Bereavement Support

Grief Support Groups

The Bereavement Council offers grief support groups in the Anchorage area and throughout Alaska. When you’re ready, and if you’re interested, we can help you find an appropriate support group near you.

A support group can give you comfort by relating to others who have also lost a child. When you meet others with a shared experience you may find relief knowing that you’re not alone in your loss.

Note: Many groups are meeting virtually during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Please contact your preferred group for current details.

Anchorage-area grief support groups

Providence Hospice 

Grief support groups for adults, including a child loss group for parents who have lost a child of any age. Facilitated by grief counselors, each group maintains a safe and confidential atmosphere to promote peer support, learning about grief and sharing with others who have experienced a loss. Some groups have specific beginning and end dates. Please call for more information: 907-212-4400.

Pregnancy, Infant and Child Loss Parent Support Group

An open discussion group, sponsored by The TEARS Foundation and the Center for Child Loss. The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month, and any bereaved parent is welcome. For more information: www.thetearsfoundation.org or contact Kim Hatt at 907-529-4289.

Anchored in Hope

A ministry of Anchorage Baptist Temple for women who have suffered the loss of a child during pregnancy or infancy. They meet weekly on Thursdays 7-9 p.m. Quarterly couples meet-ups provide opportunities for dads to connect. For more information: anchoredabt@gmail.com.

Survivors of Suicide

Groups led by Alaska Police and Fire Chaplains’ Ministries, designed to support the family and friends of those who have died by suicide, helping them to find relief and understanding, to integrate this loss into their life, and to move forward. First and third Tuesdays of each month, 7-9 p.m., call before first visit. For more information, go to alaskachaplain.org or call 907-272-3100.

Veterans’ Journey through Grief and Loss 

An ongoing open group that meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, from 3:30-5:00 p.m. at the VA Behavioral Health building. Open to veterans and spouses, this group includes education on grief and loss, facilitating the healing process with support and compassion. No referral is needed. For more information: 907-257-4854.

Mat-Su-area grief support groups

Love Surrounds 

Support for women and families who have experienced miscarriage or pregnancy loss. This includes a monthly in-person art journaling support group, an online support group, and one-one-one peer support, which can be in person or virtual. For more information: www.lovesurrounds.org or 907-841-8327. 

Mat-Su Grief Support 

For anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one.  It is a place for listening and sharing coping strategies for working through grief.  This free, confidential group meets every Thursday at 7 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. For more information: matsugriefsupport.com or call Karl and Joyce at 907-373-0842.

Fairbanks-area grief support groups

Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Hospice Services

Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Hospice Services offers several support groups for those grieving the death of a loved one, including groups specifically for men or for women, as well as groups utilizing the Grief Recovery Method. For more information, or to determine which group would be right for you, call 907-458-3095.

The Compassionate Friends

This group provides personal comfort, hope and support for families who have experienced the death of a child. For more information about the Fairbanks chapter, call or text Stephanie Stowman at 907-687-2744.

Kenai Peninsula-area grief support groups

Peninsula Community Health Services of Alaska

Peninsula Community Health Services sponsors support groups in Soldotna using the Grief Recovery Method. This nine-session series is offered twice yearly. For more information, call Gail Kennedy at907-602-9944.

Hospice of the Central Peninsula

Hospice of the Central Peninsula offers grief support groups and bereavement services in Soldotna for community members in need of such support, including Camp Mend-A-Heart for children ages 6 to 16.  

For more information, visit hospiceofsoldotna.com or call 907-262-0453.

Hospice of Homer

Hospice of Homer offers grief support groups, which are open to anyone suffering loss and experiencing bereavement. For more information, visit hospiceofhomer.org or call 907-235-6899.

Southeast Alaska-area grief support groups

Hospice and Home Care of Juneau

Hospice and Home Care of Juneau provides bereavement support to individuals, families and communities, including one-on-one grief counseling and support groups offered periodically. Groups are open to anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one. For more information, visit ccsjuneau.org or call 907-463-6110.

Hospice of Haines

Hospice of Haines offers a series of grief groups each fall, as well as monthly meetings throughout the year. They also provide one-on-one support and grief companions, including support for bereaved children and teens. For more information, visit hospiceofhaines.org or call 907-766-3645.

Ketchikan Volunteer Hospice

Ketchikan Volunteer Hospice offers community bereavement services, including one-on-one peer support, as well as eight-week closed groups scheduled periodically each year. For more information, or to find out when the next group begins, call  907-228-7600.

Statewide grief support groups

GriefShare 

Groups meet weekly at Christian churches throughout Alaska. Locations include Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Ketchikan, Palmer, Sleetmute, and Wasilla. GriefShare is a biblical, Christ-centered grief support ministry, and groups are designed to facilitate connection, recovery, and rebuilding after loss. For more information, visit www.griefshare.org.