Circles of Grief

    Grief Surrounds Us, Then Gently Expands

    You don't have to carry this alone. Join a circle of support, where grief is understood, honoured, and held.

    Welcome to Circles of Grief

    Grief can feel like...

    ...a fog, a wave, or a weight pressing against your chest. It doesn't follow a schedule, and it doesn't always look the way we expect. Whether your loss is recent or long ago, grief changes us. And yet, it also connects us.

    At first, grief surrounds us completely.

    But over time, the circle expands, still present, still part of us, but less consuming. Circles of Grief is a monthly grief support group in Clare, that is a safe, welcoming space for anyone mourning the death of a loved one.

    There is no right way to grieve. There is only your way, and the comfort of knowing you're not alone.

    When & Where to Join Us

    You're warmly invited to join a circle of support. There's no need to plan the perfect words, just come as you are.

    No registration required. Drop in when you need to. Stay as long, or as briefly, as feels right.

    Clare

    Every Third Tuesday of the Month

    1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

    Clare Health Centre, Lower Level

    8559 Highway 1, Meteghan Centre, NS

    Compassionate Volunteer Supporters will be on site to welcome you.

    Yarmouth

    First Tuesday of Each Month

    1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

    Isaak Walton Killam Memorial Library

    405 Main Street, Yarmouth, NS

    Compassionate Volunteer Supporters will be on site to welcome you.

    Meet Our Volunteer Supporters

    Our group is supported by compassionate Volunteer Supporters, each trained through Hospice Palliative Care Ontario with a focus on bereavement support. They are here to offer a calm, caring presence for anyone navigating grief, whether you're a child, a teen, or an adult.

    Our role is not to fix or counsel, but to simply listen without judgment, offer support without pressure, and be present with you in whatever you're feeling.

    Whether you choose to speak or sit quietly, you'll be met with kindness, respect, and understanding.

    Understanding Grief, One Circle at a Time

    Grief doesn't come with a manual, but shared stories and honest reflections can help us find our way. Our blog is here to remind you: what you're feeling is real, and you are not alone.

    What Am I Going to Do Without Them? Facing Life After a Deep Loss

    What Am I Going to Do Without Them? Facing Life After a Deep Loss

    One of the most heartbreaking questions grief brings is: How do I go on without the person I loved? This article gently explores the early confusion, fear, and emptiness that follow loss. It offers a compassionate guide for finding meaning, purpose, and stability in a world that suddenly feels unfamiliar.

    Read More →3 min read
    How to Respond to Sympathies When You're in Grief: When Words Feel Too Hard

    How to Respond to Sympathies When You're in Grief: When Words Feel Too Hard

    When you're grieving, the outpouring of sympathy from friends, family, and acquaintances can feel comforting, but also overwhelming. This article offers gentle advice on how to respond (or not respond) to condolences, with grace and self-protection, depending on where you are emotionally.

    Read More →3 min read
    Anticipatory Grief: Coping with Loss Before It Happens

    Anticipatory Grief: Coping with Loss Before It Happens

    Grief doesn't always begin after someone dies. For many, it starts the moment a serious diagnosis is received or when the reality of a terminal condition sets in. This article explores anticipatory grief—what it feels like, how it impacts your emotional world, and ways to navigate it with compassion for yourself and others.

    Read More →2 min read
    I Started Grieving in the Hospital – When Will It End?

    I Started Grieving in the Hospital – When Will It End?

    For many people, grief begins before the moment of death—sometimes at the hospital bedside, during a long illness, or while witnessing a loved one's decline. This article explores the emotional experience of anticipatory grief and what it means for your healing journey after the loss.

    Read More →3 min read
    Understanding the Stages and Circles of Grief: It's Not a Straight Line

    Understanding the Stages and Circles of Grief: It's Not a Straight Line

    Grief is often misunderstood as a linear journey through neatly defined stages. In reality, it's more like a spiral — coming in waves, revisiting old emotions, and unfolding differently for everyone.

    Read More →3 min read
    Why Talking About Your Feelings Matters in Grief: Letting the Pain Breathe

    Why Talking About Your Feelings Matters in Grief: Letting the Pain Breathe

    When you're grieving, it can feel easier to shut down than to open up. But talking about your feelings — whether through conversation, writing, or creative expression — is one of the most healing things you can do.

    Read More →3 min read
    You Don't Have to Grieve Alone: Join the Grief Support Group in Clare

    You Don't Have to Grieve Alone: Join the Grief Support Group in Clare

    Grief can feel like the loneliest experience in the world. But you don't have to carry this alone. Grief support groups offer a space where people who are walking similar paths come together to listen, share, and simply be present.

    Read More →2 min read

    From people like you

    "Grief is lonely, but in the Circle, I realized I wasn't alone anymore."

    — Sarah

    after losing her partner

    However you're feeling right now — whether you're ready to join a conversation or just quietly reading — you're doing enough. Support is here when you're ready.

    Contact us if you have any questions. We are here to support you.

    If you have questions about the grief support group, what to expect, or how we might support you or someone you care about, please don't hesitate to reach out.

    Contact Us

    Heartfelt connections, where compassion comes full circle

    Search Box StrategiesMunicipality of ClareRyan W. Robicheau – MLA ClareClare Community Health BoardBangor Scierie à Eau / Sawmill Interpretative Centre