A support group is when people going through similar, often serious, health or life challenges come together. It offers a caring, safe environment to share your feelings and concerns with peers.

Joining a support group can help you feel less alone. Group participants often exchange practical information on treatment, resources, and self-care.

Carillion support groups are for:

• People with a specific physical or mental health condition
• Caregivers of people facing that specific physical and mental health condition
• People who have gone through specific types of death or loss of a loved one

Do I need to sign up?

If you're interested in joining a support group, get in touch! You'll need to sign up for support groups with a social worker. Some groups have specific coordinators—others have general numbers. See the details below. 

Our social workers will ask you questions to help us understand the best fit for your support needs. Whether individual counseling or group support, we'll match you with options to help you heal.

There's no charge for you to participate in group support. Support groups are free to attend.

Grief and loss support groups

All grief and loss support groups meet at the Center for Grief and Healing in Roanoke. Some groups may also meet by video conference. To sign up for grief and loss groups, call 540-527-4868 (unless otherwise noted).

Ongoing support groups include:

• Adult child loss support: For people going through the death of an adult child (18 years old and older). Meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday from 5:30  – 7 p.m.
• Overdose loss support: For those who have lost a loved one to overdose. 
• Parental loss support: Support for adults who have lost a parent or caregiver.
• Perinatal and infant loss support: For people who have lost a pregnancy, had a stillbirth or lost an infant up to one year of age. New members can join at any time. For more information, call 540-266-6000 or toll-free 800-422-8482.
• Sibling loss support: For those who have lost a sibling. Meets the 1st Monday every month from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
• Spouse, partner, or significant other support: For people who have lost their spouse or partner. Morning sessions meet the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., and evening sessions meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Popup groups include:

• Homicide loss survivor support: For people who have lost a loved one by homicide.
• Soul survivors: For teens in grades 9 – 12 who have dealt with loss.

Upcoming groups include:

• Lens of the Soul: For teens aged 13 – 18. They use photography to find visual ways to show their grief and loss.
• Suicide survivors support: For those who have lost a loved one to suicide or survived a suicide attempt. 
• The Wild Edge of Sorrow: This group studies author Frances Weller's The Wild Edge of Sorrow. The book focuses on death and non-death loss, its lifelong impact and the opportunity for renewal—a copy of the book is required.

Cancer support groups 

Cancer support groups meet in person, unless noted, in the 2nd floor conference room of Carilion Cancer Center. Those joining in person must wear masks. 

Groups may also choose to meet virtually. Call 540-981-7377, ext. 2 or 540-982-0237, ext. 1700, to sign up for cancer support groups.

• Cancer support group: For people with cancer, survivors, and caregivers.
• Cancer caregiver support group: For people caring for someone going through cancer. 
• Prostate cancer support group: For people newly diagnosed with prostate cancer. 
• Breast cancer support group: For people newly diagnosed. During group sessions, we discuss managing emotions and stress, nutrition, exercise, and other topics that can help those touched by breast cancer. For more information, call 540-224-6939.

Condition-related support groups

• Alzheimer's and dementia caregiver support group: To help you navigate the journey through the long goodbye. We provide a safe space for caregivers to share tips and concerns. For more information, call 540-527-4800.

Carilion licensed psychiatrists, counselors, or clinical social workers lead our support groups. Each support group has a unique meeting structure and agenda.

There's always time for participants to talk with one another and share their experiences. Meetings may also include guest speakers, healing arts therapists, or individual or group projects that nourish your soul and further your healing.

The Center for Grief and Healing relies on volunteers and donations to provide grief support programs for our community.

Volunteer

Consider volunteering to assist our counselors in running a support group. If you'd like to volunteer, start by completing this form. After you register, you'll meet with our team for training, have your questions answered, and learn how to support our counselors during group sessions.

Make a donation

Your gift helps the Center for Grief and Healing continue providing grief support services and programs. To make a donation, visit the Carilion Clinic Foundation. Under Designation, select Other and enter Grief and Healing.