Nova Scotia Grief Alliance to Host Provincial Grief Symposium on National Grief and Bereavement Day
HALIFAX, NS – October 7, 2025 – The Nova Scotia Grief Alliance (NSGA), co-led by the Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association (NSHPCA) and Nova Scotia Health, announced today that it will host the first annual Nova Scotia Provincial Grief Symposium on National Grief and Bereavement Day, November 18, 2025.
The theme of the symposium is “Compassion in Action.” It highlights the need to recognize grief as a universal human experience and to turn empathy into practical supports that help Nova Scotians. The theme emphasizes moving beyond awareness to achievable, meaningful action within communities.
The symposium will take place at the Old Orchard Inn in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, and will bring together community organizations, healthcare providers, and those working in grief support from across the province to share knowledge, strengthen networks, and deepen collective responses to grief and loss.
“This symposium is an important opportunity to connect as a province and reflect on how grief touches families and communities in every corner of Nova Scotia,” said Tim Guest, Executive Director of NSHPCA. “We are pleased to support the NS Grief Alliance in building stronger, compassionate responses to loss across the province.”
“By bringing together people who help others through grief and loss, we create opportunities to share and learn from each other. By doing this, we can build on our existing strengths to better support Nova Scotians,” said Lindsay Sutherland, Director Policy and Planning with Nova Scotia Health. “Together, we’re creating a province that is even more caring and connected.”
The event will highlight the work of the Nova Scotia Grief Alliance, showcase community initiatives, and feature an agenda that includes breakout sessions on grief-related topics, keynote and grief speakers, and free exhibitor spaces for organizations.
Full agenda information and registration are available at nsgriefalliance.com/grief-symposium.
Admission is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Interview requests should be directed to:
Michael Kydd
Communications Director, NSHPCA/NS Grief Alliance
Cell: 902-818-6983
Email: mkydd@nshpca.ca
nshpca.ca | healingpathways.nshpca.ca
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About the Nova Scotia Grief Alliance
Co-led by Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association and Nova Scotia Health, the Nova Scotia Grief Alliance is a province-wide initiative dedicated to strengthening grief support through education, resource sharing, and community collaboration. It serves as a network for individuals and organizations working in grief support, offering opportunities to connect, learn, and share best practices.