Across British Columbia, hospice societies, grief support programs, volunteers, and community leaders continue to show the importance of compassionate grief and bereavement care. Through the 2026 Grief & Bereavement (G&B) Funding Strategy Working Group, organizations from across the province are working together to strengthen recognition, sustainability, and support for these essential community services.

What began as a strategic funding discussion is evolving into something broader: a coordinated provincial movement to increase awareness, recognition, and long-term support for grief and bereavement care in BC

The Working Group continues to advance a three-year pathway focused on:

2026 – Awareness & Presence
Building shared messaging, strengthening relationships, and increasing visibility across ministries and sectors.

2027 – Formal Recognition
Strengthening municipal and legislative engagement to elevate grief and bereavement as essential community infrastructure.

2028 – Investment
Supporting long-term and sustainable funding integration that reflect the growing needs of communities across BC.

Highlights from Meeting #2: Turning Strategy into Action

The second Working Group meeting held on March 31, focused on turning strategy into coordinated action.

Provincial Proclamation Initiative

The Working Group discussed the development of a Provincial Grief & Bereavement Day Proclamation for November 2026. Participants explored how proclamations can help increase public awareness, strengthen community conversations, and create opportunities for engagement with local governments and MLAs across BC.

Growing Sector Pressures

The need for coordinated advocacy continues to grow as many hospice societies face increasing financial pressures. Common challenges identified by the group included:

• Reductions in gaming and charitable funding
• increasing demand and complexity of grief support needs
• funding gaps impacting volunteer-led and rural organizations

These realities continue to impact the sustainability of community-based grief and bereavement services throughout BC.

Strengthening a Public Health Approach

The Working Group continues to strengthen the use of a public health approach to grief and bereavement care, highlighting the role hospice societies play in mental health promotion, early intervention, social connection, and community resilience.

Looking Ahead

BCHPCA is currently reviewing the results of the Mobilization & Advocacy Survey to help guide the next phase of engagement and strategy development.

Upcoming milestones include:

• May 26, 2026 - Working Group Meeting #3
• Finalization of the Strategic Framework for government submission
• Continued development of advocacy and engagement materials

This work continues to grow through collaboration, shared knowledge, and community leadership.

We welcome organizations, partners, and community members interested in:

• supporting grief and bereavement awareness
• participating in future engagement activities
• sharing advocacy ideas and resources
• exploring partnership opportunities

We encourage you to connect with the BCHPCA team. Either Daniel or Pablita via the office@bchpa.org

Together, we can continue building a more compassionate and connected province.