Local Resources

NEED IMMEDIATE HELP?

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis:

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: (Call or text) 988 or (Live chat)  https://988lifeline.org/

24/7 Veterans Crisis Line: (Call or text) 988 - Press 1

Trevor Helpline for LGBTQ+: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678

Emergency: Dial 911

SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS

These groups provide a safe place where survivors of suicide loss can share their experiences
and support each other. A nationwide directory of suicide loss support groups can be found at:
https://afsp.org/find-a-support-group/

~Before attending a support group, please call or email to verify date and location~

GROUP LOCATION: PITTSFIELD, MA - Healing After Suicide Loss

DATE/TIME:  FIRST and THIRD Tuesdays of every month, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

PLACE - FIRST Tuesday: George B. Crane Center, 81 Linden St. Pittsfield MA (Upstairs mtg rm w/elevator)

PLACE - THIRD Tuesday (Zoom Only): Virtual meeting on Zoom (Link in support group e-newsletter)

OVERVIEW: Both Groups - Peer (Survivor) Facilitated, No Fee

REGISTER: Email: support@berkshiresuicideloss.org  Drop ins are also welcome.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.berkshiresuicideloss.org

GROUP LOCATION: EAST LONGMEADOW, MA - Survivors of Suicide Loss

DATE: 3rd Monday of the month

PLACE: Forestiere-Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St. (413)-525-2800

TIME: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

OVERVIEW: Peer facilitated by AFSP trained individuals. No Fee

REGISTER: Not required

CONTACT: Email: maclac2006@yahoo.com

GROUP LOCATION: NORTHAMPTON, MA: The Garden - Ages 5 - 18 years old

DATE: Meets weekly in the Fall and Spring

PLACE: Varies

OVERVIEW: Peer/Professional Facilitated, No Fee.

                           There are no limits on how, where or when the death occurred.

REGISTER: Contact Shelly Batthe Lenn at slenn@mgb.org  (413)-727-5749

FOR MORE INFO: https://www.cooleydickinson.org/programs-services/vna-hospice/the-garden/

GROUP LOCATION: ONLINE - Dee Dee’s Cry: Life After Loss

DATE: Weekly on Sunday morning

TIME: 9:00 AM

OVERVIEW: Peer Facilitated, No Fee

REGISTER: Email: I want to join the “Life After Loss Group” to deedeescry@yahoo.com

GROUP LOCATION: ONLINE - Samaritans

DATE/TIME: Virtual meetings for Everyone, Parents/Guardians, LGTBQ+, Spouses/Partners.

                           Days/times vary based on which group you are registering for.

OVERVIEW: Peer Facilitated, No Fee

REGISTER: https://samaritanshope.org/our-services/grief-support/

OTHER RESOURCES

HEALING CONVERSATIONS

These are one-time visits, either in-person, on the phone, or via Zoom with a trained volunteer who has also experienced a suicide loss.

To request a conversation please go to https://afsp.org/healing-conversations/

INTERNATIONAL SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS DAY

It’s the one day a year when people affected by suicide loss gather around the world at events in their local communities to find comfort and gain understanding as they share stories of healing an hope. It is always held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

To find an event, go to: https://afsp.org/international-survivors-of-suicide-loss-day/

LOVE OF T FOUNDATION DROP-IN PEER SUPPORT

For anyone struggling with suicidal ideation, trained peer support specialists are available in Pittsfield and North Adams. Please go to: https://www.loveoft.org/our-programs/ 

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS FUNERAL AND BURIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) offers support to eligible families who do not have resources to cover these expenses. You can learn more about this program and how to apply by visiting the DTA website: https://www.mass.gov/funeral-and-burial-payment-assistance/

There is a DTA office in Pittsfield at 160 North Street, Suite 201 or call 413-236-2000

NATIONAL RESOURCES

AFSP (AMERICAN FOUNDATION OF SUICIDE PREVENTION)
Their website provides a detailed list of Suicide Loss Resources on a National and Online level
https://afsp.org/suicide-loss-resources/

Their list includes:
National Organizations, Online Resources, Finding Professional Care & Support, as well as Crisis Services