Grief & Loss

Counseling for those who have suffered a loss is available to our community through our Bereavement Services department. It makes no difference whether the person who died was a Hospice patient, or where the person lived, or the relationship of the survivor. It doesn’t matter how long ago the loss occurred. (See the list below for support group information.)

With our patients’ families, however, we stay in touch for 13 months following the death of their loved one. Because that year will include many “firsts,” on-going support is vital to help survivors on their way to healing. Volunteers send scheduled mailings, information packets and special “care notes” to lend support and let families know we are available if they need us.

Support Groups:

Renée Woodruff, our Bereavement Services Coordinator, facilitates six different support groups that are open to the public at no charge.

Groups include:

New Beginnings Hilton Head

Thursdays 3-4:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway

New Beginnings Bluffton

first and third Wednesdays, 2:30-4 p.m., Lowcountry Presbyterian Church, corner Highway 278 and Simmonsville Road

Lunch Group

fourth Wednesday at noon – call for location

Parents Supporting Parents – as requested

Survivors of Suicide – as requested

Life After Loss

a closed-end group open to those who have experienced the first anniversary of the death of their loved one. The group meets for four sessions and is held several times a year. Call for more information.

Youth Grief Support:

The Children’s Bereavement Program offers support groups for school children, educational programs for parents and teachers, and family counseling opportunities. The program is offered as needed.

Additionally, private sessions are offered upon request, also at no charge. For more information on any groups or sessions, please email or call Renée Woodruff at 843.706.2296.

Youth Bereavement Day Camp

To help support children who have lost a loved one, our annual Camp TLC (Together, Loving, Caring) provides a safe environment for sharing of feelings.

The one-day camp is held in the fall for young people ages 6-16 and is facilitated by grief counselors, a children’s counselor, and volunteers.

This year’s camp is scheduled for Saturday, October 20th, 2012, from 9 am to 3 pm at Sgt. Jasper Park.

Through planned activities in play, music and art projects, children are free to express whatever feelings or issues concern them about the loved one’s death.

At the end of the day, parents rejoin children for a special Remembrance Ceremony at the park. This ceremony provides a meaningful way for children to remember their loved one.

Thanks to our generous sponsors and a grant from the Hilton Head Island Celebrity Golf Tournament, there is never a charge to attend the camp. For more information email Renée Woodruff at rwoodruff@hospicecarelc.org or call 843.706.2296.