1-888-303-7245 (PAIL)

Peer Support Programs

Experiencing the loss of a pregnancy or the death of a baby is devastating. But you aren’t alone. Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) Network is here to help, with peer-led group and individual support services offered at no cost to families across Ontario who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss.  Our support services are available to residents of Ontario.

Our support programs are led by trained volunteers who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss first-hand. We are a barrier-free, inclusive organization. We can provide interpreters in several languages, at a family’s request.

We know that there is no time limit on grief. For this reason, families can access our services at any time for as long as they need.

For more information about the measures that PAIL Network takes to ensure a comfortable and welcoming group environment for families, please click PAIL Network Group Support Experience: Information for Participants.

To access support from PAIL Network, please fill out our Request for Support Form.

Online Support Groups

PAIL Network offers peer-led online support to all families across Ontario who have experienced a pregnancy loss or an infant death.  Our team of trained volunteers are now providing support during scheduled online meetings that you can access from the comfort of home. These online groups connect families who share a similar experience of loss, and these discussions are moderated by a peer support volunteer who also shares that experience. Please complete a Request for Support Form for group dates and specific details.

Loss Specific Online Support
First Trimester Loss (0-13 weeks) Every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month from 8:00 – 9:00pm EST
Second Trimester Loss (14-27 weeks) Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 8:00 – 9:00pm EST
Third Trimester Loss (28-40+ weeks) Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 8:00 – 9:00pm EST
Infant/Neonatal Death (1-12 months) 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 8:00 – 9:00pm EST
Infant Death Due to SIDS/SUIDS (1-12 months) Every 2nd Thursday of each month from 9:00 – 10:00pm EST
Termination of a Pregnancy Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 8:00 – 9:00pm EST
Grief After Abortion Every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 8:00 – 9:00pm EST
Other Online Groups
Parenting Through Loss Every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 8:00 – 9:00pm EST
Partners in Grief Every 4th Wednesday of the month from 8:00 – 9:00pm EST
Pregnancy After Loss Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 8:00 – 9:00pm EST
Trying to Conceive Every 4th Thursday of the month from 8:00 – 9:00pm EST
Support for Grandparents (Bi-monthly) Second Sunday of the month at 10:00 – 11:30 am EST

 

Circles of Support

PAIL Network offers peer-led in person support to all families across Ontario who have experienced a pregnancy loss, an infant death or elective abortion.  Our team of trained volunteers provide support during scheduled meetings. These groups connect families who share a similar experience of loss, and these discussions are moderated by a peer support volunteer who also shares that experience.  Please complete a Request for Support Form for group dates and specific details.

 

Location  
Belleville Every 2nd Monday of each month from 7:00 – 8:00pm EST
Hamilton Every 2nd Monday of each month from 7:30 – 8:30pm EST
Windsor Every 2nd Monday of each month from 7:30 – 8:30pm EST
Durham North Every 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7:30 – 8:30pm EST
Toronto Every 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7:30 – 8:30pm EST
Thunder Bay  Every 2nd Thursday of each month from 7:00 – 8:00pm EST
Peterborough Every 2nd Thursday of each month from 7:30 – 8:30pm EST
Ottawa Every 2nd Thursday of each month from 7:30 – 8:30pm EST
Aurora Every 4th Wednesday of each month from 7:30 – 8:30pm EST

 

One-to-one Peer Phone Support

In some circumstances, we may be able to offer one to one peer support by phone. This individual support connects families with a volunteer, who is as closely matched to the family’s circumstances as possible. Families typically complete four, 45-minute phone sessions with a phone support volunteer. 

Phone support volunteers have a lived experience of loss, and have completed the training required to meet the unique needs of families who are grieving the loss of their pregnancy or of their baby.

If you are unable to attend either online or in person groups, please let our Referral Coordinator know.

To access support from PAIL Network, please fill out our Request for Support Form.


If you are hosting an event with PAIL Network, or hosting an event to raise awareness for pregnancy and infant loss in Ontario, please send the details to pailnetwork@sunnybrook.ca. We'd be happy to list your event in our calendar.

If you're interested in learning more about organizing an event in your community, please get in touch.