Grief Support Resources
You don't have to carry this alone. These organizations in Toronto and Montreal offer free or low-cost bereavement support for individuals and families.
Toronto — General Bereavement Support
Bereaved Families of Ontario — Toronto (BFO-Toronto)
Free peer-based support through one-to-one sessions and seasonal support groups for anyone grieving the death of a loved one. Serving the community since 1978.
Hospice Toronto
Bereavement support through dedicated volunteers working one-on-one by phone, in person, or online for family and friends of the deceased.
Good Grief! Bereavement Healing Services
CRA-registered charity matching grieving adults with individual counselling, support groups, a Bereavement Buddy program, and workshops — all free of charge.
CMHA Toronto — Grief Support Program
Free weekly drop-in grief support sessions, open to anyone navigating grief or loss.
Bernard Betel Centre Jewish Community
Non-profit community centre for older adults (55+) offering wellness programs, community support, a kosher cafeteria, and Meals on Wheels. A warm hub for the Jewish senior community in North York.
Montreal — General Bereavement Support
Good Grief Central
Registered charity providing free grief and loss support groups, counselling, workshops, and a biannual program for bereaved children ages 5–19.
Maison Monbourquette
Non-profit offering free bereavement support groups, a grief helpline, and individual meetings across Quebec. Services primarily in French.
Mount Royal Cemetery — Bereavement Support
Free 8-week bereavement support groups, monthly follow-up meetings, children's bereavement camp (ages 6–17), and an annual coping event.
Jewish-Specific Grief Support
Jewish Family and Child Service (JF&CS) — Bereavement Program Jewish
Free individual bereavement support for anyone who has experienced a loss within the past 24 months, plus bereavement groups open to all. Also operates the Jewish Hospice Program in the GTA.
Hope & Cope (Jewish General Hospital) Jewish
Volunteer-based organization providing free bereavement group support, Mourning Cafes, Mourning Walks, and peer support for those who have lost a loved one to cancer.
Ometz Jewish
Culturally sensitive counselling and support services based on Jewish values, serving nearly 12,000 people annually. Contact them to ask about grief-specific programs.
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto — Bereavement Listing Jewish
UJA Federation maintains a directory of Jewish bereavement resources in the Greater Toronto Area, including support groups run through synagogues and community organizations.
Bereaved Parents
Chai Lifeline Canada Jewish
Bereavement and counselling support for families who have lost a child to illness. Part of the international Chai Lifeline network.
The Compassionate Friends of Canada
Peer support for bereaved parents grieving the loss of a child of any age or cause. In-person chapter meetings and virtual groups across Canada.
Parents Orphelins
Support specifically for parents experiencing perinatal bereavement (pregnancy loss, infant death). Monthly coffee-chat meetings, helpline, workshops, and annual Candlelight Walk. Serves all of Quebec.
SickKids — Grief and Bereavement Resources
The Hospital for Sick Children provides grief and bereavement resources for families who have lost a child, including referrals and support programs.
Widows and Widowers
Widowed Friends
Canadian organization supporting widows and widowers through social opportunities to connect, heal, and grow after the loss of a partner.
A Note About This Page
We've done our best to list organizations that we believe offer genuine, compassionate support. If you know of an organization that should be included here — or if any of this information is outdated — please let us know at contact@neshama.ca.
If you are in crisis, please contact Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text 45645.