Addiction
Overeaters Anonymous is a 12-step program for those who suffer from the disease of compulsive eating. Meetings are every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the First Church of Christ, 10 Church St., Bradford. Information, 978-407-9909.
CoDa, Co-dependents Anonymous, a group designed to aid people in dependent relationships, meets Mondays, 7 p.m., Bellevue Congregational Church, 300 High St., Newburyport, and Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Family Mutual Bank State Line Plaza Route 125, Haverhill; David 978-452-3822 or Anne 978-686-0847.
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's support group, monthly support group for caregivers and family members of those with memory impairments, meets last Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m., featuring a Life Guidance Program for the memory impaired, Atria Marland Place Independent & Assisted Living, 15 Stevens St.; Sara Santiago 978-475-4225.
Amyotrophic Laterial Sclerosis
Last Wednesday of every month, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Holy Family Hospital, First Floor Board Room. Free support group open to patients, caregivers and friends. Registration is required. For more information and to register, please call the ALS Association at 781-326-8884 or 888-287-3257.
ANXIETY
Panic disorder help, a program to help anyone with panic disorders, anxiety or agoraphobia is offered by Panic Relief Inc. The sessions will be in Haverhill on Mondays, noon to 1 p.m., and Wednesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. For information, call 732-940-9658.
Arthritis
LGH Arthritis Support Group. Free group meets the second Friday of each month (except July and August) from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Usual meeting space is LGH's Clark Auditorium. Registration is not necessary. Call group leader Cissy at 978-454-5358.
Arthritis support group meetings, first Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m., Jennie Paulette 1-800-639-2113.
Arthritis support and education group, meets first Wednesday of the month, 1-2:30 p.m., at the Center, 49 Pleasant St., Reading; Judy Burgess 781-944-0653, Reading Elder Services 781-942-9056, or Arthritis Foundation 1-800-766-9449.
Bereavement
The Center for Grief and Healing: Upcoming support groups and workshops
Surviving a loss: a one-time workshop offered on the first Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Meal and more: a social dinner program for anyone who has lost a loved one, meets the second Monday of each month from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Surviving a loss: a 6-week support group, meets Wednesdays from Sept. 9 to Oct. 14 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Anna Jacques Hospital, 25 Highland St., Newburyport.
Loss of an adult child: an 8-week support group, meets Thursdays from Sept. 10 to Oct. 29 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
After a loss, coping with the high holy days: workshop held on Thursday, Sept. 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Woodbridge Assisted Living, 240 Lynnfield St., Peabody.
Adults who have lost a parent: an 8-week support group, meets on Wednesdays from Sept. 16 to Nov. 4 from, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Young widowed: an 8-week support group, meets Thursdays from Sept. 17 to Nov. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Loss to suicide: an 8-week support group, meets Tuesdays from Sept. 29 to Nov. 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Pet loss: workshop held on Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Gay and lesbian loss: an 8-week support group, meets on Mondays from Oct. 26 to Dec. 14 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Dating after a loss: workshop held on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Beverly Senior Center, 90 Colon St., Beverly.
Women who have lost their mothers: an 8-week support group, meets Tuesdays from Nov. 10 to Dec. 29 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers.
All groups and workshops are free of charge. Space is limited and advance registration is required. All groups meet at the Center for Grief and Healing, 78 Liberty St., Danvers, unless otherwise noted. For more information or to register, call 978-774-5100 or e-mail grief@hns.org.
About the Center for Grief & Healing: Built on the expertise that Hospice of the North Shore has provided since 1978, the center is staffed by experienced professionals to serve families as well as anyone who experiences the loneliness and pain of grief. The mission of the Center for Grief & Healing is to help each person understand, cope and grow through the grieving process. Visit www.griefandhealing.org.
Coping with Grief After Loss support group meets Thursday evenings through Sept. 17 at the Merrimack Valley Hopsital, 140 Lincoln Ave. Free. Registration is required. For more information, call Lucille Bonanno at 978-372-4211 or e-mail lbonanno@beaconhospice.com.
