November 14, 2024
Attending the launch event for Alberta Health Services’ new grief video series are, from left: filmmaker Mike Lang; Grief Support program manager Tracy Sutton; education consultant Becky VanTassel; volunteer Mike Behrman; director of Palliative/End of Life Care Bev Berg; and senior operating officer Amy Good. Photo by Melanie Veriotes.
Story & photo by Melanie Veriotes
CALGARY — Grief is an emotion we all experience, yet it’s something many of us struggle to talk about. It can leave people feeling isolated, as though they’re walking a difficult path alone. In truth, grief is a universal experience, one that connects us all, even in our deepest sorrow.
To bring support to those in grief and their caregivers — as well a resource for healthcare providers — a new set of videos are now available on the Alberta Health Services (AHS) YouTube channel. These video resources were created through a Palliative and End-of-Life Care grant provided by the Government of Alberta in 2020, with a commitment to improving this care by investing $20 million over four years.
The videos share the personal stories of clients and volunteers — stories of loss, resilience and healing.
“We have found that people’s anxiety has lessened when they see others in grief. Through these videos, our goal is to show people that their pain is shared, and that there are communities and resources available to support them,” says Bev Berg, Calgary zone director of End of Life and Palliative Care, who attended the recent launch event for the videos.
The willingness of people featured in the videos to share their grief shows the profound power of community and shared experience.
“We are incredibly thankful to the 54 clients and volunteers who agreed to participate. There is no script in grief, and their courage to vocalize their experiences is remarkable,” adds Becky Van Tassel, education consultant with the Grief Support Program. She also noted that the project resulted in more than 3,250 minutes of filmed content, a testament to the dedication of all involved.
Mike Behrman, a grief support volunteer and participant, emphasizes how grief touches everyone differently, yet these videos can help people process their own emotions.
Having experienced loss himself, Behrman shares how he’s watched the videos numerous times, discovering something new with each viewing. “I take the wisdom from their stories and use it to shape the support I offer to others.”
As well as serving as a valuable resource for those at home, the Grief Support Program will also incorporate the videos into their in-person support groups.
"We are deeply appreciative of everyone who has shared their hard-earned wisdom through these videos,” says Tracy Sutton, manager of the Grief Support Program.
“Their stories will offer comfort and guidance to many — both those navigating their own grief and those helping others along their journeys.”
For information on grief and bereavement support, visit AHS’ Grief & Bereavement Support. Watch the videos here.
