An important development in our Bereavement in BC research project is underway: gathering perspectives of frontline workers or volunteers who provide services to people who are unhoused or vulnerably housed in BC.
This frontline perspectives study will complement the other investigations in the two-year Bereavement in BC research project (“A provincial evidence-informed approach to supporting people experiencing bereavement in British Columbia”) currently in progress at the Centre, and the findings from this study will help to inform an industry roundtable, to be held in November, which will look for recommendations to improve bereavement supports and services for British Columbians.
Bridging a gap in knowledge
The research team has found that data about people who are unhoused or vulnerably housed is scanty, so this work will be a significant addition understanding the bereavement needs of this population.
Looking ahead, the team plans to extend their investigation to include gathering information from people who are unhoused or vulnerably housed themselves: learning about their experiences with bereavement, what supports (formal or informal) that they used, and what can be done to make these supports more available.
Looking for survey participants
If you are a frontline worker or volunteer providing services to people who are unhoused or vulnerably housed in B.C., you are invited to participate in a survey looking at the grief supports available for people who are unhoused or vulnerably housed who are experiencing grief after the death of someone important to them.
We are looking for people to participate in a survey before August 31, 2022 who are:
- 19 years or older
- A frontline worker or volunteer at an organization that provides support to people who are unhoused or vulnerably housed in British Columbia
- Feel able to talk about the grief experiences of the populations served by you
The survey should take approximately 15 minutes. When you are finished completing the study, you can enter a draw for 1 of 10 $25 e-gift cards.
The survey asks about the services your organization provides, how grief following a death is experienced during the pandemic by individuals who are unhoused/vulnerably housed, what grief supports (formal and informal) that you have noticed as effective for individuals who are unhoused/vulnerably housed, the resources you have used to provide grief support(s) to your clients that are unhoused/vulnerably housed, and how can we do better in supporting the grief of your clients who are unhoused or vulnerably housed?
You can access the survey here: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bsCrasB2hyFmIDA
For more information, questions or concerns, contact Joshua Black at jblack@bc-cpc.ca or 604-553-4866 ext. 230.
