Lawrence, Mass. (March 19, 2020) – It can be challenging for parents and caregivers of children who are grieving the loss of a family member, friend or other significant person to know what to say or do to help them cope and ultimately heal.
Recognizing that a sense of community, shared experiences and connection are especially important, Merrimack Valley Hospice has expanded its offerings of free grief support groups to include a session for children.
Since in-person meetings are not possible during the COVID-19 crisis, the online sessions are offered via Zoom video conference. Groups are offered biweekly, with sessions led by a facilitator from Merrimack Valley Hospice’s licensed, credentialed bereavement staff.
The new children’s grief support group meets every other Monday, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., from March 29 through June 7. The following ongoing groups
Ongoing groups addressing general loss take place biweekly on Wednesdays, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., and Thursdays, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Ongoing sessions for those grieving the loss of a spouse or partner are held every other Tuesday, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., and every other Wednesday, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Drop-in, ongoing meetings facilitated by and for those in the LGBTQ+ community who have experienced a loss take place every other Tuesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
All groups are free of charge and open to the public. To register, call (978) 552-4510.
About Merrimack Valley Hospice
Merrimack Valley Hospice is a not-for-profit agency providing comfort care and supportive services to patients nearing the end of life and bereavement services to their families and loved ones. Together with Home Health VNA, the agencies provide a full continuum of home health and hospice care in more than 110 communities throughout the Merrimack Valley, Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Merrimack Valley Hospice also serves the Southern Maine region as York Hospital Hospice. For more information, visit MerrimackValleyHospice.org.