October Education Session

Topic: Disenfranchised Grief

Presenter: Denise Turner, Lighthouse Grief Coaching and Therapeutic Art

Description:  Not all grief is recognized, understood or given permission to be expressed. Through meaningful stories and real-life examples, we’ll explore disenfranchised grief, including losses and relationships that are often overlooked or minimized. We’ll examine how our words can validate or unintentionally dismiss someone’s grief, while touching on how acute grief and stress can affect the nervous system. Participants will leave with greater awareness and practical ways to offer compassionate support to grieving individuals and families, both within The Hospice and in the wider community.

Learning Objectives:  By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Recognize disenfranchised grief and understand how certain losses and relationships can leave people feeling unseen or unsupported.
2. Understand how grief affects the nervous system and recognize possible signs that someone is feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty processing information.
3. Respond with greater awareness and compassion by choosing words and actions that acknowledge and validate a person’s grief.

Format: Webinar – Participants can attend via Microsoft Teams either individually or as part of a viewing group hosted at the Erie Shores Campus or the Windsor Campus.  The Microsoft Teams link will be provided upon registration.

Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Time:  Doors open and a light meal is provided at 5:00 pm for the on-site viewing groups

• Erie Shores Campus (197 Talbot St. W., Leamington) – Welcome Centre
• Windsor Campus (6038 Empress St., Windsor) – Administrative Building #600

Presentation begins at 5:30 pm

For more information, please contact (519) 974-7100 ext. 2277 or email [email protected].

Hospice Education Sessions are generously supported by The Don and Gail Rodzik Education Endowment.