Guiding Principles
Compassionate Communities
Strengthen community support for individuals experiencing grief.
Collaborative Approach
Emphasize community-driven, cooperative efforts.
Equity & Inclusivity
Integrate a lens of equity, diversity, inclusivity, reconciliation, and accessibility (EDIRA).
Trauma Informed Practices
Approach all activities with a trauma-informed perspective.
Future Growth
As the alliance develops, members may further define and develop the guiding principles.
Cultural Sensitivity & Reconciliation
We respect and support cultural customs
and traditions of grieving by working collaboratively.
A Grief Alliance Story
A fictional vignette describing the vision and impact of the NS Grief Alliance.
The Heart & Healing: A Community’s Journey Through Grief and Growth
Over the past few years, The Heart & Healing (fictional), a small community-based non-profit, has been searching for ways to acknowledge collective loss and bring people together. In response, they built a playground and memorial space, offering families a place to gather, reflect, and heal. Understanding the need for ongoing support, they also introduced weekly community walks, creating a safe space for open conversations about grief, emotional wellness, and connection.
At first, participation in the memorial walks was slow, but as word spread, more people joined, finding comfort in walking side by side with others who understood their pain. The playground quickly became a cherished spot where laughter and play brought a sense of hope to families who had endured loss. As the organization grew, so did their curiosity—how were other communities addressing grief and loss? They realized they had valuable experiences to share but also so much to learn from others.
Seeking opportunities for collaboration, The Heart & Healing discovered The Grief Alliance, a network dedicated to supporting grief initiatives. Inspired by the potential for connection and shared learning, they decided to join, agreeing to the Terms of Reference and embracing the opportunity to expand their reach. Now, with the support of a larger network, The Heart & Healing is more committed than ever to ensuring that no one in their community has to grieve alone.