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…
Celebrate your 2024 wins and achievements. What did you learn? Share aspirations for 2025 with Shirley Hickman - Jan 29
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 7pm Atlantic, 6pm Eastern, 3pm Pacific (convert for my time zone) and
If this is your first year of learning how to live with a life-altering injury, occupational illness, or the death of a family member, then 2024 was very challenging for you. Yet, you learned how to put one foot-in-front of the other.
Sometimes it is very challenging to recognize how we managed the year. Together we can learn from each other how to cope and perhaps look at what is next for you. There will be members joining whose tragedy happened a few or many years ago – and yet we still grieve our loss and yet learn more about ourselves.
Join us January 29th as we try to share and learn together.
Shirley Hickman never expected to be leading a national organization dedicated to helping people affected by tragedies in the workplace. Trained as a nurse, she was happily married and raising a family in the late 1990s. That is when tragedy struck, and Shirley’s life, along with her family’s, were changed forever. Since that time, she has focused on making a difference in workplace health and safety. In 2003, Shirley co-founded Threads of Life and is the retiring Executive Director. Shirley is also the proud grandma of two amazing young girls. Her retirement list includes engaging more in her current hobbies, taking up new opportunities and spending more quality time with her husband.
FamiliesConnect Mini Series: Finding Meaning Beyond Career Identity with Mackenzie Costron - Feb 5, 19, Mar 15, 19
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.