Bereavement Support

Highlander Counselling offers two ribbons for those in the bereavement process.The Black Ribbon is a modern day version of the "black arm band" which was commonly worn in British based cultures. The Black Ribbon is intended to be a modern death symbol.

The Black Ribbon is supported by a grief group program and related materials that are available to professionals who are providing grief and loss support.

The Black Ribbon  History

The Black Ribbon Programs were created by Leonard McEwen, MSW, RSW, as a result of a presentation made to the Stony Plain Rotary Club. The presentation was a result of a visit of his to the Center for Loss. The programs are intended to support persons who have experienced a loss and are encountering difficulty in dealing with their grief and mourning.

Inspiration for the pin came from a conversation between Len and Dr. Alan Wolfelt at Wolfelt's Center for Loss in Ft. Collins, CO. Black Ribbons have now been sent around the world. They have been requested by hospice operators, physicians, cemeteries, funeral homes, family members and many others. They have helped communities heal after the loss of their young, helped individuals after the loss of family and friends.

The Rainbow Pin History

The Rainbow Pin is a new addition and is intended for those who are mourning the loss of a pet. Pet grief is usually disenfranchised. The pin gives the opportunity for voice for their stories about the bond they shared with their pets and assistance in telling the stories to these mourners.

Both Pins are accompanied by cards. The cards often have more significance than the pins in that the pins tend to be passed from mourner to mourner while the card is kept and treasured by the original recipient. The pin are offered free of charge in small quantities to mourners. Persons requesting larger quantities are asked to contribute to the cost of the pins and cards.

Download Cards

Title		Cost	Download
Black Ribbon Content		Free
Rainbow Card Content		Free

Online Seminars & Reading Material

A number of other resources are available through our Online Resources including:

Title		Cost	Download
Griefwords Library		Free
Griefs Five Paths		Free
Grief In Those with Developmental Disabilities		$59
Death Notifications - Bearing the Bad News		$59

Contact Us Today!

Leonard McEwen, MSW, RSW
3B07 Edmonton General Hospital
11111 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, AB  T5K 0L4

phone:    780.903.3961
toll free:   1.866.824.8175
email:       mcewen@highlander-counselling.com
website:   www.highlander-counselling.com