief. Join us on National Grief and Bereavement Day as we collectively learn to reach out and to offer genuine support and connection to those around us. 

Find resources, tips, and inspiration below! 

Recorded on November 19, 2024

How To Remember, Reflect, and Connect in Grief For Grievers and Everyone

Webinar Recording

Watch the recording for CHPCA’s free webinar, presented by the Saint Elizabeth Foundation, held in honour of National Grief and Bereavement Day on November 19th, 2024. With Heather Brown, Lead Therapist at Hospice Georgian Triangle, and Yvonne Heath, Author and Founder of Love Your Life to Death & #IJustShowedUp, we got hands on with grief, and discovered how to show up for ourselves and for others in grief. Through three simple and impactful activities, we explored different ways that grievers and those around them can remember, reflect, and connect with others and with their own loss.

Campaign Kit and Resources 

2024 Campaign Kit

The campaign kit contains campaign materials, including customizable designs on Canva. Use these resources to celebrate and raise awareness of grief and bereavement supports in your community.

Poster

Grief and Bereavement Resource Repository 

Resources to help you and your loved ones cope with grief, including regional resources. 

Social Media Images

National Grief and Bereavement Day 2024 poster showing the silhouette of a person using a wind phone.
The spring version of the 2024 National Grief and Bereavement social post
The winter version of the 2024 National Grief and Bereavement campaign social media image
The summer version of the 2024 National Grief and Bereavement social image

Grief Support Tips

Shareable tips on supporting someone who is grieving.

Know someone who’s grieving? Let them know you’re thinking of them. Don’t assume what they want or need. Be specific when you offer to help… and follow through! Acknowledge their loss and the memory of their person. Respect their boundaries.
When reaching out, remember: You can’t fix their grief. Silence is okay. Grief is not a straight path; honour where they’re at today. They might not be up to socializing, and that’s okay!
Tangible ways you can support a grieving coworker: Offer to have coffee or tea with them Ask if they want to tell you about their person. Don’t press for information they don’t want to share Offer to support them with their work responsibilities
Tangible ways you can support a grieving coworker: Offer to have coffee or tea with them Ask if they want to tell you about their person. Don’t press for information they don’t want to share Offer to support them with their work responsibilities
Want to help but don’t know how? Suggestions you can offer your grieving person: To drop off groceries or essentials at their door To make a list of whose casserole dish belongs to who. To help them with chores at home To keep them company, with or without talking
Tu veux aider la personne endeuillée mais ne sais pas comment? Voici quelques idées : Continue de l’inviter à des activités, même si elle refuse. Accompagne-la dans des sorties pour qu’elle n’y aille pas seule. Organise régulièrement des sorties avec elle. Fais ses courses avec elle pour qu’elle ne soit pas seule.

Share Your Story  

Help us show policy-makers and health care leaders the impact of quality grief support, or lack thereof, on families in Canada through your lived experiences.  

Your Donations Matter

CHPCA advocates for accessible quality hospice palliative care across the country. We do this so one day, everyone in Canada with a life-limiting illness can access care that alleviates their suffering when they need it most. Your support is essential to this work.

Nurse helping elderly patient
A lightbulb in a blue circle.

Find Inspiration  

Share our helpful tips and suggestions to help support those in your life who are grieving. 

Sponsor 

Thank you to this year’s National Grief and Bereavement Day sponsor. 

The GSK logo.
contact icon

Contact

Do you have questions about this campaign, or about hospice palliative care in Canada?

CHPCA News

  • A close up of a microphone with a blurred conference in the background.
    Press Release

    CHPCA to Present and Exhibit at the McGill International Palliative Care Congress 2024

    Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) announced they will be sending four delegates to Montréal, Québec to represent CHPCA at the 24th McGill International Palliative Care Congress.

  • Press Release

    CHPCA to Attend Last Aid International Conference 2024

    CHPCA is joining delegates from around the world to gather in Cologne, Germany on September 5th and 6th to discuss Last Aid – a public education course that gives the average person an overview of dying and grief.

  • Press Release

    Strengthening Our Team: Janet Fairbridge Joins CHPCA to Lead Fund and Grant Development

    The CHPCA team is growing! We are happy to welcome Janet Fairbridge, CFRE as CHPCA’s newest team member, taking on the role of Fund Development & Grant Specialist.