Survivors of Suicide Loss
Losing a loved one to suicide can be one of the most shattering experiences a person can go
through. The Survivor Support Program (SSP) offers both individual and group peer support for
people grieving this kind of loss.
SSP is led by specially trained volunteer facilitators, many of whom have also lost a loved one
to suicide. They’re here to listen and be with you in your grief.
People come to SSP at different points — sometimes when the loss is raw and immediate,
sometimes after carrying it quietly for a long time. We’re here when you’re ready.
You’ll find answers to common questions below. If you’re interested in participating in SSP,
please contact contact us to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the most common questions that comes up in SSP sessions is, “when will this pain go away?”
There’s no easy answer to that, and grief is rarely linear. We don’t approach this work as trying to get you from “here to there.” We focus on being with you in your experience, not trying to change how you feel.
That said, many participants have shared that SSP had a profound effect on their relationship to their grief.
We offer both individual and group support.
Individual support can be just you, or include a partner or family members. Group support offers a different experience, where support comes not only from the facilitators, but from others in the group.
We recommend starting with individual support, as it gives you dedicated, unhurried space to focus on your own experience. Both individual and group sessions run weekly for 8 weeks.
Each session is a confidential space for you to talk about your loss in whatever way feels right for you. There’s no pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with.
Your volunteer facilitators will introduce topics, listen, ask gentle questions, and help guide the conversation if needed. The space is always shaped by what feels most important to you.
In individual sessions, the focus is entirely on you and your experience.
In group sessions, you’ll also hear from others who have experienced a similar loss. You’re free to share, or simply listen, at your own pace.
Often, but not always. When we make matches, we take a number of factors into account, and similarity of loss or relationship is one of them.
Readiness looks different for everyone. Some people reach out very soon after their loss, while others come to us years later.
If it feels too hard to talk about your loss right now, that’s completely okay. You’re still welcome to reach out, and we can figure out together if SSP is the right choice for you now.
The first step is to contact us. We’ll arrange an initial phone or video call where we can get to know each other, answer any questions you may have, and understand what kind of support might be most helpful.
From there, we’ll recommend either individual or group support, depending on your situation and preferences. The timing of when support begins can vary, based on both availability and what feels like the right starting point for you. We’ll talk this through together so you know what
to expect.
Currently, all sessions are held via Zoom. In some cases, in-person support may be arranged depending on circumstances and availability.
Therapy is led by mental health professionals who bring clinical expertise and treatment frameworks.
SSP is different. Our volunteers aren’t here to diagnose, treat, or fix anything. Their role is to listen and offer support grounded in shared humanity rather than professional expertise.
No. Anyone is welcome to contact us directly. You’re also welcome to share this page with others you feel could benefit from the program.
No. All SSP services are provided at no cost to participants, thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters: United Way, Region of Peel, City of Toronto, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and private donors.
Suicide Loss Support Program - Volunteer
Prior to joining the program, you will be required to go through an intensive screening and complete the Survivor of Loss Support Program volunteer training either in spring or fall.
The Survivors of Loss Support Program provides grief support to survivors: individuals, families and friends impacted by a suicide.
We provide both an individualized, face-to-face format and a group format.
Support is primarily offered virtually, through Zoom.
Philosophy: Each person’s grief is unique. We support the survivor from the place they are at. We help to identify and enhance the survivor’s own abilities and strengths.
We embrace diversity.
As volunteers, you will play a key role in providing individualized grief support to survivors of loss.
Volunteers work in teams of two. The teams are comprised of a survivor peer (someone who has been impacted by suicide or homicide) and a non-survivor (someone who has not experienced this kind of loss).
The volunteer team will meet with the same individual or family for eight sessions, each of which lasts between 1-2 hours.
Volunteers will provide regular updates about session scheduling and content to program. supervisors.
Fill out an application below.
Provide two references, including one that is professional or volunteer-related.
Police check, including vulnerable sector screening.
A $75 fee to offset the costs of training & training materials.
Successful completion of the training program.
Working within policies and procedure guidelines.
Maintaining confidentiality about your work.
Participation in ongoing training.
Note: Vulnerable sector involvement or a criminal record will not necessarily preclude a volunteer from their role in the Survivor of Suicide Loss Program. Decisions will be made on an individual basis. All information collected will remain confidential.
Survivor of Loss Support Program volunteer training happens twice a year, in the Spring and the Fall.
Meaningful life experience:
We welcome applications from survivors (those of you who have first-hand experience with suicide).
Direct support experience:
Those without first-hand experience with suicide would be required to have at least one year of experience directly supporting others who are coping with significant loss and emotional situations.
Personal qualities:
A good face-to-face presence— a warm and engaging personality, superior listening skills and an ability to convey empathy.
Emotional resilience, stability and maturity.
An ability to accommodate a regular and consistent meeting schedule.
Openness to feedback.
Good teamwork skills.
Willingness and ability to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds and beliefs.