A new support group is hoping to give those dealing with the loss of a loved one through suicide a safe place to talk about issues with the hope that it may lead to healing.

Project Hope will hold its first meeting Monday at 5:30 p.m. at Living Community of St. Joseph located at 1202 Heartland Road. Cheri Dedman with Project Hope said they plan to host meetings going forward on the first Monday of each month.

“Your perspective on life really changes because somebody that you love has decided to end their life and it does pose a lot of questions. It makes most people rethink their life, about who they are, and their purpose and how they can get to a point where they feel like they can live normally again,” Dedman said.

She said the meeting is free and open to all adult survivors of suicide.

“Nothing is required. Just come where people have a common sorrow and find out if this might be a way that you can begin the healing process,” she said.

The program is not faith-based, or counseling or clinical. Dedman said it is a support group.

“As a facilitator I’m just there to listen. I’m probably not going to have anything to offer other than hope. If we need referrals there’s plenty of places that we can refer people for counseling,” she said. “We’re not designed to grieve alone. That is, I think one of the biggest areas with suicide loss is that people isolate themselves and they’re alone. What Project Hope is all about is community.”

For more information on Project Hope CLICK HERE.