Grief Support
The following are some tools available to assist you in your healing journey.
Local Groups
GriefShare
GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences.
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Trellis Supportive Care
Trellis Supportive Care offers a wide variety of support options and programs for the entire family, children, adolescents, and adult, free of charge. For additional information about resources and program, contact Trellis directly at 704-637-7645 or visit their website.
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Grief & Healing Websites
Web Healing
Web Healing offers grief discussion boards where you can talk with others who are grieving or browse recommended books on grief.
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The Compassionate Friends
Whether your family has had a child die (at any age, from any cause), or you are helping those who have gone through this life-altering experience, The Compassionate Friends exists to provide friendship, understanding, and hope to those going through the grieving process as a parent.
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AARP
With AARP you’ll find articles, discussions, and helpful information on dealing with end-of-life care, the challenges faced by caregivers, and how to deal with grief after a loss.
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Center for Loss and Life Transition
Led by grief counselor and educator Dr. Alan Wolfelt, we are an organization dedicated to helping people who are grieving and those who care for them. Perhaps someone you love has died, or you want to help a grieving friend or family member. Or maybe you are a professional or volunteer grief caregiver. Either way, we are here to offer resources and understanding.
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365 Days of Healing
With our daily emails of comfort and hope, you will feel supported knowing we’re here to walk with you through your journey of grief.
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Just One of Many
Here’s one example of our 365 Days of Healing emails, designed to offer advice, tell stories, and otherwise help you heal.
Children & Grief
When a loved one dies, it can be difficult to know how to help kids cope with the loss, particularly as you work through your own grief. By being open and honest, encouraging communication, and sharing your own feelings, you and your children can cope with painful times and begin your healing journey together.
The following links provide more detailed information on topics related to helping children and teens cope with loss.
When Families Grieve™
This guide was created by Sesame Workshop, the educational organization behind Sesame Street. It explores children's understanding of death and offers information about communicating, ideas for coping together, and ways to move forward with your children after a loss.
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Helpful Children's Books
This list from Allina Health recommends children’s books that deal with death and grief. There are suggestions for children of all ages, from preschool to age 12. They also have books for different types of losses, such as the loss of a parent, sibling, grandparent, friend, or pet. With these books, you can start a meaningful conversation with your child and help them understand their feelings
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More Advice
Here you'll find a Huffington Post article by Judith Acosta containing advice and guidance from her book Verbal First Aid, which counsels parents on ways to help kids heal from fear and pain in a variety of situations, including the death of a loved one. If you find the advice in the article helpful, you may want to read her book for even more insight.
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