Our monthly General Drop-in groups are casual peer support drop-in groups for individuals, partners and couples who are looking to connect through their loss experience at any stage of the journey. There are two group options to choose from: General Drop-in: With Living Children and General Drop-in: Childless Not By Choice.
General Drop-in: With Living Children
This is a casual peer support drop-in group for individuals, partners and couples with living children (pre or post loss) who are looking to connect through their loss experience at any stage of the journey. Pregnant people are welcome.
Who is this group for? All individuals at any stage of the journey including secondary infertility and loss experiences who currently have a living child (however the brought the child into their family).
When We Meet: First Wednesday of each month: April 3rd, May 1st, June 5th, 2024
Time We Meet: 6pm MT / 8pm ET
Where: Online
Prerequisites: NONE
Suggested groups to join after this group:
Parenting living children after loss workshop *Coming soon*
General Drop-in: Childless Not By Choice
This is a casual peer support drop-in group for individuals, partners and couples currently without living children, including those trying to conceive (naturally or through assisted fertility) as well as those who are coming to terms with not trying again. You do not need to have been previously pregnant or experienced pregnancy or infant loss to attend. This group is not suited for pregnant people. We recognize that being childless not by choice is a unique journey. This group provides a place to connect, validate our experience and hold space to process your emotions as you navigate your journey.
Who is this group for? All individuals at any stage of the journey who currently do not have any living children. This can include if you are still trying, given up on trying, have experienced loss, have never been pregnant, missed adoptions, etc.
When We Meet: First Thursday of each month: April 4th, May 2nd, June 6th, 2024
Time We Meet: 6pm MT / 8pm ET
Where We Meet: Online
Prerequisites: NONE
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.