The Hospice Society of West Hants is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free end-of-life support, education, and community outreach across Nova Scotia. We offer workshops, events, and resources to help individuals, families, and caregivers navigate end-of-life planning with knowledge, compassion, and dignity.

The Hospice Society of West Hants does not provide direct hospice or palliative care services at this time. Instead, we offer education, support, and resources to help individuals, families, and caregivers understand and access end-of-life care in their communities. Although our current focus is on building strong partnerships and helping care for those in our region, our long-term vision is to establish a hospice facility in West Hants.​

Our events are open to all adults interested in learning about end-of-life preparation and support. We warmly welcome individuals, families, and caregivers from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, religions and beliefs, and LGBTQ2+ communities. Everyone is valued and encouraged to participate.

Thanks to the support of our donors, volunteers, and community partners, these events are offered free of charge. While attendance is free, donations are always appreciated to help us continue providing these programs.

Please email us at info@westhantshospice.ca to RSVP for an event

We know that schedules can change. If you cannot attend after RSVPing, we appreciate it if you notify us so we can plan accordingly and accommodate others.

Dying 2 Know: End-of-Life Information Workshops These workshops follow a set schedule with topics presented by knowledgeable guest speakers. Presentations include in-depth discussion and a Q&A session. Light refreshments are provided. 2025 Schedule: August 26: Music Therapy, Special Patient Program, Legacy Planning September 30: Advance Care Planning, NS Hospice Palliative Care Association, Caregivers NS October 28: The Dying Process, Palliative Care, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) November 25: Self-Care & Mental Health Resources, Legal Considerations, Natural Caskets & Urns December 30: Death Doulas, Dying with Dignity Nova Scotia, What is a Death Cafe? Hope in Action: Navigating Health with Confidence This 8-week program focuses on learning, practicing, and implementing seven mindfulness and advocacy skills to better navigate health and self-advocacy. Participants receive the workbook “Applying the 7 Keys to Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis” by Dr. Sammy Winemaker and Dr. Hsien Seow. Sessions include education, discussion, and community-building. While not all participants have a terminal illness, all are either living with or supporting someone with a life-changing health condition. Death Café Death Cafes provide a safe, open space to discuss life, death, and everything in between. These conversation-focused events encourage sharing experiences and asking questions freely.

Death literacy is the knowledge and skills that help individuals understand end-of-life processes, make informed decisions, and engage in meaningful conversations about death, dying, and bereavement. It empowers people to navigate end-of-life care with confidence and compassion.

Palliative care is specialized medical and supportive care for people living with serious or life-limiting illnesses. Its goal is to improve quality of life by addressing physical symptoms, as well as emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of illness, alongside treatments aimed at cure or recovery. Hospice care is a type of palliative care that focuses on comfort and support when a person is approaching the end of life. Hospice is provided when curative treatments are no longer being pursued and the focus shifts entirely to comfort, dignity, and quality of life. In short: Palliative care can begin early in an illness, even during active treatment. Hospice care is offered during the final stage of life, when the goal is comfort rather than cure.

A death doula, also called an end-of-life doula, is a trained professional who provides emotional, practical, and spiritual support to individuals and their families during the dying process. They help with planning, comfort, advocacy, and navigating end-of-life decisions.

A Death Café is a safe, informal gathering where people come together to discuss life, death, and everything in between over tea or coffee. These conversation-focused events encourage open dialogue, questions, and sharing experiences in a supportive environment.

Yes, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) is legally available in Nova Scotia under Canadian federal law. Adults with grievous and irremediable medical conditions may be eligible if they meet certain criteria, such as being capable of informed consent and experiencing intolerable suffering. While the Hospice Society of West Hants does not facilitate MAID, we can support individuals and families by helping them connect with the appropriate resources.