VOLUNTEERS. Beacon Hospice Inc. of 100 Cummings Center is starting a seven-week volunteer training and orientation program..Orientation begins Thursday, March 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. and will be followed by volunteer training sessions on Thursdays, April 3 to 24, and May 5 to 8, from 6 to 9 p.m..All sessions will be at North Shore Community College, 100 Cummings Center in Beverly. Volunteers can provide much-needed support to patients and their families in a number of ways. Contact Jill Hurley, volunteer coordinator, at 978-524-9510.
SUPPORT FOR TEENS: The Center for Grief and Healing, 10 Elm St., Danvers, is offering Teens Living After Loss, a free workshop for teens who have lost a loved one, every other Monday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Teens ages 13 to 17 will participate in activities including art, music, writing and other expressive outlets. To register, call 978-750-9375 or e-mail jscully@hns.org.
PFLAG MEETING: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Persons (PFLAG) holds its monthly support group for North Shore residents on the first Tuesday of every month at the Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex St. Free. Call Marty Langlois or Jim Lynch at 978-927-2059.
DEMENTIA SUPPORT: An early stage dementia support group for patients is held the third Wednesday of each month from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Geriatric Care Center at Beverly Hospital. Call 978-774-4400, ext. 4022.
CARDIAC REHABILITATION: The Cardiac Rehabilitation Support Group, sponsored by Northeast Health System, is held the fourth Wednesday of each month at noon in the Cardiac Conference Room at Beverly Hospital. Call 978-922-3000, ext. 2710.
SUPPORT FOR PAIN AND FATIGUE
r North Shore Medical Center at Salem Hospital offers a free fibromyalgia support group at 81 Highland Ave. Sufferers will learn and share ways of coping with chronic pain. Call 800-NSMC-BEWELL for dates and times.
r A chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and IC/autoimmune support group meets the first Monday of every month from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. in Beverly Hospital's Board Room. Call Suzie at 978-535-1132.
r A Fibromyalgia/Chronic Pain Support Group meets the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Alternative Therapy Center, 24 Main St., Peabody. A Reiki and therapeutic massage clinic is offered the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Call Dot at 978-538-3692.
><p>
MALE SURVIVOR GROUP: The male survivor group, a program for men who have been sexually abused as adults or children, meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Health and Education Services, 131 Rantoul St. in Beverly. It is presented by the North Shore Rape Crisis Center and Victims of Crime and Loss There is no fee or registration required. Call Bill Hirschaut at 978-922-8182.
ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT
r Beverly Hospital hosts an Alzheimer's support group for caregivers the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Spectrum Center, 600 Cummings Center, Suite 176X, Beverly. The Spectrum Adult Day Health Program provides specialized care for those with Alzheimer's. For either program, call 978-921-5020, ext. 201.
r An early-stage Alzheimer's disease and dementia support group for those with Alzheimer's or dementia as well as their caregivers meets the second and fourth Thursdays of each month from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Center for Healthy Aging, 5 Lindall St., Danvers. To register, call 978-921-1697, ext. 226.
r Blueberry Hill Healthcare, 75 Brimbal Ave., Beverly, offers a monthly Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group the first Monday of the month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Call 978-927-2020.
r A support group for children ages 8 to 12 meets Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Geriatric Care Center at the Hunt Center, 75 Lindall St., Danvers. Call 978-774-4400, ext. 4007.
SUPPORT FOR WOMEN: The Women's Support Group of Beverly Bootstraps meets every Thursday at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 221 Cabot St. Women's health issues, such as nutrition and exercise, will be discussed. Free. Call 978-927-1561.
SUPPORT FOR ADDICTION
r Beverly Hospital offers a smoking cessation program at the Lifestyle Management Institute at Hunt Center, 75 Lindall St., Danvers. Call 978-774-4400, ext. 3011.
r A support group for families of drug-users and problem-drinkers meets at CAB Health & Recovery Services Inc. outpatient offices in Salem every Tuesday at 5:45 p.m. The free group is based on learning and education for the loved ones of those abusing substances. Participants learn about enabling, trust and legal issues and the 12-step recovery process. The group also meets Tuesday nights at the Danvers Treatment Center off Middleton Road. Call 978-740-1580 or 800-334-5512, or e-mail info@cabhealth.org.
r Food Addicts Anonymous meets Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon in the Library Conference Room at Beverly Hospital. Call 978-532-0574. For those interested in food addiction recovery.
CANCER SUPPORT
r North Shore Medical Center's Cancer Center offers a support group for children ages 6 to 12 years who have parents with cancer on Mondays from 4 to 5:30 p.m at 17 Centennial Drive in Peabody. Call 978-573-5390.
r A Parents with Cancer Support Group is being held at North Shore Medical Center Cancer Center, 17 Centennial Drive, Peabody. For dates and times, call 978-573-5390.
r Beverly Hospital hosts a breast cancer support group the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Herrick House. Call 978-922-3000, ext. 2405.
r North Shore Medical Center Breast Cancer Support Group meets the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 17 Centennial Drive, Peabody. Call Mary Anne Macaulay at 978-573-5318.
r The North Shore Medical Center Breast Cancer Support Group for Newly Diagnosed Patients meets Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cancer Center at 17 Centennial Drive, Peabody. Call Mary Anne Macaulay at 978-573-5318.
Beverly Hospital's general cancer support group meets the first Wednesday of the month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Garden Conference Room at the hospital. 978-922-3000, ext. 2710.
r The Social Work and Oncology Department at Beverly Hospital conducts a free cancer support group the first Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Garden Conference Room. Call 978-922-3000, ext. 2710.
r A Head and Neck Cancer support group meets at North Shore Medical Center Salem Hospital, 81 Highland Ave. in Salem. Call 978-573-5318 for dates and times.
r NSMC Cancer Center offers an ostomy support group the third Sunday of every other month, from 1 to 3 p.m., at 17 Centennial Drive, Peabody, in the Conference Room 102. Contact phone is 508-270-4656.
ABUSE SUPPORT: Greater Lynn Senior Services offers weekly support groups in Beverly, Gloucester and Lynn for women 50 and older who have experienced abuse from a spouse or partner, now or in the past. Abuse may be physical, emotional, financial or sexual in nature. Additional services are also available. All services are free and confidential. For information, call 800-594-5164 or 781-599-0110.
ANXIETY SUPPORT: Panic Relief Inc. is looking to form an anxiety and agoraphobia support group to meet Mondays and Tuesdays in Salem. If interested, call 732-940-9658.
MEMORY LOSS: Beverly Hospital offers a free support group for early stages of memory loss on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Hunt Center, 75 Lindall St., Danvers. Call 978-921-5020, ext. 2101.
NEUROPATHY SUPPORT: A support group meets monthly at Beverly Hospital, 85 Herrick St., Beverly. No fee or registration is required. For more information, contact group leader by e-mail at wpaster@adelphia.net or by calling 978-479-4339.
MEDICAL SUPPORT
NSMC Salem Hospital, 81 Highland Ave., Salem, offers the following support groups:
r A laryngectomy support group meets the second Saturday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m. in Conference Room 102. Call 978-774-9547.
r A stroke support group meets the third Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. Call 781-631-0114.
r A pacemaker and ICD support group meets at the hospital. Call 978-354-4507 for times and dates.
MENTAL ILLNESS: The National Alliance on Mental Illness hosts two support groups that both meet the third Tuesday of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Beverly Hospital, 85 Herrick St., Beverly. Family to Family is a group for families and caregivers of those diagnosed with brain disorders or mental illness. NAMI CARE is a group for consumers or anyone who has been diagnosed. Use the main entrance and follow NAMI signs. For more information, call the NAMI hot line at 877-221-6264.
CANCER WELLNESS: Sue's Circle of Hope, 76 Lafayette St., Salem, offers several programs for people dealing with cancer. A GYN Networking Group meets the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. On Tuesdays, Nurturing Spirits meets from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Yoga of the Heart from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Qi Gong meets Wednesdays from 4 to 5 p.m., and Nutrition Matters is held the first Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. All programs are free; register at 978-745-0541.
MELANOMA SUPPORT
r The Melanoma Foundation of New England hosts a melanoma support group the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Garden Conference Room on the first floor of Beverly Hospital, 85 Herrick St., Beverly. For more information or to register, call 978-922-3000, ext. 2710, or call the Melanoma Foundation at 617-232-1424.
r North Shore Medical Center offers a melanoma support group the first Monday of every month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cancer Center, 17 Centennial Drive, Peabody. Call 978-573-5390.
DIVORCE SUPPORT: DivorceCare, a Christian support group for those coping with divorce or separation from their spouse, meets Saturdays from 4 to 6 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Route 1, Topsfield. Call 978-887-5701.
DISABLED: A peer support group for people with disabilities meets on the third Tuesday each month from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Independent Living Center of the North Shore's office at 27 Congress St., Suite 107, in Salem. For more information, contact Marj Nagle at 978-741-0077, ext. 120, or Mnagle@ilcnsca.org. Refrain from wearing perfume or scented clothing, to accommodate those with chemical sensitivities.
