“Caring for the Soul” event to build skills in hospice and palliative care
Several VON Ontario sites are set to host all-day activities for those in the hospice and palliative care sector on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. The “Caring for the Soul” community grief and wellness event will provide education, resources and wellness activities to health professionals, volunteers and others who have an interest in working in palliative and bereavement care.
“This event will provide education and information around wellness in hospice and palliative care settings,” says Robin Kish, Manager of Home and Community Care, Community Support Services, VON Oxford. “We are looking forward to hearing from keynote speaker Dr. Alan Wolfelt, a world-renowned expert in the field of hospice and palliative care, and we’re pleased that attendees will have an opportunity to benefit from his wisdom and that of other speakers.”
Dr. Wolfelt, Director of the Center for Loss & Life Transition, is one of North America’s leading death educators and grief counsellors. His books have sold more than a million copies worldwide. His keynote topic, “The Art of Companioning the Mourner: Caring Versus Curing,” will enhance knowledge and skills for supporting people experiencing grief and loss.
His approach recognizes that grief and mourning are normal and necessary experiences that are fundamentally a journey of the heart and soul. The workshop will be helpful to anyone who wants to learn more about essential caregiving principles for caring for grieving persons.
Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Rami Shami on “Building Resilience & Maintaining Wellbeing.” A hospice and palliative care consultant, Rami will share his knowledge and experience in person-centred approaches and supporting the development and growth of programs and services for those travelling the journey of a life-limiting illness.
“This is a unique event, in that it focuses exclusively on grief and bereavement care, which is not often featured as a standalone topic,” says Jessica McGeough, Manager, Home and Community Care, VON Durham Hospice Services. “This is a great opportunity to provide professional education to those in a caring capacity and to highlight the vital importance of these supports in our community. It’s going to be a wonderful day.”
Participants will also have a chance to engage in practical wellness activities to build coping strategies and hold space for this important aspect of the life journey.
Register online – spaces are limited
For more information and to register, visit von.ca/events/caring-soul-community-grief-and-wellness-event
Keynote speakers will appear live on Zoom to audiences at all participating sites. Other activities vary by location. Lunch will be provided for in-person events. Click on the location name nearest you to reserve a spot.
Events and activities are free to participants, and are made possible through funding from Ontario Health.
