Setting Up and Facilitating Bereavement Support Groups: A Practical Guide

Those who have been bereaved are in need of support, and groupwork is an effective way in which people can come together and support each other in a trusted environment. This book provides a practical introduction to setting up and facilitating bereavement support groups, giving facilitators the confidence to run a group. It guides the reader through all the stages of setting up a group, and examines different types of facilitation and the skills needed. Case studies illustrate different types of group, such as closed, time-limited groups and open groups, with a discussion about the potential of online groups. Chapters also cover group dynamics, handling challenging situations, and overcoming problems that may arise. This accessible book helps to make groups successful for both participants and facilitators, and is a valued source of information and guidance for those working with bereaved people, including hospice and hospital staff, counsellors, trainers, managers and social workers.

Table of Contents:
Introduction. 1. Setting Up a Bereavement Support Group. 2. Thinking About Facilitating a Group. 3. Different Groups that Operate. 4. Managing Dynamics in the Group. 5. Pitfalls Along the Way. Conclusion. Appendix 1. An Example of a Support Group Three Fold Leaflet. Appendix 2. An Example of an Evaluation Questionnaire. Appendix 3. An Example of a Facilitator's Record. References. Further Reading. Useful Resources. Index.

About the Author :
Dodie Graves has over 20 years' experience as a counsellor. She is currently a bereavement service co-ordinator for a hospice in the West Midlands, recruiting, training and supervising a team of voluntary bereavement visitors in active listening skills and bereavement issues, as well as facilitating support groups herself. She is the author of Talking with Bereaved People: An Approach for Structured and Sensitive Communication (Jessica Kingsley Publishers).

Review :
Here the author gives us numerous practical tips on checking in and out, being respectful, using humour, managing dominant group members, handling silences, working with reluctant participants, and managing strong emotions... Each chapter is interspersed with snapshots of real scenarios - these illustrate actual happenings in a group and/or suggested wording for tricky situations. There is also a case study of a closed group and another of an open group. Even present are specimens of helpful paperwork including an excellent example of a list of ground rules... This very readable book is an excellent practical guide for anyone thinking of setting up a bereavement support group. ...the perfect resource for practitioners who are considering setting up and facilitating a bereavement support group. Here you will find the comprehensive guidelines, information, tips, advice and resources you need, as well as very clear messages on the importance of good preparation and clear ground rules as the bedrock of ethical and safe practice. The book provides guidance in setting up and facilitating a new bereavement support group. It is an honest book that highlights not only the highs and joys experienced by Dodie but also the pitfalls and lows that she has experienced through the years providing the reader with a balanced guide in setting up a new bereavement group... This book provides clear guidance for people setting up a new bereavement support group... This book would be suitable for new bereavement support groups and is written in such a fashion that it would benefit both the facilitator of the group and also the participants. It is an excellent practical guide. For those thinking of setting up a group this book is invaluable, offering many examples and helpful advice. This book is a clear guide to assist people embarking upon setting up a bereavement support group. As the range of situations in which a group may take place is considerable, no one size can fit all. Dodie Graves shares honestly with the reader her learning gained over many years of experience; what has worked for her and what has not; the joys and rewards, and some of the difficulties encountered. Setting up and Facilitating Bereavement Support Groups will be useful for people new to setting up and running groups, as well as offering fresh ideas to more experienced practitioners.