How to Start a Bereavement Support Group

Although grieving after the loss of a loved one is different for everyone, it may help to talk to others who are experiencing the same thing. A bereavement support group can allow participants the opportunity to talk about their loss, share tips on coping and support each other. Some bereavement support groups are geared towards a specific type of loss, such as a bereavement group for parents who've lost a child, other groups are intended for anyone who has suffered a loss.

Instructions

• 1

  Decide on the frequency of the meetings. Many bereavement groups meet once a month, however more or less frequent meetings are an option. Keep in mind in order to help participants work through the grieving process, meetings should be held regularly.

• 2

  Find a location. Call local churches, community centers, libraries and hospitals, which may have a conference room where meetings can be held for free. Select a time and day of the week to hold the meetings. Clear the day and time of the meeting with the person in charge of the location prior to announcing the meeting to the public.

• 3

  Contact hospitals, hospices and mental health clinics and provide information about the bereavement support group. Make flyers to send to the above locations. Consider sending a press release to local community newspapers to inform the public about the support group.

• 4

  Create a list of guidelines for participants to follow. The focus of the group should be for participants to gain support while going through the grieving process. This is better accomplished through a non-judgmental environment. Provide members with a copy of guidelines, such as keeping information which is shared confidential, allowing all participants a chance to share his or her feelings and exhibiting nonjudgmental behavior to all participants.

• 5

  Develop a list of topics to be discussed at upcoming meetings. For example, consider topics, such as dealing with the stages of grief, coping with the holidays and steps in healing. Although meetings may take a different shape as they progress, having a stated topic will give you a starting point for each meeting.

• 6

  Consider asking speakers to attend meetings. Speakers from the community, such as doctors, grief counselors and other mental health professionals, may have information on getting through the bereavement process to share with the group.