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Bereavement Support

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Plan Sponsor tool kit

This tool kit is your complete guide to supporting your Plan Members through one of life's most difficult moments. Inside, you'll find ready-to-use tools and simple steps for when the time comes, so the right information and caring support are at your fingertips, just when your Plan Members need them most.

What's included

  • How to use this tool kit
    Tips on how to make the most of the resources in this tool kit.
  • Time of need email template
    For groups with Wawanesa’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a caring, ready-to-send message to share with a Plan Member after a loss, gently pointing them to Solace support through their EAP.
  • Intranet / newsletter snippet
    Sample content to raise awareness of Bereavement Support within your organization. The content can be shared through internal communication channels, benefits portals, wellness pages, and employee newsletters to help Plan Members understand available support.
  • Solace blog articles
    Educational articles and practical guidance on grief and supporting others, to share with People Leaders, HR teams, and Plan Members.
  • Plan Sponsor Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
    Quick answers on Bereavement Support eligibility, privacy, and how to support Plan Members through a loss.

Bereavement Support webpages

Revisit the member-facing Bereavement Support, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Life Claims web pages for a refresher on the services available, and how Plan Members and their families access them.

How to use this tool kit

Use these resources whenever and however they're needed. Here are four simple ways to put them to work:

  1. Reach out with care. When someone experiences a loss, use the time of need email template to let them know support is available, no pressure, just a caring hand for when they're ready.
  2. Make it easy to access. Share the member-facing Bereavement Support webpage and the Solace platform so Plan Members and their families can find help on their own time.
  3. Keep it visible. Add the intranet/newsletter snippet to your internal channels so Plan Members know this support exists well before they ever need it.
  4. Know what to expect. For eligible Group Life claims, Wawanesa will share Bereavement Support information directly with claimants as part of the claims process, so no one is left to navigate on their own.

Time of need email template (EAP)

Send this to a team member who has experienced a loss to gently introduce the Bereavement Support available through their Wawanesa Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Subject: Support available through your group benefits plan

Dear [Name],

I know this can be an overwhelming time, and I want you to know that support is available through your Wawanesa Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if and when you feel ready to access it.

As part of your EAP, you have access to Solace, a personalized bereavement support platform designed to help individuals and families navigate the many logistical, emotional, and administrative challenges that can follow a loss.

Through Solace, you can access:

  • Support navigating administrative, legal, and financial next steps
  • A personalized care plan tailored to your situation
  • A dedicated care manager who can provide one-on-one guidance
  • Resources to help manage important tasks and decisions

Your Wawanesa EAP also includes access to confidential counselling and other support services to help you during this difficult time.

Participation is completely optional and confidential, and there is no cost to you.

To learn more about the support available and how to get started, please visit the Wawanesa EAP webpage. If you would like assistance accessing your EAP resources or connecting with available services, I would be happy to help.

Please take the time you need, and don't hesitate to let me know how I can best support you during this time.

Thinking of you,

[Manager / HR Representative Name]

Intranet / newsletter snippet

Copy and paste the text below into your intranet, newsletter, or other internal channels to raise awareness of Bereavement Support before it's ever needed.

Bereavement Support available through your Wawanesa Group Benefits plan

Losing a loved one can be overwhelming. That's why support may be available through your Wawanesa Group Benefits plan — including grief counselling, financial and administrative guidance, and other caring resources when you need them most.

If you or someone in your family is experiencing a loss, visit the Bereavement Support webpage to learn more.

Solace blog articles

Solace offers a library of thoughtful articles and practical guidance on grief, loss, and supporting one another through difficult times. These resources can be shared with People Leaders, HR teams, Plan Members, and families looking for a little more understanding and comfort.

Explore the Solace blog: solacecare.ca/blog

Plan Sponsor FAQ

About Bereavement Support

What is Bereavement Support?

Bereavement Support is designed to help eligible Plan Members and their families navigate the emotional, logistical, and financial challenges that can follow a loss. Additional program details, eligibility information, and access pathways can be found on the Bereavement Support webpage.

How does Bereavement Support work alongside existing coverage?

Bereavement Support is embedded within eligible Wawanesa Group Life Insurance and EAP coverage and is designed to enhance the support already available to Plan Members.

For groups with EAP coverage, support is enhanced through access to Solace, a personalized bereavement support platform.

For groups with Group Life coverage, additional Bereavement Support services may also be available at time of claim including grief and financial counselling.

Together, these resources provide a more comprehensive support experience for Plan Members and their families during a difficult time.

Your role as a Plan Sponsor or Leader

What is the Plan Sponsor's role?

The Plan Sponsor’s role is to help raise awareness of available resources and direct Plan Members to the appropriate support channels when needed. Bereavement Support provides another way for Plan Sponsors to support Plan Members and their families during one of life’s most difficult experiences.

Plan Sponsors are not expected to provide counselling or navigate services on behalf of members. Instead, they can play an important role by promoting the benefit, sharing available communications, and encouraging eligible members or dependents to access support when needed. By helping individuals connect with professional bereavement resources, Plan Sponsors can foster a caring workplace culture and support Plan Member wellbeing during periods of loss.

What should a leader do when a Plan Member experiences a loss?

Leaders can support Plan Members by expressing empathy, providing flexibility where appropriate, and ensuring they are aware of available workplace and benefits resources. Leaders should also consult their organization's bereavement leave and workplace policies and engage Human Resources when required.

Leaders are not expected to act as counsellors and should direct Plan Members to Bereavement Support resources and professional support services when appropriate.

Is any administration required from Plan Sponsors or Leaders?

No. Bereavement Support is embedded within eligible Group Life and EAP coverage and does not require ongoing administration by the Plan Sponsor. Organizations may choose to promote awareness of the available resources, but no additional program management is required.

Communicating and sharing the program

When should we communicate information about Bereavement Support?

Organizations may choose to share information through benefits portals, wellness resources, onboarding materials, or Plan Member communications. Because Bereavement Support is intended to help individuals at the time of need, communications are often most effective when shared following a loss or when Plan Members are seeking support.

For eligible Group Life claims, Wawanesa will also provide Bereavement Support information directly to claimants as part of the claims process.

Where should Plan Members be directed for information about Bereavement Support?

Plan Members should be directed to the Bereavement Support webpage for the most current information regarding available services, eligibility, and access pathways.

Privacy and confidentiality

Will Plan Sponsors receive information about Plan Members who use the Bereavement Support service?

No. Services are confidential and delivered by a trusted third-party provider. Individual participation and personal information are not shared with Plan Sponsors or Leaders.