Youth Grief Support Program
Westfield – Rick’s Place offers free, peer-to-peer bereavement support groups for youth (ages 5-18) and their caregivers on Monday evenings at the YMCA of Greater Westfield, 67 Court St. Rick’s Place also holds its free, peer-to-peer group on Tuesdays. Will continue bereavement support groups. Evening at their Wilbraham site located at 85 Post Office Park. Rick’s Place provides a place for young people and their families to remember their loved ones and avoid the feeling of isolation that such loss can produce, Rick’s Place established in 2007 in memory of Rick Thorpe who died in Tower Two of the World Trade Center. on 9/11. It is open to youth and their families throughout western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut and is offered at no charge. To participate in these free bereavement support programs provided by Ricks Place, email [email protected] or call 413-279-2010.
NAMI Online/Phone Support Groups
AGAWAM – The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Western Massachusetts (NAMI-WM) would like to inform the public that NAMI Connection recovery support groups have resumed in a virtual format.
Monday, 6 to 7:30 pm Online Access with Zoom: https://us02web.zom.us/j/88206475051; Access by phone, 646-558-8656, Meeting ID: 88206475051.
Wednesday, 6 to 7:30 pm Online Access with Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82690755017; Reachable by phone, 646-558-8656, Meeting ID 82690755017. For more information, contact the office or www.namiwm.org/support,
For members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Wednesdays, 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. For more information, email: [email protected]
Shiloh SDA Church and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI_WM) of Western Massachusetts announce a new family and friends support group for black and brown communities. The Black and Brown Family and Friends Support Group meets on the first Thursday of every month. Zoom link will be provided for the participants. For more information, contact the NAMI-WM office at 413-786-9139 or email [email protected]
A diagnosis is not required to join any group. Anyone with a mental health condition is welcome to attend any group without prior registration.
MJD Support Group
Ludlow – The Michael J. Dias Foundation provides education, area resources, peer support and hope for family members and friends with a loved one with a substance use disorder. A support group meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Parish Center, 438 Winsor St. Masks are required and guests will be seated six feet apart. If you have any questions, contact Maureen at 413-563-6226.
bereavement support group
CHICOPEE – St. Rose de Lima Grief Support Group meets every Monday from 6 to 7:30 p.m., except major holidays. This free weekly grief support group is for anyone who has experienced the loss of a spouse, partner, family member, or friend. Everyone is welcome. This group meets at the St. Rose de Lima Pastoral Center, 15 Chapel St.
stroke of inspiration support group
SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield College Occupational Therapy (OT) Department offers a free weekly support group for stroke survivors and their caregivers. The group meets every Thursday from 1 to 2:00 pm in a virtual format on Zoom. Facilitated by Cathy Post, Professor Emeritus, with the assistance of 1 or 2 OT graduate students, the group provides an opportunity to meet other stroke survivors from Western Massachusetts. And to share challenges, successes, questions, and resources. For more information and links to meetings, please email Cathy at [email protected]
Narcotics Anonymous
Agawam – To find a local Narcotics Anonymous support group, go here nerna.org either WesternMassNA.org or call 866-NA-HELP-U.
suicide loss survivor
EAST LONGMEADOW – Suicide Loss Survivors, a support group for adults who have lost a loved one to suicide, meets on the third Monday of every month (except major holidays or inclement weather) at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St. This is a peer-facilitated group from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Meetings are open, meaning new members are always welcome. The meeting room is set up to allow recommended social distancing and meeting room attendees are required to bring and wear their own mask. If circumstances permit, some meetings may be held outside.
free accessible broadcast readings
Springfield – Pioneer Valley offers free 24/7 accessible local news and information from Valley Eye Radio for those who are no longer able to read independently due to visual and other medical and physical challenges. contact them at www.valleyeyeradio.org or (413) 747-7337 for details on how to listen on one of their specialty radios or via their website, smart speakers, cable access channels, or mobile phones.
