Heartbeat GJ
Survivors After Suicide Loss
Heartbeat was organized to help survivors absorb the impact of the self-inflicted death, to offer comfort of empathy, understanding and to support each other toward a healthy resolution to the grief.
Please contact us via email at gjheartbeat@gmail.com if you have any issues using this site. We appreciate your patience.
No matter where you are in your grief journey, you are among those who listen with compassion and understanding.
Heartbeat Fundraiser - Calamity Janes Tattoo and Piercing is hosting a fundraiser for us on Saturday, November 9th, from 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., for ages 18 and up. Under age 18 must have parental permission and special paperwork. Participants pay for a Semi Colon (;) tattoo and all proceeds go to Heartbeat. This symbol is for hope, strength, and resilience in the face of and support for those experiencing mental health issues. For more information call (970) 424-5065.
Topic for November 2024: Open Discussion - Sometimes we just need to talk about our loved one, our grief, or where we're at in our grief journey, etc. We don't require anyone to share. We just hold a safe, confidential space to share, listen, and learn.
Topic for December 2024 - Wishing Upon A Star: Wishing upon a star won't bring our loved one back. But what can we wish for that can come true as it pertains to how life is now after loss? In lieu of our ususal December Candlelight Ceremony, we will still have the opportunity to light candles in memory of our loved ones, but will focus more on sharing. Feel free to bring your or your loved one's favorite food or snack to share.
Informal Coffee meetings every 2nd Saturday of each month, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Come and be with other loss survivors in this informal coffee gathering at 4 Winds Coffee (corner of Bookcliff Ave. and 12th St. in Grand Junction) You're not required to stay the whole time, come for whatever length of time during this time frame. A chance to socialize without having to 'put on a happy face'.
Our meetings offer an opportunity to share and learn ways of coping with grief and stress through discussion and activities. We do not require anyone to have to talk. Just listening can be enlightening. We are always open to suggestions for topics or activities. We do not walk alone.
Upcoming event: Save the date - Saturday, November 23, 2024 - A Day of Remembrance. We will repeat this event again this year with crafts and activities, a memorial ceremony, and a lantern float on the lake, from 3-6 p.m., at Martins Mortuary, 550 North Ave, Grand Junction. Registration is required for this free event! Please email us at gjheartbeat@gmail.com to register. Those who attended last year really enjoyed the many activities, music, food, ceremony and lantern floating. Please join us in remembering loved ones who have died by suicide.
If you or someone you know is in need of support,and you’d like to talk to a peer, warmline.org contains links to warmlines in every state. For peer support in Colorado call 1-844-493-(TALK) and press *, or text “TALK” to 38255. The national suicide hotline number is 1-800-273-TALK, with a chat option, or text ‘HOME’ TO 741741. New National Hotline 988.
NOTE: Many crisis related resources could utilize restrictive interventions, like active rescues (wellness or welfare checks) involving law enforcement or emergency services. A warmline is least likely to do this, but may still have such policies. You can ask if this is a possibility at any point in your conversation if this is a concern for you.
LOCAL IN-PERSON SUPPORT FOR LOSS SURVIVORS
GriefShare - GriefShare groups meet weekly to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. Christian centered program. griefshare.org
HopeWest Kids - Grades K-12: Grief support, classes, and camps for children and teens. hopewestco.org/hopewest-kids
The Compassionate Friends - Mesa - Child, grandchild, and sibling loss support group. The Compassionate Friends are welcoming to suicide loss survivors. Through The Compassionate Friend’s website, there are more print, virtual, and social media support options.compassionatefriends.org
NEW - The Heartlight Center now has a support group meeting on the 4th Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m., at Taylor's Funeral Home in Delta. $15 donation suggested. Some groups meet at Brown's Funeral Home. A virtual group meets via Zoom on the 2nd Thursdays at 7 p.m. Registration required. Contact Carrie Bauer at cbauer@heartlightcenter.org or call 720-748-9908, for more information on new groups or opportunities on grief support.
FORUMS, PHONE, PRINT, & VIRTUAL
Alliance of Hope for Suicide Survivors - Offering loss survivor resources and an 24/7 online discussion forum where you can connect with others who’ve lost a loved one to suicide. Allianceofhope.org
Colorado Grief Care - Downloadable pamphlets for people bereaved by suicide in Mesa County. coloradogriefcare.org
Friends for Survival - Monthly newsletter, virtual suicide loss support group meetings, and printed resources. Friendsforsurvival.org
Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing - for those who have lost someone to substance use or addiction. Print, virtual, and social media support resources. Grasphelp.org
iCare Packages - iCare packages contain resources to help support an individual or family with the loss of a loved one to suicide. Suicidepreventioncolorado.org/icare-packages
The Dougy Center - Online print and virtual resources for children, teens, young adults and their families grieving a death can share their experiences. Dougy.org
Veterans Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) - Offering compassionate support to those who lost a loved one while serving in the Armed Forces. Mesa County does not have an active TAPS chapter, though the Grand Junction VA Medical Center does have several peer and clinical providers trained in suicide loss support. Taps.org
ManTherapy - Designed for helping men with grief, loss, stress, feelings, and general issues, in a way that appeals to men. Hosted by Richard Mahogany, Mantherapy.org.
If you are struggling to find resources for any needs go to https://www.mesacounty.us>Grandvalleyconnects.com. Don't let a lack of resources to help you in life's situations become a crisis. There are solutions! They will help you find and connect to resources that can help.