SafePlace

SafePlace is a open group of caring people who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide. SafePlace is not a professional therapy group; rather it is peer support. The facilitator is a trained Samaritan Befriender who has lost a loved one to suicide. SafePlace provides an atmosphere of acceptance for exploring feelings that are often not understood by others. It offers a chance to share helpful resources, and to give and get support through the long grief process.

SafePlace is a place to talk, or to be silent. Here, you can listen, grieve and share. You will be accepted and understood. And you will have the opportunity to offer the acceptance and understanding that someone else may need.

Each meeting is anchored by a Samaritans’ facilitator to ensure that the meeting location is open and the meeting starts on time. There are no formal programs or presentations. Meetings are not connected or continuous, but rather, each meeting has a life of its own, dictated by the active participants. Each meeting opens with a statement of purpose, remains open for two hours, and concludes promptly.

Group members share their own stories at their own pace. No one is forced to speak out, and members can develop their relationship with the group in their own time and desired level of intimacy.

Current SafePlace locations are in Medford, Boston, Quincy, Framingham and Worcester.

The Medford group meets on the first and third Thursday of the month from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

The Boston group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

The Quincy group meets on the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

The Framingham group meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Note: The Framingham group will have a new meeting place as of May 14, 2008. Please contact the facilitators for more information.

The Worcester group meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

To contact the facilitators, click here.

Survivor to Survivor Network

When you are coping with the loss of a loved one to suicide, the most helpful support and comfort can come from someone who has been through a similar loss. The Survivor to Survivor Network is a program in which trained volunteers who have themselves lost a loved one to suicide are available to visit those who are experiencing a new loss to listen, to talk and to provide support and resources. Volunteers who have had time to regain their strength and balance after a suicide loss are carefully screened and trained by Samaritans to offer trustworthy support to those who most need it. They visit in pairs, offering emotional strength and practical information.

Interested in more information? Contact the Director of Grief Support Services.

Befriending Services

Samaritans is always available with a 24-hour telephone helpline. This unique service is staffed by trained volunteers who provide unconditional support to anyone dealing with difficult issues, including the loss of a loved one to suicide. Samaritans helpline volunteers understand the pain and complicated emotions that survivors can face. They make no judgements and no demands. They simply provide a listening ear, someone who will understand your feelings, someone who knows what help is available. Find out more.

Annual SafePlace Memorial Service

In January Samaritans hosts an annual memorial service open to all suicide survivors. Those who attend range from people who have suffered a recent loss to people who are remembering a loved one lost to suicide years ago. Everyone has the opportunity to participate in this non-denominational service to commemorate those who have died and keep their memories alive - whether through the submission of a song, a poem, or a photograph; by saying a few words at the service; or simply by being present. As with all Samaritans programs, there is no fee for participation. Email for more information.

Running for Someone Else's Life

Every fall Samaritans organizes a 5k run/walk and family festival to raise awareness of suicide prevention and to honor the memories of those lost to suicide. Many run or walk in teams to remember a friend or family member, and the teams have an opportunity to create web pages on the Samaritans site to honor a loved one and to help raise sponsorship funds. Find out more