The Full Circle Grief Recovery Group marked its four-year anniversary in September and has helped scores of local residents deal with the loss of loved ones.

Launched in mid-2007 by the Our Angels Foundation and Cayman HospiceCare, Full Circle was the first group of its kind in the Cayman Islands to bring people together to discuss their emotions and various stages of grief. Participation in the weekly group meetings held at the Conch Shell House is kept confidential and because it is facilitated by a professional counselor,  the group has reached a broad section of the community.

Those attending the grief recovery group include people who have lost children, wives, brothers, sisters, partners and parents, explains local counselor and the group’s facilitator, Terry Delaney.

“There are different stages of grief, which can range from anger to loneliness to confusion and on occasion family members can’t understand what they and their family are going through,” Mr. Delaney said. “The real benefit of this group is that it gives people a chance to go to a safe setting where there is no judgment or criticism.”

The concept of a professionally led Recovery Group evolved from the original “Our Angels” peer support group which began 11 years ago.  The Full Circle Recovery Group officially began as a joint venture of  the Our Angels Foundation and Cayman HospiceCare. These two outstanding organizations shared responsibility for the operations of the grief recovery group and worked diligently to build the program into the viable and successful service. A little over a year ago, HospiceCare took over full responsibility for the administration and continuation of the Recovery Group.

Continuing their recognition of  the need for this valuable community service, KPMG, one of the original corporate sponsors of the group, which was consistent throughout  all these years, recently provided additional support during the transition to HospiceCare.

“It is important to all at Cayman HospiceCare that we not only care for our patients, but also that we care for their families and friends,” said Jennifer Grant-McCarthy, HospiceCare Operations and Fundraising Manager. “With Full Circle as the bereavement arm of our charity, we are better equipped to help people deal with the emotions of losses both experienced as well as yet to come.

She added, “Our hope is that this helps in relieving some of the feelings of isolation that come with grief and loss.”

Full Circle is a professionally led group at 6 pm every Wednesday evening at the Conch Shell House, located across the street from CUC on North Sound Road.

“Often, people attend the group meetings for weeks or just on occasion as they feel they need to attend,” explained Mr. Delaney.

“There is no obligation attached to attending the group. The service continues to be provided without any fee due to the ongoing support of HospiceCare and their generous benefactors,” said Mr. Delaney.