Helping Bereaved Spouses Reinvest in Life
September 26, 2012
Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro’s (HPCG) Counseling and Education Center (CEC) will launch a support group for bereaved spouses and life partners in October. The concept evolved at the suggestion of several people who attended an initial support group for spouses. “Having navigated the early stages of loss, these individuals have turned their attention more fully to the tasks of finding new activities, new people and new meaning in their lives,” said Marcia Vanard, director of the CEC.
This six-week support group is for people who have lost a beloved spouse or life partner and have moved through the early stages of grief and adjustment. At this point during the grief process, the focus shifts to rebuilding their lives and reinvesting in life. Group discussions and activities are designed to help participants find comfort and strength through sharing and supporting others in similar situations, as well as developing their own roadmap for moving forward.
For many participants, listening to people talk about their problems and concerns allows others to move forward and make progress. According to a past participant, “hearing others’ concerns helped me realize that I’m moving along and making progress,” said a recent support group attendee.
The new normal support group will meet on Thursday afternoons from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at 2500 Summit Avenue beginning October 4. To register for this event, please contact the counseling and education center at 336.621.5565 or [email protected] by October 1. A schedule of dates will be provided upon registration. While there is currently no fee for this event, donations are welcome.
HPCG, a nonprofit organization serving Greater Greensboro for more than 30 years, is situated on an eight-acre campus at 2500 Summit Avenue. HPCG provides physical, emotional and spiritual support for children and adults faced with a life-limiting illness, as well as their caregivers and families. For more information, contact HPCG at 336.621.2500 or hospicegso.org.
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