FamiliesConnect through Online Workshops

If you or a loved one are affected by a work-related tragedy, FamiliesConnect Online Workshops offer a chance to learn healthy coping skills, alongside others who’ve been through a similar experience.

Each workshop session is led by a grief counsellor, Threads of Life staff member or skilled volunteer. There will be practical tips and information specifically tailored for those dealing with a life-altering workplace injury, occupational disease, or workplace fatality. Participants are free to share as much or as little of their own experience as they feel comfortable doing.

Workshops are offered at no charge, thanks to the support of Threads of Life’s partners and funders.

Registration is first-come, first-served. Seats at each workshop are limited, so if you register and find you cannot attend, please notify us.

If you have questions or need assistance, please call 1-888-567-9490 or email [email protected].

Upcoming workshop sessions you don’t want to miss…

FamiliesConnect Mini Series: Finding Meaning Beyond Career Identity with Mackenzie Costron - Feb 5, 19, Mar 15, 19

Feb 5 @ 4pm Atlantic, 3pm Eastern, 12pm Pacific (convert for my time zone)

Feb 19 @ 4pm Atlantic, 3pm Eastern, 12pm Pacific (convert for my time zone)

Mar 5 @ 4pm Atlantic, 3pm Eastern, 12pm Pacific (convert for my time zone)

Mar 19 @ 4pm Atlantic, 3pm Eastern, 12pm Pacific (convert for my time zone)

In the wake of workplace tragedy, it can be challenging to rediscover who we are beyond the identities tied to our careers. “Finding Meaning Beyond Career Identity” is a transformative series designed to support individuals as they navigate this journey of self-reclamation. In partnership with Costron + Co: business and life strategists, and Threads of Life, this series offers a compassionate space to explore life areas and cultivate personal values that embody purpose, resilience, and growth.

You do not need to attend all sessions of this series to participate. All are welcome. The series is flexible to accommodate varying needs and interests, making it accessible to everyone. Live and recorded music can also be integrated into our sessions based on the interests of group members, creating a meaningful and personalized experience.

Registration is limited for these sessions.

About the facilitator: My name is Mackenzie Costron (she/her), and I live, work, and play in K’jipuktuk/Halifax, Nova Scotia. One of the blessings in my life is working with an inspiring group of humans—therapists, healers, visionaries, and change-makers—who are dedicated to supporting others through life’s most challenging moments. My journey is shaped by my work as a Certified Music Therapist (MTA) and Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT).

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Fun and Games Night with Kelley - Feb 12

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 7pm Atlantic, 6pm Eastern, 3pm Pacific (convert for my time zone)

Dealing with serious subjects like workplace tragedy, we don’t talk much about fun. Those early days and months following a tragedy, we wonder if we will ever laugh or have fun again. But it can be an important part of our coping strategies, and we all deserve a little fun no matter our situation. Come and join us for a mid-winter evening full of sharing laughter and friendship. We will play some games together and enjoy each other’s company.

Kelley was born and raised in London, Ontario where she lives with her husband and two children and works as an Administrative Assistant at the Threads of Life London office. She is the friendly voice on the other end of the phone when you call! Kelley has a background in retail management and training and in her spare time actively volunteers with Girl Guides of Canada and the Salvation Army Christmas Hamper program in London.

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“We Hunted Mammoths” — a grief workshop for men with Darrin Parkin - Feb 19

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 8:30pm Atlantic, 7:30pm Eastern, 4:30pm Pacific (convert for my time zone)

In this workshop we will explore the nature of grief as it impacts men. Men in western society have often felt the need to be stoic in grief and this has robbed us of much of what our ancestors felt when they faced loss and grief. As ancient hunters we are fierce and wild when it comes to our feelings and emotions. In our past that would often lead us to the “hunt” for resolution of the grief we bear. Since we no longer do many of these ancient things, we’re often at a loss as to where and how to channel our grief.

Darrin Parkin is the Spiritual Care Clinician at the High River General Hospital serving patients, residents, families and staff members during times of health crisis. He has been a hospice and end of life and bereavement chaplain, and for many years was a prison chaplain in Alberta as well as a college instructor and conference speaker.

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Life after a Workplace Injury with Russell Claus - March 5

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 7pm Atlantic, 6pm Eastern, 3pm Pacific (convert for my time zone)

Life after a workplace injury often involves a continuous process of facing new challenges.

A life-altering injury is often an invisible struggle. What gives you the strength to keep going? For many people who are recovering from a life-changing injury, it can feel like they are alone in their pain and suffering. Talking with others who understand these experiences can be reassuring and encouraging. Join us for a chat with Russell Claus who will share his story of coping with the aftermath of a workplace tragedy.

Russell currently resides in Nova Scotia, where he works in occupational health and safety. Originally from Victoria, BC, he completed his Master’s degree at McMaster University where his studies and thesis focused on worker safety in the resource sector. In the summer of 2010, Russell suffered a workplace injury that changed his life forever. Today, Russell is a volunteer with the Threads of Life speakers’ bureau and a member of the board of directors.

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Processing Emotions and Building a Resiliency Toolkit to Cope with Stress - with Johanna LeRoux - March 19

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 7pm Atlantic, 6pm Eastern, 3pm Pacific (convert for my time zone)

None of us are immune from stress. Work, children, family, the news, and even social media can all contribute to, and affect our daily stress levels, and the added emotional upheaval of grief, dealing with an injury or chronic illness, or caregiver responsibilities, can easily leave us feeling overwhelmed.

Stress does not merely affect us emotionally and mentally. The hormones our bodies produce when we are mentally or emotionally stressed also impact our physical health. Ongoing elevated levels of these hormones can create, contribute to, or intensify chronic health issues.

We cannot always eliminate stress from our lives, however learning strategies to help us identify and process our emotions so that we can build what I like to call a “Resiliency Toolkit” to manage our stress, can allow us to take better care of ourselves, mentally, emotionally and physically as we navigate life’s storms.

Johanna is a Threads of Life member, Volunteer Speakers Bureau Presenter, Volunteer Family Guide and Group Facilitator. She has been a Program Assistant at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for 20 years, supporting various health and safety programs. Previous to that she worked in a variety of positions including at a young offender facility; managing a large horse farm; with the Red Cross; and with a telecommunications company. She also runs her own small home business.

Johanna found Threads of Life in 2007, a year after the death of her son Micheal due to a workplace injury. Like many of this session’s participants, she struggled with putting the shattered pieces of her life back together after such a devastating loss. Through her involvement with Threads of Life, she learned how to take steps toward healing, and finding purpose and joy in her life again.

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