Grief Literacy Library
Understanding grief shouldn't depend on whether you can book a session. These are organizations and resources we've found helpful in our work with children, youth, adults and families.
You don't need to read everything here. Start with what fits where you are right now, and come back when you need something different. If you're a teacher, a manager, a coach or a friend trying to show up for someone, there's a section for you too.
Need help right now?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 9-8-8, 24/7, English and French
Distress Centre Durham: 905-430-2522 or 1-800-452-0688, 24/7
Durham Mental Health Services C.A.L.L.: 905-666-0483 or 1-800-742-1890, 24/7, ages 16+
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868, 24/7
Ontario Online & Text Crisis Services: text 258258
Prideline Durham: 1-855-877-7433, 6 to 10 p.m. daily. Other hours, call Distress Centre Durham.
Hope for Wellness Help Line, for Indigenous peoples: 1-855-242-3310, 24/7
J.A.G. Village shares these links for general information and education. We aren't affiliated with these organizations unless we say so, we don't control their content, and a listing here isn't a guarantee of their services. These resources aren't a replacement for individual support. Last reviewed: November 2026.
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MyGrief.ca: Free self-paced modules for grieving adults from Canadian Virtual Hospice. Go at your own pace, in your own home. Free in Canada.
Canadian Virtual Hospice: A deep library on serious illness, caregiving and grief, plus free Ask a Professional questions.
Bereaved Families of Ontario, Durham Region: Local, free peer support for families after the death of a child, from people who've lived it.
LivingMyCulture.ca: People from many cultures share how they approach illness, death and grief, in their own languages.
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KidsGrief.ca: Practical, plain-language modules for parents and caregivers on talking with kids about death.
Dougy Center: Kids: Activities and tip sheets from a pioneer in children's grief.
Sesame Street in Communities: Gentle videos and printables for little ones.
Children and Youth Grief Network: Tip sheets in 7 languages and a free course for parents of grieving kids, serving Durham and beyond.
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YouthGrief.ca: Made with and for grieving teens, by Canadian Virtual Hospice.
Dougy Center: Teens: Real talk and tools for teens after a death.
Teenage Grief Sucks: Written by teens, for teens. Sometimes the people who get it best are your own age.
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Your Friend is Grieving (PDF): What to say, what not to say, and how to actually help.
Grief Out Loud podcast: Honest conversations about grief, from the Dougy Center.
Ontario Caregiver Organization: For people caring for someone who's ill: a free 24/7 helpline (1-833-416-2273), peer support, and resources on caregiver grief.
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Ambiguous Loss: Dr. Pauline Boss's work on loss without closure: dementia, estrangement, a missing person, a changed relationship.
PAIL Network: Free peer support across Ontario after pregnancy or infant loss, including abortion, with groups for partners, grandparents, 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous and Black families.
Suicide Survivors Program, Distress Centre Durham: For people grieving a death by suicide. Referrals through Central Connect: 905-440-7534 or 1-833-392-7363.
Virtual Hospice: MAiD: Stories and information for families and people considering medical assistance in dying.
Virtual Hospice: 2SLGBTQ+: Resources made with LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit communities.
LivingOutLoud.life: Teens and young adults living with advanced illness, sharing their own stories.
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Kids Grief for Educators: A KidsGrief.ca section for teachers supporting grieving students.
Grief and Death Education Toolkit: From the Children and Youth Grief Network: lesson plans for grades 4 to 10, aligned with the Ontario curriculum.
CCOHS: Grief at work: Federal fact sheets on supporting grieving staff and coping at work.
MyGrief.ca: When a co-worker dies: A free module built with people who lost a co-worker.
Want grief literacy training for your school or team? Let's talk.
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Our own writing on grief, loss and belonging. Read the J.A.G. Journal.