Support Groups
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Grieving is a uniquely personal experience, yet the power of communal support cannot be overstated. This collection brings together a range of grief support groups that cater to diverse needs and preferences. From in-person gatherings to online forums, these groups offer a sense of community and understanding, creating spaces where individuals can express their feelings, share their stories, and find solace in the company of others who have faced similar challenges. The shared experience within these groups fosters empathy, connection, and the realization that no one is alone on their grief journey.
The support groups featured in this collection vary in their approaches, including general grief support, specialized groups for specific types of loss, and platforms that incorporate therapeutic elements. Some groups focus on creating a safe and empathetic space for individuals to openly share their emotions, while others offer structured programs with facilitators guiding discussions and providing resources. These support groups aim to address the diverse needs of those in mourning, recognizing that grief takes many forms and evolves over time.
GriefShare
A GriefShare support group provides a safe and welcoming environment where individuals can share their experiences and emotions related to grief. Over the course of 13 weeks, participants in the group can explore what to anticipate in the days ahead and gain insights into what is considered "normal" in the grieving process. The support group aims to provide a supportive community for individuals coping with loss and navigating the challenges of grief.
Grief in Common
The forums of this platform serve as a space where individuals share their stories, offering mutual support in navigating grief. Additionally, for those seeking immediate connection, the LIVE CHAT room is available around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This real-time chat option provides an avenue for individuals to connect with others who understand and may offer support during difficult moments.
The Compassionate Friends
The Compassionate Friends provides "virtual chapters" through an Online Support Community, featuring live chats. This initiative is designed to facilitate connection and sharing among parents, grandparents, and siblings (over the age of 18) who are grieving the loss of a child. These online rooms serve as spaces for individuals to find support, encouragement, and friendship as they navigate the challenges of grieving together.
Actively Moving Forward® (AMF)
Actively Moving Forward® (AMF), a program under HealGrief®, is a national network specifically designed to address the needs of grieving young adults. For more than a decade, AMF has been connecting, supporting, and empowering grieving young adults to "actively move forward" in memory of their loved ones. The program aims to provide a supportive community and resources to help young adults navigate the challenges of grief and find ways to move forward while honoring the memory of their person.
First Candle
First Candle is dedicated to the eradication of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths through educational initiatives. Additionally, the organization is committed to offering support for families who have experienced the devastating loss of an infant. By combining educational efforts with compassionate support services, First Candle works towards both preventing these tragedies and aiding those who have been affected by them.
Twinless Twins Support Group International™ (TTSGI)
Twinless Twins Support Group International™ (TTSGI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded by Dr. Raymond W. Brandt. Driven by his own experience as an identical twinless twin, he established TTSGI to provide support and community for individuals who have lost their twin sibling. The organization aims to offer healing and connection by bringing together twinless twins who share a unique bond and understanding of the grief associated with losing a twin.
Soaring Spirits International
Soaring Spirits builds a sense of community by developing and sustaining innovative peer-based grief support programs specifically designed for widowed individuals. These programs serve a global population, connecting widowed men and women through shared experiences. The organization aims to harness the power of these connections to ensure that no one has to navigate the grieving process alone. By fostering a community of understanding and support, Soaring Spirits seeks to provide solace and companionship during the challenging journey of widowhood.
Heartbeat Survivors After Suicide
HEARTBEAT is a non-profit organization established by LaRita Archibald in 1980 after the loss of her son to suicide. This organization functions as a peer support group, providing empathy, encouragement, and guidance for individuals who have experienced the suicide of a loved one. Through shared experiences and mutual understanding, HEARTBEAT aims to offer support and companionship to those navigating the complex emotions and challenges that follow the loss of a loved one to suicide.
Cancer Care
CancerCare's team of oncology social workers is available to offer support and resources for individuals who have undergone the difficult experience of losing a loved one. These professionals specialize in providing assistance and guidance to help individuals cope with the emotional and practical challenges that arise after the loss of a loved one to cancer.
The Anti-Cruelty Society - Pet Loss Support
The Anti-Cruelty Society provides a free virtual group program called "Working Through Pet Loss." This program convenes monthly via the Zoom video app from 6–7:30 p.m. CST. Led by trauma and grief counselor Yvette Camacho, LCPC, the group aims to support individuals dealing with the loss of a pet. Participants can make reservations and will receive an email with the Zoom link for the video meeting upon completion. This virtual group offers a space for those grieving the loss of a pet to connect, share, and receive support.
Camp Kangaroo
Camp Kangaroo provides a safe and supportive atmosphere where children can navigate the journey of grief and embrace life. This bereavement camp experience is offered at no cost to children in the community who have experienced the death of a loved one. The camp integrates grief education and emotional support with enjoyable activities, creating a holistic and supportive environment for children to process their emotions and connect with others who share similar experiences.
Comfort Zone Camp
Comfort Zone Camp is a nonprofit organization that provides bereavement camps for children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. The camps are designed to create a supportive and understanding community where children can share their experiences, express their emotions, and build connections with others who have faced similar losses.
National Alliance for Children's Grief
The National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of the challenges faced by children and teenagers grieving the loss of a loved one. The organization offers education and resources for individuals supporting grieving youth. Through the collaborative efforts of their members and partners, NACG actively engages in educating, advocating, and raising awareness surrounding childhood bereavement.
Henry Ford SandCastles
Henry Ford SandCastles provides grief support services for children, teenagers, and families coping with the loss of a loved one. Serving as a preventative program, their mission is to assist children and teens in learning constructive and healthy ways to grieve and cope with their loss. Through their support initiatives, Henry Ford SandCastles aims to foster resilience and provide valuable tools for navigating the challenges of grief in a positive manner.
Griefnet.org
These support groups are available around the clock, every day of the year. Members engage at their convenience rather than at scheduled times. When a group member sends an email message, all group members receive a copy, enabling individuals to receive an outpouring of love and support from many at any time. Since 1994, these groups have assisted numerous individuals globally in navigating their grief safely. Testimonials from those who have benefitted are also available for further insights.
The supportive communities outlined in this collection extend beyond geographical boundaries, as many support groups now exist in virtual spaces. These online platforms enable individuals to connect with others globally, providing a unique opportunity for shared experiences and support. Whether seeking local, in-person gatherings or virtual communities that transcend physical distances, these support groups offer a sense of belonging, understanding, and shared strength. As you explore the possibilities, may you find comfort and companionship within these support groups, realizing that in shared grief, there is collective resilience.
