Support Groups

For more information on any of these programs, please call Griffin InfoSource at (203) 732-7211, unless otherwise indicated.

Griffin offers the opportunity to find encouragement and information with the following support groups:

Bereavement Support Group

The Griffin Hospital Bereavement support group meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month (excluding holidays), from 2:30 - 3:30. Adults of all ages meet weekly to share their thoughts, feelings and fears about their experiences. For more information, please call 203.732.1100.

Brain Injury Support Group (BIAC)

BIAC sponsors 18 support groups throughout Connecticut, all of which provide information, support, and encouragement to survivors and their loved ones, along with a welcome array of recreational activities.

It is always a good idea to call before attending to confirm that the time and location listed has not changed. Monthly meetings are held at Griffin Hospital on the third Monday of each month. Family members and caregivers are welcome to attend, as well. For information about the Griffin Hospital meetings, please call 203.732.7584.

To learn more about BIAC Support Groups, please call our office at 1-860-721-8111 Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, or our Help Line at 1-800-278-8242. You may also send us an email at bsage@biact.org.

Breast Cancer Support Group

This is a monthly group co-sponsored by Griffin Hospital and the Y-ME of Connecticut Breast Cancer Support Organization. Meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria Meeting Rooms. For breast cancer patients and survivors to share feelings, stories and receive educational resources and materials as we as information from guest speakers who are professionals in the field of breast cancer. Call 732-7566 or Griffin InfoSource at 732-7211.

Derby Diabetes Education Club

The Derby Diabetes Education Club, in conjunction with the American Diabetes Association meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 7:00 - 8:30 PM at Griffin Hospital to discuss the management of diabetes, it's challenges and day-to-day dietary concerns. This group is open to all patients and their families, at no charge. For further information, please call Diane at 203.732.7371.

Fibromyalgia Support Group

The Fibromyalgia support group meets on the last Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. in Griffin Hospital conference rooms, giving participants the opportunity to share information, offer encouragement and learn coping techniques for people affected with this condition. Fibromyalgia is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder which can interfere with all aspects of a person's life. Please call 732-7181 for further information.

H.U.G.S.(Help Unlimited Griffin Support)

Meets every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Griffin Hospital Cafeteria Meeting Rooms. This extremely upbeat, positive group of people share the commonality of being touched in some way by cancer. Many have attended for years and embrace new members into this family setting immediately. They share their laughter and their pain with total confidentiality and actively participate and support annual events such as "Cancer Survivor's Day" and Relay For Life. Traditionally, a summer picnic and a Christmas party are enjoyed. For further information, please call 732-7181.

Mom 2 Mom

Seeking companionship, support or guidance? Looking to meet other new mothers? Come join us for the Mom to Mom support group at the Griffin Hospital Childbirth Center. The meetings are designed for expectant mothers in their 3rd trimester and new mothers and their babies. Discussions will include a baby related topics, such as preparing for baby, family life, feeding and nutrition, as well as participants’ own questions and concerns. A play group / social hour will follow each hour-long meeting, so participants are encouraged to bring a toy along to share. Meetings are led by Shelly and Leigh-Anne, both of whom are registered nurses, childbirth educators, and experienced mothers. For more information call Shelly Taylor at 203.732.7595 or email to staylor@griffinhealth.org

Nursing Moms

This is a free support group for breastfeeding women and their babies which meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. The group is open to all pregnant and breastfeeding women regardless of where they delivered their baby. The group offers an opportunity for breastfeeding women to support and encourage each other, as well as provides the services of a Lactation Consultant to answer questions. For further information, please contact Griffin Childbirth Center at 732-7595, 732-7250 or 261-3714.

Sleep Apnea Support Group

Offered by the Griffin Hospital Sleep Wellness Center. The goal of the support group is to improve the quality of life in those affected by a sleeping disorder know as sleep apnea. There is no charge to attend. Usually held the last Wednesday of each month. Call Carol Ashley, CRT at 203.732.7571 or Griffin InfoSource at 203.732.7211 to confirm.

Registration for the listed support groups is requested. If it is a long distance call for you, please use Griffin Hospital's toll-free phone number: 1-800-354-3094 and ask for the InfoSource operator from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.