Heart of Grief Education, the Merrimack Valley Hospital and Farmer & Sons/Bethany Bereavement and Resource Center of Haverhill, offer an eight-session bereavement program called The Heart of Grief; group meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month in the hospital atrium, participation is free but pre-registration is requested; Nancy Thornton 978-374-9257.
Young Widows and Widowers weekly bereavement support, Merrimack Valley Hospice with Farmer & Sons Bethany Bereavement Center offers free support groups designed especially for young widow and widowers, Sacred Hearts Pastoral Center, 48 South Chestnut St., Bradford (Haverhill); 978-552-4376.
Loss of spouse, special support for those who have experienced the loss of a spouse, Joslin Conference Room (across from gift shop), Anna Jaques Hospital, Newburyport; Nancy Kidd 978-552-4572.
Perinatal loss support group, for parents who have lost a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or newborn, first and third Thursday of every month, 7:30 to 9 p.m., first floor conference room, Anna Jaques Hospital, Newburyport; 978-463-1175.
SHARE, a perinatal loss support group for parents who have lost a baby during pregnancy or shortly after birth, meets the first Wednesday of every month, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Cremin Suite, Holy Family Hospital, 70 East St., Methuen. Prior to attending your first meeting, call 978-687-0156, ext. 2240.
Renew, bereavement support group for adults offered by the Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Lowell, third Thursday of each month, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Cancer Center, Lowell General Hospital, 295 Varnum Ave., Lowell; Marie Jennings 978-459-9343, Ext. 2783.
Safe Place, for those who have lost a loved one or friend to suicide, meets second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 7-9:30 p.m., The Samaritans, 169 East St., Methuen; 978-688-6607.
Samaritans, information night, first Wednesday of each month, those who have lost a loved one or friend to suicide meet the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m., Samaritan Center, 169 East St., Methuen; 978-688-0030.
Surviving the Death of a Loved One, every Wednesday for four weeks, New Hall, St. Basil's Salvatorian Center, 30 East St., Methuen; Patti at Merrimack Valley Hospice, 800-475-8335 Ext. 4539.
Cancer
Sheila Brodie-Zetlan Support Group meets every Monday, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Holy Family Hospital, Chapel, Cremin Suite, free. This group welcomes women dealing with breast cancer. Please note that the schedule is subject to change. Prior to attending your first meeting, call Joanne Voigt at 978-687-0156, ext. 4179.
Angela Pisick Cancer Support Group meets the first and third Wednesday of every month, 6 to 7 p.m. at Holy Family Cancer Management Center, Main Lobby, free. Additional information available. Prior to attending your first meeting, call 978-687-0156, ext. 2021.
Chronic disease
Chronic disease self management is for anyone living with an ongoing medical condition such as arthritis, asthma, cancer, chronic back pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, fibromyalgia, heart disease, high blood pressure, lupus, Parkinson's disease or stroke. Sponsored by Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and Lowell General Hospital. Meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2 p.m. in Hanchett Auditorium. For more information, call 978-937-6038.
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America support group meets the third Wednesday of each month, 7 to 9 p.m. at Holy Family Hospital, First Floor Board Room, free, contact the New England Chapter of CCFA at 800-314-3459, ext. 13 or visit www.ccfa.org prior to attending your first meeting.
Diabetes
Diabetes support group meetings: third Wednesday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Mary Breen 603-898-5023.
Domestic violence
Free therapeutic educational program for children ages 3 to 17 who have been affected by their exposure to domestic violence in the home. For more information and to register, call Michele at 978- 989-9361.
DIVORCE
"DivorceCare" meets Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Atkinson Community Center, 4 Main St., Atkinson, N.H. Weekly seminar focuses on ways to heal from the hurt of divorce. Registration required. To register, call Jean at 603-362-4753 or Denise at 603-489-1172 after 6 p.m.
