Peer support group formed

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A peer support group for parents, grandparents and other adults who have experienced the suicide of a youth or child is being formed to provide an opportunity for those who are experiencing the grief, pain and after effects of a suicide of someone close.

This group will be facilitated by a parent who has experienced the issues that arise during this period. It will function as a non-professional support group meeting, run and directed by those participating and assisted by one who has been there. The group does not provide professional counselling or treatment. The group will be based on the idea that “to share the journey together, is to lighten the burden of grief for everyone.”

The group will meet monthly on the first Thursday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. in a comfortable meeting space at the Community Justice Centre, centrally located in Courtenay. The first meeting will be held Dec. 1; meetings will then be held every month beginning Jan. 5.

The meetings will provide a supportive, understanding, non-judgemental, safe and confidential environment to share thoughts, feelings and experiences.

This is a suicide support group for those who are sharing the common journey through the loss of a child or youth. Feel free to come once and then decide if this is right for you.

There will be no fees for this group meeting, as the space is being generously provided by the Community Justice Centre (CJC), located at Suite E – 450 Eighth St. in Courtenay, between England and Fitzgerald avenues. CJC is also taking care of the registration and public information to initiate this service, but this is a self-organizing group, not a programme delivered by the CJC.

To let us know you are coming, call the CJC at 250-334-8101 and leave your name and phone number so we can plan space for everyone interested and advise of any changes to the plan or program.

— Community Justice Centre