Walking Together: Healing Steps in Nature with New Hospice Hub Grief Walking Group in Rideau Lakes
Grief can feel incredibly isolating at times, but you don’t have to move through it on your own. The Hospice Hub walking program offers a gentle, supportive way for individuals to connect with others who understand and begin to heal.
Led by trained volunteers, these small group walks create a safe and welcoming space where participants can share stories, speak openly about their grief, or walk in quiet companionship. Education Lead Isobel Boyle says there is no pressure, just the understanding that everyone’s journey is different and every step forward matters.
For Isobel, the inspiration for creating these groups came from her own experience: “having previously experienced the benefits of this means of exploring and sharing the grief journey.” She describes walking as “an alternate way of exploring grief,” a gentle, less traditional approach compared to sitting in a circle with guided questions.
Surrounded by the calming beauty of nature, participants often find that movement and fresh air help ease heavy emotions. In fact, the rhythm of walking side by side can make conversations feel more natural, while also providing moments of peaceful reflection.
Isobel was first introduced to grief walking groups while volunteering at Hospice Wellington in Guelph. There, she witnessed how individuals walking with facilitators or fellow participants discovered shared feelings, even while navigating their own unique grief journeys. “It’s an opportunity to learn that grief is real,” she explains, “and to bust the myths associated with it.”
The Hospice Hub has already seen success with this approach. Last year, the organization sponsored walking groups in both Perth and Smiths Falls, running from mid-May to the end of October. Participants were welcome to join at any point and attend as they were able, an important feature for those whose grief may ebb and flow from week to week.
Each walk begins with a short reading related to grief, offering a grounding moment and a gentle prompt for reflection. From there, the group sets out together, allowing conversation to unfold naturally. Facilitators “hold space” rather than direct it, letting participants lead the way in terms of how much guidance or discussion they want.
Routes are carefully selected, keeping safety, accessibility and confidentiality in mind to ensure participants feel comfortable speaking openly, without worry of being overheard. Groups typically include two to three trained facilitators and up to seven participants, creating an intimate and supportive environment.
According to Isobel, facilitators receive extensive preparation, including a six-week Hospice Hub training program, with two additional days focused specifically on grief support, and ongoing mentorship from experienced volunteers. This training ensures that every walk is guided by individuals who understand the complexities of grief and know how to support participants with care and sensitivity.
The Hospice Hub’s walking groups are part of a broader network of services, including Hospice Visiting, the Hospice Hub Day Program, and Grief and Bereavement support. The organization also offers educational programs such as Advanced Care Planning and Practical Caregiver Support.
An Advance Care Planning presentation will be held Sept. 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Perth & District Union Public Library and is free to attend. “Prepare for the future: important conversations worth having.” More sessions will be available in different locations.
Also, this fall, The Hospice Hub will offer an Education Day with the PSFDH Palliative Care Team focused on caregivers, another vital part of the community’s support system.
To discover more about The Hospice Hub and the “comprehensive, compassionate and integrated services” they provide “to support people living with a life-limiting illness and their families,” visit www.thehospicehub.ca or call 613-627-0974. A registered charity, The Hospice Hub, generously serves Westport, Rideau Lakes, Smiths Falls, Tay Valley, Perth, Drummond North Elmsley and Lanark Highlands.
Beginning this September, The Hospice Hub would like to introduce a grief walking group in Rideau Lakes, tentatively planned for Thursday mornings from mid-September through the end of October. The exact trail will be chosen based on participant numbers and participant location to ensure accessibility for all. Individuals who would like more information or wish to express interest can contact education@thehospicehub.ca.
Grief doesn’t follow a straight path, and healing rarely happens all at once. But walking together, side by side, without pressure or expectation, can make the journey feel a little less heavy.
Join the new grief walking group for a relaxed walk where conversation is welcome but never expected. Whether you feel like sharing or simply being in the presence of others, you’ll find comfort, understanding, and a sense of community.
Comments