Suicide Bereavement Support Groups
These groups provide a safe place where survivors of suicide loss can share their experiences and support each other. A nationwide directory of suicide loss support groups can be found at https://afsp.org/find-a-support-group/. Before attending a support group, please call or email to verify date and location.
Healing after Suicide Loss (Pittsfield, MA)
Contact Name: Bertha Connelley, suicideloss@berkshirecoalition.org
Meeting Day/Time: FIRST and THIRD Tuesday of every month, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Meeting Place - FIRST Tuesday of the Month: Unitarian Universalist Church, 175 Wendell Ave. (corner of Broad St) Pittsfield, MA
Meeting Place - THIRD Tuesday of the Month: Virtual meeting via Zoom
Overview: Both Groups - Peer (Survivor) Facilitated, No Fee REGISTER: Email suicideloss@berkshirecoalition.org Drop ins are also welcome.
Healing after Suicide Loss (East Longmeadow, MA)
Contact Names: Diana & Paul Lewis, (413) 525-7752, DPROF52@aol.com
Meeting Day/Time: THIRD Mondays monthly from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Meeting Place: Forestiere-Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Overview: Facilitated by members of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, No Fee REGISTER: Not required CONTACT: mcaleer2006@verizon.net OR forastiere.com/grief-support
The Garden - Center for Grieving Children and Teens (Northampton, MA)
Contact Name: Shelly Bathe Lenn, (413) 584-7086 x124, shelly.thegarden@gmail.com
Meeting Day/Time: Weekly on Sunday Afternoons during Fall and Spring
Meeting Place: Hampshire Regional YMCA, 286 Prospect St., Northampton, MA
Overview: Peer/Professional Facilitated, No Fee REGISTER: Contact Shelly Batthe Lenn at slenn@mgb.org (413)-727-5749 FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.cooleydickinson.org/programs-services/vna-hospice/the-garden
Dee Dee’s Cry: Life After Loss (Online)
Contact Name: Shelly Bathe Lenn, (413) 584-7086 x124, shelly.thegarden@gmail.com
Meeting Day/Time: Weekly on Sunday mornings 9:00-11:00am
Meeting Place: Online
Overview: Peer Facilitated, No Fee REGISTER: Email: I want to join the “Life After Loss Group” to deedeescry@gmail.com
Samaritans Hope (Online)
Meeting Day/Time:
Weekly on Tuesday & Thursday 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Weekly on Wednesday, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Monthly on 1st Saturday, 10:00 AM
Meeting Place: Online
Overview: Peer Facilitated, No Fee REGISTER: samaritanshope.org/our-services/grief-support
Other Resources
Survivor Outreach Program
Contact Name: Jim McAleer, mcaleer2006@verizon.net, (413) 734-3676
Trained local volunteers who have experienced suicide loss and who will: Meet in person with newly-bereaved survivors and their families, listen with compassion, and offer reassurance that surviving a suicide loss is possible.
Healing Conversations, AFSP Western MA
Healing Conversations is a one-time visit (phone, virtual, in-person) that connects those who have lost a loved one to suicide with trained volunteers who are also survivors of suicide loss. The goal of this connection is to help recent survivors navigate this challenging journey by offering support, connection and resources. For more information, click here.
Alliance of Hope for Suicide Survivors
Created by survivors for survivors, this group provides online healing support and other services for people who are coping with devastating loss to suicide. This online forum is available for loss survivors 24/7. For more information, click here.
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
It’s the one day a year when people affected by suicide loss gather around the world at events in their local communities to find comfort and gain understanding as they share stories of healing and hope. Always held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
To find Survivor Day events near you, click here.