Upcoming Education
Workshops are offered through out the year on varied topics, for professionals, volunteers, and caregivers. Participants can delve deeper into topics like cultural humility, Alzheimer's and dementia, harm reduction, grief and bereavement to name but a few. Most sessions can run between an hour to 3 hours depending on topic. Our full schedule for the year will be up shortly.
PalCare Annual Grief & Bereavement Symposium 2026
In Person, , Full Day Event
Join us for our Annual Grief & Bereavement Symposium, themed
"Meeting People Where They're At: Compassionate, Equitable Care for All."
This full-day event will bring together speakers and organizations to share how they are advancing compassionate, equitable care through innovative approaches, programs, and services that meet people where they're at.
Date
Tuesday September 29, 2026
Time
8:30 am to 4:00 pm EST
Location
Stonehaven Banquet Hall, Aurora ON
.jpg)
Registration includes
A full day of engaging presentations and discussions, breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and opportunities to connect with allied health professionals, community partners, volunteers, and service providers.
Fee
-
Volunteer $75
-
Professional $125
-
Table of 8 $800
We look forward to welcoming you for a day of learning, connection, and meaningful conversation.
2026 Join the Conversation
via Zoom
Description
Come and join the conversation, share your voice on topics that can include palliative care, grief and bereavement, organ donation, MAID, Advanced Care Planning and Self Compassion. We start the conversation by discussing videos, TED talks, podcasts etc. that we have shared with you to watch and listen to prior to the session.
Dates
Every 2nd Tuesday of each month from January to December 2026
Time
12:00 - 12:45 pm EST
Fee
Free
Core 1: Introduction to Core Concepts in Hospice Palliative Care
In Person or Virtual
Description
Core 1 is a 24-hour program that provides a basic introduction to hospice and palliative care for professionals, volunteers and caregivers. Participants will learn about, discuss and participate in modules which include: personal perspectives, communication skills, infection control and delegated acts, spirituality, grief and bereavement, pain and symptom management, family dynamics, culture and ethics, caregiver support and advanced care planning. The course is delivered in eight 3-hour interactive modules, in a variety of formats. There may be other variations to the module schedule from time to time. The order of sessions may vary from series to series.
More Information
Summer 2026 – Virtual via Zoom
Thursdays, July 9, 2026 – August 27, 2026
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST
Fall 2026 - Virtual Via Zoom
Thursdays, September 10, 2026 – October 29, 2026
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST
Winter 2027 - Virtual Via Zoom
Thursdays, January 14, 2027 – March 4, 2027
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST
2 Day Grief and Bereavement Training 2026/2027
Course
Description
This 2 day training is led by experienced professionals and is designed to provide practical tools and knowledge for those supporting grief and bereavement groups in both volunteer and professional settings. It is educational in nature and intended to enhance your skills in a supportive, non-clinical role. A certificate of completion will be provided at the end of the full training.
2026 Fall Session
-
Saturday, October 17, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST
(In-person at Margaret Bahen Hospice) -
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST
(In-person at Margaret Bahen Hospice)
2026 Winter Session
-
Saturday, February 20, 2027, 9:00 AM – 3:00PM EST
(In-person at Margaret Bahen Hospice) -
Saturday, February 27, 2027, 9:00 AM – 3:00PM EST
(In-person at Margaret Bahen Hospice)
Fee
This training is $60 volunteers and $100 for professionals
Caring for Brain Health: Support for People Living with Dementia and Caregivers
Free Information Session via Zoom
Facilitated by
Emily Justus, Alzheimer Society of York Region
Description
Join us for a free session on supporting brain health for people living with dementia and those providing care. Dementia includes Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease dementia, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, and other conditions affecting memory, thinking, and movement.
Date and Time
Wednesday October 28, 2026
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM EST
Location
Zoom
Fee
Free
Therapeutic Touch Training 2026
Course
Facilitated by
Nancy Hall and Jim Metson
Description
This training is for those who will be offering this modality to hospice clients residents.
