During the coronavirus pandemic, hundreds of families throughout Southwest Florida have been impacted by the loss of a loved one, creating a surge in demand for grief counseling services. Hope Healthcare’s Healing Hearts program has responded to this growing challenge by offering support groups over Zoom videoconferencing and adding specialized topics. Professional counselors are available to everyone in the community at no charge, as services are covered by donations.   

“The loss of a loved one can be devastating, but help is available through Hope. We welcome you to share your journey with others while exploring coping skills and insights into the grieving process,” says Samira Beckwith, president and CEO of Hope Healthcare. 

This spring Hope Healing Hearts launched three new groups for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Participants have an opportunity to express their emotions, connect with others, and find new hope. Advance registration is required for all sessions. 

The Walking Grief Support Group allows participants to enjoy the healing benefits of nature and meet new people while discovering insights into bereavement. The group walks at a casual pace for about 1.5 miles through the HealthPark campus on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 8:30 to 9:30 am, weather permitting. To register, contact [email protected] or call 239-489-9184. 

The Sibling Loss Group connects adults who have lost a brother or sister. Participants meet virtually via Zoom on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 6 to 7:30 pm. Contact [email protected] or call 239-284-9926.  

The Grief Movement Group is a chair-based practice with a focus on releasing grief through movement, using a combination of motion, breath, and sound. This technique is appropriate for people of all mobility levels. The group meets virtually via Zoom on the second and fourth Friday of each month from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Contact [email protected] or call 239-656-3241.  

For more than 40 years, Hope Healthcare has been helping people of all ages cope with grief and loss. Other Hope Healing Hearts support groups include Bereaved Mothers, Men’s Grief Toolkit, Young Widows and Widowers, Healing Survivors of Suicide, Covid Loss, and other special topics. Hope also offers urgent crisis support for local schools and businesses, as well as an LGBT+ group, counseling in Spanish, and age-appropriate help for children and teens. Visit HopeHCS.org/counseling for more information. 

Maggie Cogbill is public relations and marketing manager at Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold in Fort Myers.