Support groups offer outstanding opportunities for people to share feelings with others who are faced with similar difficult circumstances. The Town of Hempstead's Department of Senior Enrichment offers two different support groups which go a long way toward helping people cope with difficult times, and are extremely beneficial in helping to make the lives of all concerned just a little bit easier.

Support groups are available for those who must provide care for a spouse, relative or friend. Another group meets to offer bereavement support to those who have lost a loved one and need to have the opportunity to meet and be with people who have had similar experiences.

If you are caring for a parent, spouse or sibling, the need to communicate, to reduce stress and to learn to manage anxiety and guilt becomes a vital part of your own health and well-being. Information on community resources, financial and legal issues are also addressed.

Caregiver groups are available to anyone who may benefit by attending. The next Caregivers group sessions will meet on Wednesday, June 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. at 200 North Franklin Street in Hempstead; and on Wednesday, July 8 and August 12 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Lido Beach Town Park. Weekly Caregiver support sessions will commence in the fall.

Bereavement support meetings are held weekly and will continue throughout the summer. The next meetings will be held on Thursday, June 11 and 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. at 200 North Franklin Street in Hempstead. This will be followed by a Friday morning meeting on July 3 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Merrick Senior Center. Thursday, July 9 and 16 meetings will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Lido Beach Town Park.

Sharing feelings helps to ease loneliness and encourages the expression of grief in an accepting atmosphere of understanding.

For more information or to participate in either the Caregiver's support group, or the Breavement support group, please call the Department of Senior Enrichment at 485-8100 and ask for extension 279.

On behalf of all the members of the Hempstead Town Board, I urge you to take advantage of the many wonderful programs offered by our Department of Senior Enrichment. Please call them today. There is sure to be a program of interest to you or to the senior citizen in your life.