Grief Support and Helpful Resources
Grief isn't a checklist, and it doesn't keep to a schedule. Some days the paperwork will feel easy and a small thing will knock you sideways. That's normal. Here's where to find support, plus the official resources we refer to throughout this guide.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Looking after yourself
- Grief can show up as exhaustion, forgetfulness, anger, numbness or physical aches. All of it is normal.
- Eat, sleep and move when you can. Small routines help.
- Accept offers of help, and be specific: "Could you make the calls to the utilities?"
- Talk to your doctor if grief is affecting your sleep, your health or your ability to get through the day for a long time.
- Children grieve too, often in short bursts. Be honest with them in words they can understand.
In Guelph and Wellington County
Hospice Wellington
Free grief and bereavement support for adults in Guelph and Wellington County, including one-to-one support and groups.
Bereaved Families of Ontario – Midwestern Region
Peer support groups for grieving families, including groups for children and teens.
211 Ontario
Call or text 2-1-1 to find grief counselling and community services near you, anywhere in Ontario.
Your funeral home
Many offer aftercare and grief resources long after the service.
Across Ontario
- Bereavement Authority of Ontario — Consumer information on funerals, burial and cremation, plus a list of organizations that help with grief. 1-844-493-6356 · thebao.ca
- Law Society Referral Service — Free referral to a lawyer or paralegal, with a free consultation of up to 30 minutes. 1-800-268-8326 · lso.ca
- Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee — May administer an estate when no one else can. ontario.ca
- Office of the Children's Lawyer — Involved when children under 18 inherit. ontario.ca
Government of Canada
- Service Canada — 1-800-622-6232 · CPP and OAS: 1-800-277-9914
- Canada Revenue Agency — 1-800-959-8281
- Veterans Affairs Canada — 1-866-522-2122
- Global Affairs Canada — Consular help if someone dies outside Canada.
Official guides worth bookmarking
- Ontario: What to do when someone dies
- Ontario: Estate Administration Tax
- CRA: Doing taxes for someone who died
- CRA: Apply for a clearance certificate
- Service Canada: CPP death benefit
- Service Canada: CPP survivor's pension
- Service Canada: Allowance for the Survivor
- OLHI: Search for a deceased person's life insurance
- Bank of Canada: Unclaimed properties search
Stuck? Talk to a real person.
No pressure and no sales pitch. If we can help, we'll say so. If you need a lawyer or an accountant instead, we'll tell you that too.