After the loss of a loved one, those left behind often experience a variety of powerful feelings. These emotions can be overwhelming and isolating.
For 13 months after one of our patients passes away, our bereavement counselor provides bereavement services to their loved ones. Below you will find our current grief support group offerings as well as other resrouces.
HOSPICE OF THE FISHER HOME SUMMER GRIEF SERIES
Join us for summer sessions as we discuss loss and grief.
When:
Third Wednesdays of the Month (starting on June 19th)
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Location:
The gazebo at Hospice of the Fisher Home
1165 North Pleasant Street
Amherst MA
For more information or to register please contact Josh Vélez, Bereavement Care Coordinator
jvelez@fisherhome.org or (413) 992-2536
INTERFAITH SUMMER SERVICE
When:
Sunday, June 9th, July 14th, and August 11th
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Location:
The gazebo at Hospice of the Fisher Home
1165 North Pleasant Street
Amherst MA
For more information or to register please contact Josh Vélez, Bereavement Care Coordinator
jvelez@fisherhome.org or (413) 992-2536
HEALING AFTER SUICIDE LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
The stigma and silence around suicide makes it difficult for suicide loss to be openly acknowledged. The complexity of grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide can be challenging, especially when you have no one to talk to. We invite you to come find connections and support from other bereaved individuals who understand what the grieving experience is like when losing a loved one to suicide; while learning tips and tools to navigate the grief process, in a welcoming, confidential, and non-judgmental discussion group.
When:
First Tuesday of Every Month, Starting May 7th
2:30 - 4:00 PM
Due to the nature of the group and to allow trust to be built, we asked that every effort be made to attend all sessions; but we know life happens and this experience can be heavy to re-live, we ask that you please reach out to Josh to let him know. All materials are provided at no cost to participants.
Location:
Amherst Senior Center
70 Boltwood Walk
Amherst MA, 01002
Please arrive a few minutes early to get settled in and grab
a light lunch provided by local shops and bakeries.
Please register by April 24, 2024 by contacting Josh Vélez, Bereavement Care Coordinator
jvelez@fisherhome.org or (413) 992-2536
Additionally, Cooley Dickinson offers three Drop-In Groups
Walking Group:
Meets at Child’s Park in Northampton on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month from 10:30 – 11:30 am. These walks are weather-dependent. After a brief welcome, bereaved adults walk, share, and connect around their grief experience.
For more information, call 413-727-5749.
Expressive Bereavement Arts Group:
This virtual, drop-in meets monthly on the last Tuesday from 5 – 6:30 pm.This group aims to provide a safe space for each participant to work on a collage aimed at supporting their grief journey using prompts provided. Recognizing that the word “ART” can be scary for some, this group isn’t about what is made, but instead about one’s individual and unique process.
Following a short work session, time is allowed for sharing.
Supplies needed include note card-sized paper, magazines, glue, and scissors. Other items and mementos can be used as well. Adults only and free of charge.
For Zoom link and more information, call 413-727-5749.
Book Group:
A virtual, drop-in bereavement book group meets every other month on the 2nd Wednesday from 5:30-7 pm. We discuss, share highlights, and comment on a book connected to grief and loss. Books are chosen at the end of each group. Adults only and free of charge.
Previous books read include:
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It’s OK That You’re Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t Understand by Megan Devine
-
Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief by David Kessler
-
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
-
Walking Each Other Home: Conversations on Loving and Dying by Ram Dass and Mirabai Bush
For Zoom link and more information, call 413-727-5749.
In addition to support groups, our bereavement counselor leads a variety of educational and supportive programs in the greater community, such as workshops on grief, memorial services for organizations that have lost a beloved colleague, and advice on talking to children about death.
For more information please contact:
Joshua Vélez, Bereavement Coordinator (413) 549-0115 x107