Each Wednesday throughout March, Gilda’s Toronto has virtual education opportunities to learn from subject matter experts about the difficult topic of dying and death.
Treading Above Water has explored various subjects in past years, including Death Doulas, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), and Advanced Care Planning. These and other sessions are available on the Gilda’s Toronto YouTube page. This year, our focus is understanding grief. Industry professionals will discuss the grief experiences of adults and children and how to manage and support those who are experiencing grief.
These sessions give you the tools to prepare before you’re in the thick of things and the waters get high. Gilda’s Toronto Virtual Programs Coordinator, Gloria Laus, explains why this series is so important.
“We know how uncomfortable it can be to think or talk about dying and death. While death can be a difficult topic, understanding the process of dying and death will make it easier to discuss it with family and friends when it becomes unavoidable. Grief is an emotion that can be experienced throughout the cycle of illness and death.”
Gloria stressed that everyone can benefit from these educational sessions.
“Our audience is everyone. You may be close to someone dying, but even if it is nowhere on the horizon, you will be more level-headed to process things more neutrally. With this series, you will find tools that will help you recognize grief and move through it.”
Registrants receive a direct link to our YouTube channel to view sessions later. Many of the previous sessions are also available there.
Wednesday, March 6, 1 pm: Exploring Grief Dreams in Adults and Children with Dr. Joshua Black, a grief researcher, speaker, consultant and host of the Grief Dreams Podcast. His work focuses on dreams and continuing bonds after loss, including prenatal and pet loss.
Wednesday, March 13, 1 pm: Grief 101 with Gloria Laus (They/her). Gloria is a registered social service worker and the Virtual Program Coordinator at Gilda’s Toronto. She also facilitates the Writing With Grief drop-in group and Mindfulness Meditation sessions.
Wednesday, March 20, 1 pm: What is Hospice and How Does it Help? with Janice O’Reilly, B.Ed., M.A., a staff member and passionate hospice supporter for six years. She is the Coordinator – Education and Volunteer Services at the Dorothy Lea Hospice.
Wednesday, March 27, 1 pm: Supporting Grieving Families with Children, led by Neal Solomon, MSW, RSW. He aims to empower individuals and families to live with confidence, trust and connection. Employed by Andrea Warnick Consulting.
To attend any of these sessions, visit the Gilda’s Toronto website programs calendar and register.