Grief Support

Everyone grieves in their own unique way. When significant people in your life die, you may feel angry, isolated, sad, guilty, and lonely.

The Grief Support Sharing Circle is an informal mutual support group, led by clinicians and campus chaplains, that provides support for students who have experienced the death of a loved one, as well as students experiencing anticipatory grief.

Benefits

• Connect with other students on campus who are grieving in a supportive space.
• Share stories, experiences and struggles.
• Learn ways to heal and gain strength during difficult times.

Facilitators

• Laurie Coleman, Wellness Counsellor & Coordinator, MSW, RSW
• Jeanette Unger, Campus Chaplain, M.T.S.

Additional support for students

If you need to talk to someone right now, call My SSP 1-844-451-9700. Outside of North America, call 001-416-380-6578 for mental health and counselling services in 146 languages.

Mental health support for students is also available through U of T’s Health & Wellness mental health care service. You can get help with clarifying issues, understanding and managing your emotions, relationships and responses, and support in dealing with challenges effectively.

You may find you need an academic deferral to help you through your time of grieving. Undergraduate students should contact their registrar’s office by email and inform them of the situation. Students may also wish to notify their professors or TAs. Graduate students should contact their professors and their department graduate coordinator.

Multi-Faith Campus Chaplains offer spiritual care in times of grief and perform rites of passage including funerals and memorials.

Support for faculty and staff

Faculty and staff can access the Employee and Family Assistance Program, a free confidential information, counselling and referral service. The service is provided by Homewood Health. Immediate access to professional counsellors is available by phone at 1-800-663-1142. If you need face-to-face counselling, an appointment will be scheduled. You can also arrange for telephone or e-counselling.