Bereavement support groups, grief education and events
The death of a child is both heart-breaking and life-changing. Children’s Minnesota offers programs intended to give comfort and support to families during the first year and beyond. We also collaboratively work with Allina Health to serve parents and families grieving a perinatal/infant loss. Grief education programs offer families and children the opportunity to learn, explore and gain some understanding about a variety grief topics. Grief related events offer families the chance to participate in a gathering where their child and other children will be remembered.
Grief education programs, support groups, and grief events all offer reassurance that grief is a normal reaction to the deep and profound loss experienced when a child dies. These programs provide an opportunity for emotional connection, during a time when many families describe feelings of isolation. Additionally, each setting is designed to be comfortable and safe, allowing a space where powerful emotions can be experienced and released.
Support groups
Joining a support group can be very helpful for a variety of reasons. Parents tell us that support groups:
- Offer them a place to talk about their child in a safe setting
- Connect with other bereaved parents to get and give support
- Give reassurance that their grief is a normal reaction to their deep sense of loss
- Allows children to see and hear from other children who may also be experiencing loss
Our recurring and annual events are listed below with a description that may help you determine which support group is best for you, or your family: