LAURINBURG — Dealing with the death of a relative or close friend can create a wide range of emotions and feelings. Developing the skills to navigate the many stages of grief and sharing those feelings with others who have experienced a similar loss are the goals of an ongoing grief support group that will begin meeting at 5:30 p.m. July 20 at Hospice of Scotland County.

The support group will meet monthly on the third Tuesday of each month. The meetings, which will be held at the Hospice of Scotland County offices at 610 Lauchwood Drive in Laurinburg, are free and open to anyone who is coping with grief. Those interested in attending are asked to call Tanya Williams, Bereavement Coordinator at Hospice of Scotland County, at (910) 276-7176, or toll-free at (877) 276-7176.

Topics include understanding grief, accepting and expressing the feelings associated with grief and stress and coping. Each session offers the chance to share feelings and emotions with others who are experiencing grief.

“Many times, hearing someone else’s story gives us the strength to deal with grief and helps us realize we are not alone,” says Williams. “Through those stories, as well as examining some proven strategies for coping with grief, we hope each participant will come away with a refreshed, renewed spirit.”