When you lose a loved one or friend, grief can be overwhelming—or it can surprise you at the strangest times. You can feel like no one understands, not even your closest family members and friends. It may seem like you have nowhere to turn, but a review of grief resources near New Bedford, Bristol County, and the entire South Coast Region indicates that several grief support groups are available. One thing is certain—you are not the only person struggling with grief. Help is available, and grief groups offer an affordable (usually free) way to talk with others about loss and the emotions that they are feeling.

South Coast Region Grief Support Groups

You will want to choose a group that works for your schedule and location. The local grief support groups meet once or twice per month. They help people cope with different types of loss and grief. For example, Southcoast Health Visiting Nurse Association and Coastline Elderly Services offer several support groups for people who have lost a spouse. Southcoast Health offers a general grief group, as well.

General Loss Grief Support Group — Southcoast VNA

Fairhaven Council on Aging

Widows and Widowers Grief Support Group — Southcoast VNA

Fairhaven Council on Aging

Widowed Persons Support Group

Mattapoisett Council on Aging

Call Nancy at 508-973-3227 to register.

Widowed Persons Support Group

Newly widowed: 8:30-10:30 a.m.

All others: 11-12:30 a.m.

Dartmouth Council on Aging

Call Jane Rocha at 508-999-3255 for information.

Hospice and Other Grief Support Services

Southcoast Health has offered children’s bereavement support programs, and hospice patients’ families can also receive grief counseling. Ask your family’s hospice program what they offer. The support they offer may include group sessions, individual grief counseling, newsletters, and other services. 

The Southcoast Health webpage also contains an hour-long video, “Grieving During the Holidays.” This could be helpful if you ache with grief at certain holiday times.

Another approach to finding local grief support is by searching online. The GriefShare website offers a way to search for local grief groups and events. Note that some events may have a fee associated with attendance or to cover the cost of materials. Click to see the GriefShare group results for New Bedford.

When you are grieving, support groups can be a tremendous help in feeling validated and heard. When you decide to attend a grief support group, you are doing something important for your processing of grief and the emotions that accompany grief. Give yourself credit for taking action and taking care of yourself.