We are pleased to announce the launch of our new redesigned website for Healing Hearts Canada.

WHAT IS HEALING HEARTS? Healing Hearts is a free bereavement support group specific to those grieving the loss of a loved one due to overdose or substance-use harms. You do not have to be a MSTH member to join this bereavement group. All participants are 18 or older.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF HEALING HEARTS? In 2015 three Moms, Leslie McBain, Lorna Thomas and Petra Schulz came together after the tragic loss of their sons. With a commitment to change drug policies and advocate for effective health supports for those who struggle, they started an organization called Moms Stop The Harm. Healing Hearts support groups fall under the umbrella of Moms Stop The Harm (MSTH) which is a network of Canadian families impacted by harms and deaths due to substance use. MSTH began with a need to speak out about the ongoing drug poisoning crisis. However, MSTH quickly understood that grieving families needed a safe place to mourn their loved ones. In 2017, Healing Hearts Bereavement support groups were developed. Our groups continue to grow throughout Canada.

HEALING HEARTS EXPANSION - In June, 2020 and March 2021, Moms Stop The Harm was pleased to receive a BC Provincial grant and a Federal grant (Stronger Together BC & Stronger Together Canada) with the primary focus of strengthening families. Both of these grants are focussed on building supports to families with a growing recognition from all levels of government that families are greatly impacted by the Overdose Crisis. With these funds, Moms Stop The Harm will be expanding the Healing Hearts groups throughout BC and Canada.

WHY SPECIFIC BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT? Many families experiencing this type of traumatic loss express the isolation they feel and the difficulty in finding a support system that understands the challenges of Substance Use. By attending a peer based support group participants will hear other stories of lived experience. This helps in validating an individual’s experience when they are feeling that no one else understands. In a peer based bereavement support group there is healing in helping others. Individuals will learn a lot about themselves and in sharing their experience they may unknowingly impart insight and support to help others in the group. It is a safe stigma free place to share your story.

“When I came across the Healing Hearts group, I felt I had a place where every thought and every emotion I had was honoured, understood and supported.” (anonymous)

We welcome you to explore our new website and share this with those who are grieving a loved one.

Check out the new Healing Hearts website here