Separated and Divorced nondenominational support group, meets Mondays, 7:30 to 10 p.m. in the Center for Education and Ministry of St. Augustine's Parish, second floor, 35 Essex Street, Andover. Call John Matera at 978-852-7827, e-mail j.matera@comcast.net or call the Parish Office at 978-475-0050 and ask for the ministries coordinator.
Down syndrome
"Celebrating Our Special Gifts," a Down syndrome LGH Support Group provides support and education for parents of children with Down syndrome. Parents encourage and strengthen each other, sharing experiences, knowledge and understanding, to enrich the lives of their children so they may reach their fullest potential. Meets third Monday of month, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Clark Auditorium at Lowell General Hospital. Parents of children of all ages are invited. (Children welcome.) Call group leader Linda at 978-459-6854.
Gay/lesbian
PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), Merrimack Valley Chapter, providing support, education, and advocacy, meets the second Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Andover, 6 Locke St., Andover. Co-facilitators are Bob Zimmerman and Rev. Ralph Galen. Call 978-475-4454, or send an e-mail to PFLAGinAndoverMA@aol.com.
HIV/AIDS
AIDS Action of Andover Mothers Group, for mothers and other family members of people who are HIV positive or have AIDS, twice monthly; 978-470-2626.
Lyme disease
Lyme disease support group, offering information and support, second Tuesday of every month, 7 to 9 p.m., Heritage at Danvers, 9 Summer St., Danvers; Kay Lyon 978-468-6336; www.lymesite.com.
Mental health
Caregivers of the mentally ill offers a free support group for caregivers, friends and family of people suffering from severe mental illness. For more information and to register, call Karen at 978-725-2537.
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), Greater Lawrence, meets every third Thursday of the month, 7 to 9 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 57 Peters St., North Andover; 978-475-0875.
Multiple sclerosis
There are three support groups for multiple sclerosis in the area: Dracut — TW'S Pub, 10 a.m., second Wednesday of month, call Lori 978-441-0515 or Carolyn 978-459-7531; Atkinson, N.H. — Atkinson Community Center, 10 a.m., third Wednesday of month, call Helen 603-382-1222; and Methuen — Nevins Nursing Facility, 10 a.m., fourth Monday of month, call Marcia 978-474-0075.
Pacemakers
Pacemaker-Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Support Group is a support group for Pacemaker and ICD recipients, their families and friends. Sponsored by the Lowell General Hospital with the support of device manufacturers, the group offers a forum for education and network for support. Meets the second Thursday evening every other month at Lowell General Hospital at no cost. To register or for more information, call 978-937-6326
Parenting
Responsible Fatherhood Program, for both custodial and non-custodial dads who wish to learn the qualities and characteristics of responsible fatherhood, meets for 12-weeks at the Holy Family Hospital, Methuen. Tuesdays, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (Spanish-speaking dads), Wednesdays, 1 to 2:30 p.m., and Thursdays, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Call 978-989-0607.
LGH New Mothers Support Group is a drop-in support group for new mothers. Provides a place to come with questions and concerns or to meet other new mothers. Meets in the Lowell Room every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon. Free and registration is not necessary. LGH Registered Nurses/lactation consultants lead this group. Call Doreen Gallant or Laurie Sanz at 978-937-6334.
ADD/ADHD support group, meets third Thursday of every month, Belleville Church, 300 High St., Newburyport; Lisa Figliola 978-948-7310.
Coalition for the Preservation of Fatherhood Merrimack Valley chapter meets at the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., Haverhill, on second and fourth Tuesdays each month, 7 p.m.; Alan Finger 978-372-2648.
More S.T.E.P., a follow-up peer support group for those who have completed the S.T.E.P. program, 9:15-10:45 a.m., the second Wednesday of each month, South Church, 41 Central St.; Gretchen Keohane 978-475-5711, or Janice Holden 978-475-8293.
Parents Anonymous meets weekly in Haverhill, Lowell and Lawrence, no fees or dues; 1-800-882-1250.