LOSS SUPPORT
r GriefShare, a Christian support group for those mourning the death of a loved one, meets Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Route 1, Topsfield.
r Loss Support Group for those with a loss due to death, divorce or separation, meets every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary of the Annunciation Rectory, 24 Conant St., Danvers. Call Karlyne Horgan at 978-774-1967.
r An Infant Loss Support Group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Kauders Conference Room at Beverly Hospital. Registration is not required. For more information, call 978-236-1650.
r The VNA Care Hospice offers a free bereavement support group for adults coping with the loss of a loved one. Meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the VNA Care Network, 5 Federal St., Danvers. Call 978-777-6100.
LOSS SUPPORT: The Center for Grief and Healing at 78 Liberty St. in Danvers offers the following free winter/spring support groups for those grieving a loss:
r Surviving a Loss, one-time workshop, first Tuesday of every month, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
r Meal and More, social support dinner, second Monday of every month, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
r Young Widowed, Thursdays, through April 17, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
r Loss Due to Suicide, Mondays from March 10 to April 8, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
r Loss of an Adult Child, Tuesdays from March 25 to April 29, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
r Loss of a Special Needs Child, Thursdays, March 27 to May 22, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
r Adults Who Have Lost a Parent, Wednesdays, April 12 to May 7, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
r Loss of Spouse/Partner, Tuesdays, April 8 to May 27, 10:30 a.m. to noon., and Tuesdays, April 22 to June 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
r Women Who Have Lost Their Mothers, Wednesdays, April 9 to May 28, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
r Gay and Lesbian Loss, Tuesdays, April 15 to June 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: A program to help stop compulsive overeating is available at NSMC North Shore Children's Hospital, 57 Highland Ave., Salem. It meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. in Lynch Conference Room. For information, call 978-741-2381.
GRANDPARENTS SUPPORT: A support group for grandparents with custody of or responsibility for grandchildren is held at NSMC Women's Center, 1 Hutchinson Drive, Danvers, and NSMC Salem Hospital, 81 Highland Ave., Salem. Call 978-354-2660 for times and dates.
CAREGIVERS
r Hunt Nursing and Retirement Home, 90 Lindall St., Danvers, offers a free support group for caregivers the second Tuesday of every month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Call Henna at 978-777-3740, ext. 238.
r Landmark at Oceanview offers free caregivers support for those caring for an elder on the third Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 3 Essex St., Beverly. Call Trish Crean, 978-927-4227, ext. 27, to register.
r Caregivers Together meets the first and third Mondays of the month from 10:30 a.m. to noon and the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at North Shore Elder Services, 152 Sylvan St., Danvers. Call 978-750-4540.
r Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 292 Washington St., Gloucester, hosts a free dementia caregiver support group the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Cape Ann Way Room. Call 978-283-0300, ext. 127.
PROSTATE CANCER: A free prostate cancer support group meets the third Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at Ledgewood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on the campus of Beverly Hospital. Advance registration is not necessary. Call 978-236-1650.
PARKINSON'S DISEASE: Beverly Council on Aging hosts the North Shore Parkinson's Support Group meetings on the second Monday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Beverly Council on Aging, 90 Colon St., Beverly. Call Peggy at 978-887-2248.
POSTPARTUM ADJUSTMENT: Beverly Hospital, 85 Herrick St., Beverly, hosts a postpartum adjustment support group, to help those who struggle with life following the birth of a baby, the first and third Fridays of every month from 10 to 11 a.m. in the doctors' conference room on the first floor. Admission is free; no registration is required. Refreshments are served. Babies are welcome. Call 978-922-3000, ext. 2716.
SUPPORT FOR PARENTS
r The Parent to Parent Program at Children's Friend and Family Services in Salem offers a free service to parents in Beverly, Salem and Peabody who have a child with mental health issues or special needs. Call 339-440-1195 for more.
r North Shore Birth Center offers a free MotherTime support group on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon at the Birth Center in Beverly Hospital, 85 Herrick St., Beverly. Call 978-927-7880.
r Beverly Hospital offers monthly and weekly support programs and classes for first-time parents and their families that address prenatal and postpartum issues. They include courses in prenatal preparation, hypnobirthing, childbirth education for young women, healthy pregnancy for young women, sibling classes, and a refresher class on all these issues. The Hospital also offers a breast-feeding center, boot camp for first-time fathers, Mothertalk and young mother support groups, and courses on dealing with baby emergencies. Call 978-927-9103 for fees and times.
r La Leche League of Beverly offers a monthly information and support group for pregnant and breast-feeding women the second Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Peabody. Call Julie at 978-745-5586.
r The social work department at Beverly Hospital hosts a free program for young mothers, Connecting Young Moms, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Women's Health Building at Beverly Hospital. Call 978-922-3000, ext. 2720.
r North Shore Mothers of Multiples, a nonprofit support group for moms of twins and multiples, meets the second Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at First Church of Danvers, 41 Centre St., basement level, Danvers. Expectant mothers are welcome. Call 978-646-9406 or visit www.nsmom.org.
