For those struggling with the death of a loved one, GriefShare can help.

GriefShare is a free, in-person support group program for anyone who is grieving the loss of a spouse, parent, child of any age, friend, sibling, co-worker or relative.

Locally, the program is offered on Thursdays at 1 p.m. on the campus of the Tel Hai Retirement Community in Honey Brook. Led by members of the pastoral care team, including Tel Hai chaplain David Hicks, meetings will run through April 18. People can attend GriefShare at any time because each meeting is self-contained.

The meetings are open to people in the community as well as Tel Hel residents. Following an introduction, each meeting features a 30-minute video on a grief-related topic that includes real-life stories of people who have experienced loss, as well as advice from experts in the field.

"We sit around a table and give people an opportunity to introduce themselves and tell a little bit of their story," Hicks explained. "Then, there is a 30-minute video that features others who have lost (a loved one) as well as experts in grief counseling and psychology and pastors who specialize in grief. We talk about the video and the lesson and give people an opportunity to share and ask questions and give responses and discuss where they are in their grief journey."

Participants are asked to purchase a workbook, which corresponds to the video. "There is workbook that comes along with it that people can take with them and work on during the week," Hicks noted. "It's to keep you focused and engaged and thinking about what you have been learning."

The workbook includes an outline where people can write notes about the videos. Since GriefShare is a Christian-based program, Bible verses and devotionals are also included. "Each week, there is a series of questions that are asked that people can reflect on or think about, and they can write their responses (in the workbook)," Hicks said. "We don't require it, but we encourage them to do that. Those that do it find it really helps them."

He said the questions ask people to think about the emotions that they are experiencing. "The questions are self-reflective," Hicks stated. "It's more about looking at your own life situation, like 'How are you handling anger?'"

Hicks said that some people are reluctant to attend GriefShare, and it may be especially difficult the first time. "We encourage people that if you want to come and sit (and listen), you are welcome to do that. We don't force anyone to enter into the discussion, but they are invited to," he pointed out. "We encourage people to come for at least three weeks to decide if the group is a good fit for them or not."

He added that some group members continue to communicate outside of the meetings if they choose. "They start to build relationships with each other and encourage each other," Hicks said.

Since people go through various stages in grief as time passes, they may repeat the GriefShare program. There are two sessions held each year at Tel Hai - one in the fall and the other in the winter and spring.

"The impact is different. For those who come quickly after they lost a loved one, they are in a great deal of shock," Hicks shared. "They get encouragement and help through the group, but when they come back a second time, they are much more in tune to discover things that can help them. Also, when they share their stories, that is an encouragement to someone who has recently lost someone."

The topic for the meeting on Feb. 22 will be "Regrets." This meeting is designed to help those who have regrets over the things they wish they would have said or done while their loved one was still alive. Future topics will include "Grief and Your Household" on Feb. 29 and "Grief and Your Friendships" on March 7.

GriefShare sessions are held in the Scalies Private Dining Room at Stonecroft, 4000 Tree Line Drive, Honey Brook. Attendees may purchase food at a cafe located next to the dining room before or after the meeting.

For more information about the GriefShare session at Tel Hai or to register, visit www.griefshare.org/groups/178753. Walk-ins will also be welcome. Those with questions may contact Hicks at dhicks@telhai.org or 610-273-9333, ext. 2443.