Therapeutic Touch® is a wholistic, evidence based, modern interpretation of several ancient healing practices that promotes balance and well being. This gentle form of energy healing is used to provide comfort and relief to others as well as oneself, touching people at all levels of their being physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
Foundations of Therapeutic Touch® is an interactive workshop designed to introduce participants to the principles and practice of Therapeutic Touch®.
Dates and Time
Transpersonal Nature of Therapeutic Touch®
-
Saturday November 7, 2026
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST at Margaret Bahen Hospice
(Multi Purpose Room) -
Saturday November 14, 2026
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST at Margaret Bahen Hospice
(Multi Purpose Room)
Fee
$200 Foundations of Therapeutic Touch®
$200 Transpersonal Nature of Therapeutic Touch®
Please note that limited space is available for this training. A minimum number of registrations is required for the program to run. PalCare reserves the right to cancel the session if minimum registration is not met.
Participants must have completed Foundations of Therapeutic Touch® to register for the Transpersonal Nature of Therapeutic Touch®.
An Introduction to Legacy
Free Interactive Workshop
Facilitated by
Brian Douglas, MSW, RSW of Let’s Get Griefy
Description
What if legacy isn’t something we leave behind, but something we are living every day? Rooted in the principles of Dignity Therapy, this session introduces legacy work as a way of honoring people’s stories, values, and lived experiences across the lifespan. Through guided reflection and experiential exercises, participants will explore how grief, relationships, and everyday choices shape the legacy we are creating—and how intentional conversations can deepen meaning, connection, and presence in the here and now.
Brian Douglas is a registered social worker, grief therapist, and legacy storyteller based in Ontario. He specializes in supporting individuals and families navigating grief, loss, trauma, and major life transitions. Alongside his therapeutic work, Brian creates legacy films and guided reflection projects that help people preserve their stories, values, and experiences. His work explores how storytelling, dignity, and meaningful conversation can support healing, connection, and reflection—both at the end of life and throughout the living of it.
Date and Time
Tuesday November 10, 2026
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM EST
Location
Zoom
Fee
Free
Please note that this is an interactive workshop with
limited space available.
Let’s Talk: Cancer Prevention and Screening
Free Information Session via Zoom
Facilitated by
Shoshana Sherman. Coordination Advisor, Health Promotion
Central Regional Cancer Program
Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario)
Date and Time
Tuesday November 24, 2026
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM EST
Location
Zoom
Fee
Free
Caregiver Series
Free 4 Part Information Series via Zoom
Facilitated by
Shrid Dhungel, M.P.H.
Regional and Project Lead, Community Engagement
The Ontario Caregiver Organization
More Information
Part 1: Supporting Caregivers: An Introduction to the Ontario Caregiver Organization
Wednesday November 4, 2026
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST
In this presentation, participants will learn:
-
What it's like to be a caregiver in Ontario
-
The critical need for caregiver support
-
Free services and resources available to caregivers across Ontario
-
How we can all play a role in getting caregivers connected to support
Part 2: Supporting Caregivers: Understanding Caregiver Stress & Burnout
Wednesday December 9, 2026
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST
In this presentation, participants will learn:
-
Why stress and burnout are so common for caregivers
-
How to recognize the signs of stress and burnout in yourself
-
Practical strategies to manage stress, including doing a simple, personal mini assessment
Part 3: Supporting Caregivers: Preparing for the Unexpected
Wednesday January 13, 2027
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST
In this presentation, participants will learn:
-
Contingency & Emergency planning
-
The importance and value of planning
-
A step-by-step guide to building your plan
-
How to put your plan into action
Part 4: Supporting Caregivers: Helpful Communication Tips
Wednesday February 3, 2027
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST
In this presentation, participants will learn:
-
The importance of effective communication in caregiving
-
Practical communication strategies you can use in everyday situations
-
Tools and resources to support your conversations with service providers and others in your circle of support