The research behind a grief literacy movement
How it all began
Over 30 years ago at the University of Victoria, Dr. Sandra Elder was doing research on adolescent grief. Her research grew into what Learning Through Loss is today, holding hundreds of no-cost grief literacy workshops in classrooms across Victoria and Vancouver, B.C.
Her findings are the heartbeat of what we do:
Youth heal best with each other
Peer support groups, youth ambassadors, and youth workshop leaders are building a movement for youth, by youth.
Grief isn't just about death
We teach the many ways grief shows up in life - not just in death - to build the recognition that sparks support.
Youth heal best with each other
Peer support groups, youth ambassadors, and youth workshop leaders are building a movement for youth, by youth.
Grief isn't just about death
We teach the many ways grief shows up in life - not just in death - to build the recognition that sparks support.
Our Mission
Equipping teens and schools to navigate the spectrum of grief through transformative learning, supportive spaces, and peer mentorship.
Our Vision
We envision a future where
one million teens in Canada are skilled in navigating the diverse spectrum of grief by 2035, through the support of their schools.
Our Values
Hope
Hope fuels us on the hardest days. LTL turns that spark into something brighter, helping youth find light in the darkest times.
Education
In a grief-avoidant culture, grief literacy is an intervention. It's knowledge that changes outcomes for a lifetime.
Accessibility
We believe everyone should have access to grief literacy. That's why our workshops are no-cost and meet youth where they are: in classrooms.
Inclusivity
Grief doesn't impact everyone equally. We actively include marginalized voices and communities in our program delivery and design.
