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.

Click Here for our Peer Support Programs Calendar

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 Loss	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
Mixed Loss Group	Every 4th Thursday of the month from 8:00 – 9:00pm 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
Durham North	Every 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7:00 – 8:00pm EST
Thunder Bay	Every 2nd Thursday of each month from 7:00 – 8:00pm EST
Peterborough	Every 3rd Monday of each month from 7:00 – 8:00pm EST
Georgina	Every 4th Wednesday of each month from 7:00 – 8:00pm EST

One-to-one Peer Phone Support

Many families, particularly during the days and weeks immediately following their loss, will choose to begin receiving support with a one-to-one phone support session. This individual support connects families with a volunteer who is as closely matched to the family’s circumstances as possible, and often can be someone who lives in the same community.

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.

Families typically complete four, 45-minute phone sessions with a phone support volunteer. Following these four sessions, families can contact PAIL Network if they wish to continue receiving support.

In some circumstances, we may be able to offer one to one peer support by phone. If you are unable to attend either online or in person groups, please let our referrals coordinator know.

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