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 that 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 is also supplied.

Bereavement support meetings will be held weekly throughout the summer. Sessions will take place on Friday mornings from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Bellmore Senior Center, 2000 Bellmore Avenue in Bellmore. The sessions in Bellmore will be held on consecutive Fridays from July 7 through Aug. 25. These sessions are specifically for those who have suffered the loss of a spouse. Bereavement sessions will reconvene in the fall in the Department of Senior Enrichment's Hempstead classroom, for those who have lost a spouse, child or grandchild. Please call for a complete schedule.

Caregiver groups are available to anyone who may benefit by attending. The next Caregivers group sessions will be held in the fall at 200 North Franklin Street in Hempstead at the office of the Department of Senior Enrichment on Wednesday mornings, Sept. 13, Oct. 4, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

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 Bereavement support group, or the Caregiver's support group, please call 485-8100 and ask for ext. 279.

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 the senior citizen in your life.