These groups are not support groups, but a chance to connect with others who can relate to the journey of miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal loss, SIDS or infertility. They are for adults who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or infant and who would like to connect with others in a casual and social environment.
Soulful Expressions: Abstract Art Workshop
Soulful Expressions: Abstract Workshop at the Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Centre, where, guided by Arielle & Jenn, you’ll embark on a two-night artistic journey exploring the therapeutic combination of clear tar gel and watered-down acrylics to craft a one-of-a-kind abstract masterpiece. Infuse your artwork with personal meaning by incorporating gestural handwriting, transforming your canvas into a visual diary entry that only you can read. No art experience necessary. Snacks and supplies will be provided.
Find Arielle and Jenn’s bios here.
Who is this group for? This group is for adults only (partners are welcome). Pregnant people also welcome. Please no babes in arms or children in attendance.
When: April 8th and April 15th, 2024
Time: 7 – 9pm MST
Where: PILSC Centre
Cost: FREE
Seasonal Wreath Craft & Chat
Invoke the energy of Spring with a seasonal wreath to welcome in the return of the warmth and sunlight. The circular shape of a wreath is an important symbol of hope and represents the wheel of the year, a reminder of the season’s shift. Join us for an evening of crafting where we will be creating a wreath to symbolize the unique path we’ve walked through loss. This workshop is free to attend, all materials are included. Supplies and snacks will be provided.
Who is this group for? This group is for adults only (partners are welcome). Pregnant people also welcome. Please no babes in arms or children in attendance.
When: May 27th, 2024
Time: 7 – 9pm MST
Where: PILSC Centre
Cost: FREE
Macrame Creation
Embark on a creative journey with us through the meditative process of Macrame. We’ll be crafting personalized Macrame keychains, adding names and gemstone beads to symbolize your own personal journeys. Feel free to bring a small keepsake to incorporate into your macrame creation, making it a unique reflection of your personal story. Join us for an enjoyable evening of crafting, socializing, and creating beautiful macrame keychains together. This event is free to attend, all materials included. Supplies and snacks will be provided.
Who is this group for? This group is for adults only (partners are welcome). Pregnant people also welcome. Please no babes in arms or children in attendance.
When: June 10th, 2024
Time: 7 – 9pm MST
Where: PILSC Centre
Cost: FREE
Filled Hearts Craft & Chat
Join us for an enchanting evening of connection as we craft heartfelt wall hangings together. In this event, we’ll be making unique wall hangings of felt hearts, each filled with secret messages for your beloveds, your babies and your heart.
Let your imagination soar as you envision the special recipient of each heart, whether it be a partner, a child, a friend, or even yourself. This event is free to attend, all materials included. Supplies and snacks will be provided.
Who is this group for? This group is for adults only (partners are welcome). Pregnant people also welcome. Please no babes in arms or children in attendance.
When: July 22nd, 2024
Time: 7 – 9pm MST
Where: PILSC Centre
Cost: FREE
Labyrinth Walk
Walking the Labyrinth can help lead you to your center. It can help you find your strength when life and loss has overwhelmed you. We walk into the Labyrinth reflecting on our journey and as we approach the stillness in the centre, we enter into a sacred place. We leave and walk out of the Labyrinth with a new awareness and perspective, as we call in hope for the future.
Join us for a gathering at the Labyrinth where we will sit under the trees and share in a simple picnic together before entering the Labyrinth. Please feel free to bring blankets to sit on, a snack to share and warm clothing as this event will be held outdoors for the entire evening.
Who is this group for? This group is for adults only (partners are welcome). Pregnant people also welcome. Please no babes in arms or children in attendance.
When: August 19th, 2024
Time: 7 – 9pm MST
Where: Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs, 37 Silver Springs Dr NW, Calgary AB
Cost: FREE
FAQ
What to expect at a PILSC peer support group
A hybrid group is a peer support group that gives you the option of attending in person at the PILSC office in downtown Calgary or attending virtually on Zoom for those living outside of Calgary and for anyone who prefers to attend virtually.
Your hybrid group will have a designated facilitator for those who attend in person and the second facilitator will be supporting the group on Zoom. We have technology called Meeting Owl that allows for a seamless interaction experience between those attending in person and those who attend virtually.
(PILSC hybrid group using Meeting Owl technology with in-person and virtual attendees)
To see a video of a Hybrid group, see this video
For our 7-Week Groups, we require that all participants attend either the first or second session and as many sessions as possible to allow for a safe and consistent group environment. That being said, life happens and let us know if you are unable to attend a session by emailing info@pilsc.org.
As with all of our services at PILSC, we believe in the importance of removing barriers to accessing services. All of our groups are offered at no cost to participants. For those who have the means and ability to help support the centre and our groups programming, we graciously accept donations: https://pilsc.org/donate-to-pilsc
All of our online groups are open for anyone to attend anywhere in the world. Some of our groups that meet in person will have a hybrid option so you can attend any group virtually, regardless of your physical location.
You will receive a confirmation email from the Jane booking system and the day before your group you will receive an email welcoming you to your group. For 7-week groups, there are forms to fill out in the Jane booking system so please fill those out as we require your mailing information to send you materials for your group.
Yes, you are welcome to attend a group more than once. Every time you attend will be different because so much is determined by the people in a group with you. We also have various monthly groups that you can try after an 7-week group to meet others who have experienced.
We are dedicated to supporting individuals of all faiths, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.