You’re Not Alone – Grief Connection
We all grieve. But we don’t have to do it alone.
Free, ongoing support with a trained volunteer is available.
You’re Not Alone – Grief Connection (YNA) matches grieving adults with trained volunteers who have had a similar grief experience.
Once matched, the grieving participant and trained volunteer meet regularly by telephone for up to a year, if needed. The match is confidential; this is a safe space for the participant to speak openly about what they are experiencing.
Matches are based on common experiences, not geography. This means the volunteer and participant will likely live in different areas of Alberta. The important thing is the connection of the shared grief experience.
What is grief?
Grief is a normal emotion that we all experience. In any year, over 135,000 Albertans will face grief following a death.
Grief can happen anytime, not just after a death. Anticipatory grief happens before death; the time of illness before a death is filled with many losses that we grieve. The losses of health, mobility, normalcy and the loss of potential are all reasons to grieve.
Who can participate?
Albertans facing grief, either before or after a death, are welcome as participants. If you are grieving and need friendly support from a volunteer who has been there, please apply online or by calling 403 206 9938.
We all grieve. But we don’t have to do it alone.
Free, ongoing support with a trained volunteer is available.
You’re Not Alone – Grief Connection (YNA) matches you with a trained volunteer who has had a similar grief experience.
Once matched, you and your volunteer will meet regularly by telephone for up to a year, if needed. The match is confidential; this is a safe space to speak openly about what you are experiencing.
Grief is a normal response to any type of loss. You may even feel grief before a loss has happened, like after receiving a life-limiting diagnosis for yourself or a loved one. YNA is for anybody who is experiencing grief from the loss of a loved one, whether from illness, accident, suicide or overdose.
Please note: YNA is not professional counseling. YNA is not a crisis service and does not have a 24/7 response.
YNA is not professional counselling. YNA is not a crisis service and does not have a 24/7 response.
If you need immediate help, please call:
Distress Line (CMHA) Edmonton Region:
- Toll free Northern Alberta: 1-800-232-7288 / Crisis 24 hours Edmonton: 780-482-HELP (4357)
Distress Centre Calgary:
- Main Crisis Line: (403) 266-HELP (4357)
Distress Line of Southwestern Alberta:
- Toll Free: 1-888-787-2880 / Crisis 24 hours for Lethbridge and area 403-327-7905
Crisis Line for Fort McMurray and Northeastern Alberta:
- 24 hour Crisis Line: 780-743-HELP (4357) / 1-800-565-3801