Merrimack Valley Mothers of Twins meets monthly on the third Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., in the Forest Street Church, Forest Street, Methuen; Lisa 978-475-4192 or visit the Web site www.merrimackvalleymmota.org.
Mother of Multiples, Nashoba Valley Mothers of Multiples, second Monday of each month, First Parish Church United, Westford; Mary Johnson 978-256-4111.
Mother of Twins Club, meets monthly in Saugus; Allene Crusco 617-245-3556 or Katie Monahan 664-4545.
Feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, anxious, or isolated as a parent or guardian? Parents Helping Parents offers free, confidential and anonymous weekly support groups for parents throughout Massachusetts. Share experiences and get support and encouragement from other parents. Call toll free 1-800-632-8188.
Parents of Children with Bipolar Disorder offers discussion time, with occasional guest experts. Meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month (unless school is closed for a holiday or other reason), 7-8:30 p.m., no fee, all parents are welcome, Wood Hill Middle School; facilitators Amanda Preston or Dana Hayward 978-475-8737, bpparents@comcast.net.
Parental Stress Line, toll free, 1-800-632-8188. Free, 24-hour, statewide hot line to defuse parental stress. Telephone volunteers are needed to take four-hour weekly shifts. After training in Watertown office, volunteers have the option to take calls from home via a call-forwarding system. E-mail info@parentshelpingparents.org or call 617-926-5008, ext. 101 for information on volunteering.
Parents without Partners Minuteman Chapter 817 welcomes newcomers to an orientation meeting, second and fourth Tuesdays of month, St. Margaret's Parish Hall, 111 Winn St., Burlington, 7:30 p.m.; 978-667-6834.
Single parent group meets the second Sunday of each month from 2:30-4 p.m. at First Church Congregational, 4 Georgetown Road, Boxford; Laura 978-978-688-6528.
Psoriasis
Support group sponsored by National Psoriasis Foundation, meets the first Wednesday of each month, 7-9 p.m., Heritage at North Andover, 700 Chickering Road, North Andover; Patricia Wood 978-475-2774.
Seniors
Seniors in motion program, for seniors and disabled individuals with needed mobility assistance; 800-594-1225.
Sleep apnea
American Sleep Apnea Association's "Alert, Well and Keeping Energetic (A.W.A.K.E.)" is a health awareness group for people affected by sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea, or are close to someone who does, call Lowell General Hospital and AWAKE at 978-788-7158.
Smoking
Smoking cessation — Nicotine Anonymous, a support group to help stop the nicotine habit, meets every Wednesday evening, 7-8 p.m., Faith Lutheran Church, 360 South Main St., Andover, 978-475-0183.
Suicide Prevention
Safe Place, peer led support group for those who have lost a loved one or friend to suicide, meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Michael's Church, 196 Main St., North Andover. Call Debbie at 978-688-0030.
Samaritans, a suicide prevention center, 430 N. Canal St., Lawrence. Crisis help lines, 866-912-4673 and 978-688-6607. Both lines are confidential and operate 24/7. Information, 978-688-0030.
Wellness
Foundation for Wellness Professionals, a nonprofit organization, has a local volunteer who can provide programs, free of charge, to clubs, churches, organizations, or businesses. Topics include, "3 Solutions to Health," "New Ways to Eliminate Pain," "Relief for Fibromyalgia" and "Balancing Hormones Naturally." For a free wellness workshop or screening, call 978-794-8100.
Women
Crisis Center, the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center (formerly the Women's Crisis Center), empowers community members to live free from fear, intimidation, violence or the threat of abuse by providing support, advocacy and education; services include 24/7 hot line, counseling, court advocacy, support groups, child care advocacy, education and outreach, Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; calls to the hot line, 978-388-1888, are confidential.
Female incest survivors, confidential meeting facilitated by sexual assault staff member at YWCA of Greater Lawrence, Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., 38 Lawrence St., Lawrence; Bonnie Bruno 978-687-0331.
