Support Group Announced for Families with Children Experiencing Grief

NORTHAMPTON — The Garden: A Center for Grieving Children and Teens announced a Sunday support group for families exeriencing grief. The free support group, for new and returning bereaved families, begins Sunday, Feb. 21. Families with children ages 5-18 who have experienced the death of a close family member are welcome to attend.

Young people meet in small groups and participate in projects, games, and activities meant to facilitate their grieving process. Projects are led by trained adult volunteers. Adult family members meet separately with other caregivers to talk about how to support their children, who may or may not outwardly show their grief. Intakes are being scheduled now for new families.

“It was nice to have these two hours each week where we know we could just be ourselves among others,” a Garden participant reported.

The Garden provides bereavement support at no cost to grieving families with young children no matter where, how, or when a death occurred. All groups are held at Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, 168 Industrial Dr., Northampton.

To learn more about the program, to inquire about the start time of the support group, or to get involved at the Garden, call Shelly Bathe Lenn, Garden coordinator, at (413) 582-5312.