Grief Support Program

About The Program

Grief comes in many forms—and it doesn’t follow a straight path. Whether you’re mourning the loss of a loved one, struggling with a change in identity, community, work, or home, or simply feeling the weight of something unspoken or unmet, your grief is valid.

Our free, drop-in grief program offers a safe and supportive space for you to better understand grief, connect with others who may not share your exact experience but understand the emotions that come with loss, and feel less alone in the process. Each session blends gentle educational content with open, judgment-free group discussion—no pressure to share, just the invitation to be.

You don’t need to walk through grief on your own. We’re here, every week, and you’re welcome just as you are.

Who's It For

This program is open to all adults (18+) who are:

  • Grieving a loss—whether it’s the death of a loved one, a job, a relationship, a sense of identity, community, safety, or any meaningful part of life.
  • Supporting someone who is grieving and seeking to better understand how to be present and compassionate.
  • Looking for a space to explore their own experience of grief without judgment or the pressure to “move on.”

You do not need a diagnosis, previous experience with grief support, or a particular kind of loss to join. Grief is complex—and we honour that in every form it takes.

How IT Works

Drop-in sessions run weekly, and are open to anyone navigating grief or loss. These virtual gatherings offer a gentle space to share, listen, or simply be among others who understand grief’s many shapes. You’re welcome to attend as often or as little as feels right — there’s no pressure, just an open door.

Upcoming Sessions:

  • Friday, September 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM EST
  • Monday, September 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EST
  • Friday, September 25, 2026 at 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM EST
  • Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EST
  • Friday, October 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM EST
  • Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EST
  • Friday, October 23, 2026 at 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM EST
  • Friday, November 6, 2026 at 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM EST
  • Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EST
  • Friday, November 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM EST
  • Wednesday, November 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EST
  • Friday, December 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM EST
  • Monday, December 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EST
  • Friday, December 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM EST

This page will continue to be updated with the upcoming sessions.

Where: Online via Microsoft Team

Facilitator: A registered psychotherapist with training in trauma-informed care

What to expect:

  • Brief educational content on grief, emotions, coping and support
  • A guided, supportive discussion where you can share or simply listen
  • A compassionate, inclusive environment – no fixing, no advice-giving, just space to be

Referral
FORM

Thank you for your interest in CMHA Toronto's Grief Support Group! We're so glad you're here.

This free, virtual, drop-in grief program offers a safe and supportive space for you to better understand grief, connect with others who may not share your exact experience but understand the emotions that come with loss, and feel less alone in the process. Each session blends gentle educational content with open, judgment-free group discussion—no pressure to share, just the invitation to be. You don’t need to walk through grief on your own.

If you are registering for yourself: Please complete the below fields with your own information.
If you are registering on behalf of another individual: Please complete the below fields with the individual's information and the email address that you would like to receive the session info at.

  • To participate in the group, you must be at least 18 years of age.
  • The group is guided by trained professionals who facilitate discussion, offer resources, and provide tools to help individuals move through grief in a meaningful way.
  • A key value of this group is that no grief is more or less valid than any other grief. This is a space for your feelings to be validated as well as that of others. With this in mind, this is a no shame zone and we ask that all participants engage with empathy and respect.
  • We welcome individuals at any stage of their grief, provided these requirements are met, and encourage openness, connection, and mutual support within the group setting. The goal is to provide emotional support, foster community, and hold space for individuals to adjust to a life with loss in a way that feels right for them.

After you complete this form, you will receive a confirmation email with the Microsoft Teams link for all sessions, a how-to guide for Microsoft Teams (if you are new to the platform), and more information.

By completing this form, you consent to this referral being sent through email. Please be aware that there is always a risk that electronic communications may be intercepted or altered, or that they will exist indefinitely. Email is easy to forge, may be accidentally forwarded, amended, intercepted, and may exist indefinitely. Personal health information may be subject to unauthorized collection, use and disclosure.

If you have any questions, please call 437-995-4017 or email workshops@cmhato.org

Eligibility Criteria for Program

Personal Information

Additional Details

We understand the following questions are personal. Please provide however much or little info you feel is appropriate for you.

Consent

Please read carefully and provide consent.
Website

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the referral process?

This program welcomes self-referrals and professional referrals. If you’re a care provider, community worker, or simply someone supporting another through grief, feel free to share this resource. Participants can register by using the a short intake form located on this page before attending.

 

Do I have to come every week?

Nope! The program is completely drop-in. Come when you can, and as often as you find it helpful.

 

Is this therapy?

This is not therapy, but it is facilitated by a registered psychotherapist and offers therapeutic support. It’s a space for learning, sharing, and connecting—but not a substitute for individual or group therapy.

Is it really free?

Yes! The program is completely free and funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

I’m not sure my grief “counts.” Can I still come?

Absolutely. Grief can come from many kinds of loss—big or small, recent or long ago. If you’re feeling the effects of something missing or changed in your life, this space is for you.

Do I have to talk or have my camera on?

Not at all. You are welcome to participate in whatever way feels safe and comfortable for you. There’s no expectation to speak or be on camera.

How do I join?

Just fill out a short intake form located on this page. You’ll get a welcome email with everything you need, including the Teams link and reminders before each session.

What if I still have questions?

Please email workshops@cmhato.org or call 437-995-4017.

Contact Us

West Office
700 Lawrence Ave W,
Suite #480 Toronto,
ON M6A 3B4

East Office
1200 Markham Rd,
Suite #500 Scarborough,
ON M1H 3C3

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