Bereavement Support Groups
“I don’t end up feeling better but I do feel understood. My broken heart won’t heal any time soon but this group has made it easier… walking the path with folks who wear the same shoes.” ~Ellen O’Beirne
Bereavement support groups offer a safe, mutually supportive environment for sharing experiences, insight, and encouragement through discussion, handouts, and suggestions for writing. Support groups are free of charge. Individual and family support is also available with trained bereavement volunteers and staff. You can also receive updates about bereavement activities by subscribing to our Seasons Bereavement Newsletter.
2024 Groups: Current ongoing groups: Spouse/Partner Loss; Loss of an Adult Child
Please email lars.hunter@brattleborohospice.org or call the office at 802-257-0775 x104 for more information or to make a pre-group meeting appointment.
Dementia/Alzheimer’s Support Group
This group is for family members, friends, and caregivers of folks with dementia. People tell us that sharing their experiences in the company of others who understand their particular situation can provide comfort, strength, validation, reassurance, and hope to endure the challenges and realize the joys of their daily lives.
2024 Group: Current ongoing group 2nd and 4th Mondays. For more information, call Erica Breen at 802 257-0775 x112 or email erica.breen@brattleborohospice.org.
Caregiver Support Groups
Caregiver, caretaker, care partner, care provider…whatever you call it, it takes a lot of yourself to care for another person, whether they are near or far. People tell us that sharing their experiences in the company of others who understand can provide comfort, strength, validation, reassurance, and hope to endure the challenges and realize the joys of taking care of loved ones.
2024 Ongoing Group: In-person Caregiver Support Group on every other Tuesday, 1 to 2:30 pm. To join or for more information, contact Shari May at 802 257-0775 x102 or email shari.may@brattleborohospice.org.
Support Group for People with a Serious Illness
Are you going through treatment? Feeling overwhelmed or scared? Talking with others may help.
The Serious Illness Program support groups provide a safe space for people to share personal experiences, feelings, coping strategies, and allow for shared learning. Facilitated, peer support group for people who live in Windham County and are experiencing a life-altering illness that may or may not be terminal, with a focus on cancer, heart and organ diseases. Groups are free of cost.
To join or for more information, contact Eileen Glover, Serious Illness Program Coordinator at 802 257-0775 ext 106 or email eileen.glover@brattleborohospice.org.
Bereavement Activities for Children
Camp Knock Knock is a weekend camp for families with children who have experienced the death of a loved one. It’s the only camp of its kind in Vermont, and over the years participating families have felt the weekend was a very valuable experience. The camp went on hiatus during the pandemic and is offering limited programs in 2023, but will return to full weekend camps open to all Vermonters in 2024. Families are accepted on a first-come basis and must meet two criteria: a loved one has died and children are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Scholarships are available. For more information and to register call (802) 860-4499 x3405.