Suicide Bereavement Support Groups

These groups provide a safe place where survivors of suicide loss can share their experiences and support each other. Outreach visits are also available for newly bereaved families. Please post this information and share with others who may find it helpful. A nationwide directory of suicide loss support groups as well as resources can always be accessed at: http://www.afsp.org/coping-with-suicide-loss/find-support. Before attending a support group, please call the contact person 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: Peer (Survivor) Facilitated, No Fee GROUP. Please register via email for details: suicideloss@berkshirecoalition.org.

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 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Meeting Place: Forestiere-Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Overview: Peer Facilitated, No Fee, Group does not meet on major holidays.

Healing after Suicide Loss (Northampton, MA)
Contact Name: Geraldine Unger (413) 203-1200, sas4healing@gmail.com
Meeting Day/Time: 2nd Tuesday each month 1:00 PM– 2:30 PM
Meeting Place: Forbes Library, 20 West Street, Northampton, MA
Overview: Peer facilitated, No fee. Members must be 18 or over.

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, No charge.

Other Support Groups

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.