This fall, Wellspring Alberta expanded its circle of care, introducing new programs that bridge important gaps in cancer support and extending its inclusive welcoming reach to even more people across the province.
“The list of new programs we offer is ever-expanding, as are the needs of those we endeavour to serve,” said Niki Fehr, Program Director. “We are especially proud to have recently introduced our first program offered in languages that better reflect and serve South Asian communities and their loved ones affected by cancer. Also, this fall we launched a highly sought-after bereavement program.”
Informed by more than two years of research, Wellspring Alberta zeroed in on the limitations in bereavement support and offered a carefully crafted response to unmet needs.
“Other grief support programs in the province have extensive waitlists, are not equally accessible, and there is a distinct lack of cancer-specific bereavement support,” said Fehr, adding, “We all know that grief is not a one-size-fits-all experience, but it can be less isolating when others can relate to some aspects of the challenges that come with losing someone to cancer.”
The Wellspring Bereavement Support Group is an eight-week in-person program designed by Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation and adopted with refreshed curriculum based on the Alan Wolfelt book, Understanding Your Grief.
“We have two exceptional program leaders, one in Calgary and one in Edmonton, both are experienced grief experts,” said Fehr. “They have put a lot of time into applying their understanding of grief and tailoring this program to meet our member-expressed needs.”
Equally exciting, Wellspring Alberta has now approved a second part to bereavement support, a program called Early Grief: Navigating Uncharted Waters that will launch early in 2026. This in-person and online program will have an information focus and is specifically designed for the early months when loss is fresh and individuals are struggling to make sense of their new reality.
“Generally, bereavement support groups are recommended for people roughly six months after their loss. This is because there is so much going on in that first six months after a loss, it’s not optimal timing for delving into grief. On the other hand, there is a type of support that is needed in that first six months; a more information and resource-driven gap we want to address,” said Fehr.
With two solid program offerings designed to bring comfort, connection, and understanding to those navigating loss, the impact is already being felt.
“We are already hearing beautiful stories of people building those deep connections that can really help with grief,” said Fehr. “In one instance, newly acquainted members celebrated Thanksgiving together. Others have been meeting at Wellspring, just to connect, even when the program is not in session. These are things that tell us we are on track with our aim to meet the needs of those we serve.”