The Counseling Service for the Elderly operates support groups for elderly people in various crisis situations which occur at this stage of their lives.
The types of groups vary from one branch to another, and are determined according to the unique needs of the local population. Support groups are mainly intended for widows and widowers.
Support groups take place at all local branches of the National Insurance throughout the year. Further information on support groups to be held in the near future may be obtained at "activities of the local NII branches in the community", or by telephone at *9696 or 02-6709857. A message can be left.
Support groups for widows and widowers
Support groups for elderly widows and widowers are held and all the branches. The main purpose of these groups is to provide emotional assistance during the crisis and support in preparing to return to their normal lives.
The group facilitators are social workers and professionals in the field of elder counseling at the branches. The groups contain up to 15 participants and the meetings continue for about three months, once a week for two hours each time. Participation in the groups serves as a significant anchor for the participants - they share with other group members the process of working through their grief and coping with their personal loss, and they acquire the spiritual strength and personal validation they need to return to a normal life.
The support groups provide each participant with a sense of warmth, partnership and full acceptance by the group. At the end of the process, most of the participants leave with a renewed sense of strength, which enables them to go on.
Belonging to a support group also creates the connection between the participants and the counseling service itself and, if necessary, they can contact the service to obtain support.
To register please call the national support and information center, at *9696 or 02-6709857, or leave your details on this link: click to register.