Grief Support
For Children and Teens
LifeTouch Health Bereavement Services currently offers two monthly groups for adults. One is via Zoom, and the other is an in-person lunch group. It is recommended that grievers allow themselves a few weeks following loss before starting a support group. It may be beneficial to partake of individual bereavement support during this time with bereavement staff. Please discuss your specific needs or questions with the bereavement team in order best meet your identified goals.
Virtual Support
Telegrief Support Group uses the Zoom platform so that primarily new bereaved virtually link with one another to share and process loss in a group format. Groups are not specific to type of loss, age of bereaved, or relation to the deceased, nor are they gender specific. Bereaved are encouraged to share and connect with others as a steppingstone to healing until they feel comfortable in managing their grief journey.
Confidentiality of shared information and mutual respect is an expectation of participation. Meeting times are typically one hour in length, and participation in this virtual group requires access to a computer or phone with a speaker, camera, and internet capability. Bereavement staff can assist with Zoom technology to maximize the experience and increase comfort of use.
A HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) disclosure agreement and enrollment are required for participation in Zoom groups due to the nature of our unencrypted email and discussion of confidential information during support group.
I’m Doing the Best I Can (Telegrief Support Group)
This is a time-limited support group designed for the newly bereaved up to and through 13 months out from a death. Group sizes are small to allow for meaningful conversational interaction with no set agenda other than individuals working toward the goals of: (1) processing the pain of loss, (2) reconciliation with the present, and (3) living forward. Group members may join at any time and will individually graduate 12 months after joining (or sooner if you feel ready) or move to the Lunch Bunch group.
This Telegrief Support Group meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.
For details about enrollment in virtual grief support, please contact Simone Brock, Bereavement Specialist at 501-748-3342.
In-Person Support
Lunch Bunch (Social/Support)
The purpose of this group is to accommodate the social and supportive needs of grievers who are further along in their grief journey. It is appropriate for those with a loss beyond 6 months or who feel they are ready for a lower intensity of grief support but who still wish to share and network. This group holds the common theme of connection, healing, and hope as participants live and move forward.
Meetings are held the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. at Cracker Barrell, 2618 S. Shackleford Rd., Little Rock. The Lunch Bunch will begin meeting in-person in May 2023.
Please contact Reba Gaines, Bereavement Specialist at 501-748-3393 if you wish to attend and for seat reservation. Participants pay for their own food and beverages.
Grief Walkers (to be determined when enough walkers are interested)
A pop-up walking group that shares and enjoys nature while striving for health and fitness. Seasons are superb metaphors throughout the grief journey with leaves, rocks, birds, and the great outdoors serving as a source of healing and strength. Ask for bereavement staff for more information if you would like to form a pop-up Grief Walk group.
Individual sessions
Individual grief support sessions are available for those who are not quite ready to attend a group setting. Please call Bereavement Services to schedule a one-on-one visit.