About us

Bereaved Families of Ontario Southwest Region (BFO-SW) is a non-profit, mutual aid organization that originally started in 1984 to help support families who experienced the death of a child.

Today, we continue to offer free support and programs for those who have experienced the death of a child, along with support for individuals who have experienced other death-related losses as well.

We provide a safe place where members can talk about their loss, share their story,  and express their grief. Through the self-help process, participants know they are not alone, and may feel hopeful as they see how others have coped and learn about grief as a normal response to loss. 

Our Southwest Region includes the following counties in their entirety. A few cities and towns are noted for each as examples:
 
Middlesex County – including London, Lucan, Parkhill
Elgin County – including St. Thomas, Aylmer, Port Stanley, Dutton
Oxford County – including Woodstock, Tillsonburg
Chatham – Kent County – including Chatham, Ridgetown, Blenheim
Huron County –  including Grand Bend, Exeter, Clinton, Goderich, Blyth, Wingham
Lambton County – including Sarnia, Forest, Petrolia
Perth County – including Mitchell, Listowel, St. Mary’s and Stratford
 

Upon request we do consider inquiries from out of these counties.
 

Bereaved Families of Ontario – Southwest Region is one of 10 Bereaved Families organizations across Ontario. You can find out more about our parent organization – Bereaved Families of Ontario at this link.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that Bereaved Families of Ontario Southwest Region operates on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lunaapeewak, and Attawandaron. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous people whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors to society. We value the significant contributions, both in the past and the present of local and regional first nations of Turtle Island.

Support Provided

All services provided at BFO-SW are based on peer support. We do not provide counselling, therapy, or crisis support. However, we can help you get connected to clinical services, support helplines, grief-related resources, self-help tools, and other community services as needed.

All of our peer support services are provided by compassionate and trained facilitators who have also experienced grief and loss. Our facilitators can be volunteers, staff, or practicum students. Currently, our programs are available for those ages 18+. 

"The two BFO volunteers embraced us with their kindness and patience, never pushing, always listening and just being there when we couldn't find the words. The people in our group related to us in a way our close friends and family couldn't despite their best intentions, because the folks in our group had actually experienced a shared loss."

BFO Participant

"It’s the human experience and need for connection that unites everybody.”

Unknown

"Peer Supporters listen, provide emotional support, and most importantly, inspire hope."

Peer Support Canada

About Us

Bereaved Families of Ontario – Southwest Region is a local, registered charitable organization offering compassion and care through peer support and mutual aid for individuals dealing with a death-related loss.

Contact Us

General Inquiries:
[email protected]
(226) 927-5687

Program/Support Inquiries:
[email protected]

(226) 448-8123

 

Mailing Address

Bereaved Families of Ontario – Southwest Region

PO Box 22067
London, ON

N6A 6H8

 

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