There are many local and national support groups for grieving parents, but finding one that’s right for you may take time. If a group does not feel right, you should continue to search for that place where you feel at home. The Rady Children’s Hope Bereavement Program maintains a list of local support groups to help your family know the options that are available.
Bereaved Parents of the USA
www.bereavedparentsusa.org
The San Diego Chapter of the Bereaved Parents of the USA is a non-profit, self-help support group for parents, grandparents and siblings who have suffered the death of a child, grandchild or sibling. It is part of a national organization, with sister chapters across the United States.
The Compassionate Friends
www.compassionatefriends.org
The San Diego Chapter of The Compassionate Friends assists families in the positive resolution of grief following the death of a child and provides information to help others be supportive. The Compassionate Friends is a national, nonprofit, self-help support organization offering friendship and understanding to families who are grieving the death of a child of any age, from any cause.
The Elizabeth Hospice
https://elizabethhospice.org/services/counseling/center-for-compassionate-care
The Elizabeth Hospice offers a range of grief support services for children and teens, free of charge. At bi-monthly support groups, held in North County and Central San Diego, children meet with their peers who are experiencing similar struggles to share their stories and gain coping skills. Camp Erin San Diego, a weekend summer camp, gives children the opportunity to be a kid again while remembering and honoring their loved one. One-on-one counseling sessions are also available.
Empty Cradle
www.emptycradle.org/support
Empty Cradle is a self-help support group for parents who have experienced the loss of a baby due to miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death. Support is offered by a parent network, monthly meetings, and written materials.
Hospice by the Sea
www.hospicebythesea.org
Please call for up-to-date support group information.
San Diego LGBT Community Center
www.thecentersd.org
All ages grief support over Zoom that is led by volunteer facilitators.
Sharp Hospice Care
www.sharp.com/services/hospice
Sharp HospiceCare offers a variety of bereavement support groups for individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one.
Twinless Twins
www.twinlesstwins.org
Individual and group support are provided to those who have lost their twin. This is a unique service addressing the needs of the twinless.
VITAS Hospice
www.vitas.com
VITAS offers free bereavement support groups in person and over Zoom.
If you have a support group for bereaved parents and siblings and would like to be added to this list, please call Chaplain Ryan Sey at 858-966-7493.