Franciscan Health Hosts Men’s Bereavement Group in August & September in Indianapolis
Clyde Peddycord had never taught a class or led a support group, but a few months after his wife died in 2021, he was determined to set up a support group for men who were grieving over the death of a spouse or loved one.
Out of this determination came the creation of the men’s bereavement group that is hosted a couple of times a year at the Franciscan Hospice House in Indianapolis.
“There were a lot of mixed groups, but not a men’s-only group,” said Peddycord. “Men have a tendency not to share. They keep things close to the vest, so I thought if we had a men’s group, maybe they would feel a little more comfortable in sharing and understanding that they’re not the only ones suffering.”
Peddycord, who lives on the south side of Indianapolis, has led about a half dozen sessions of the men’s bereavement group over the last few years. The camaraderie that forms between the men who attend the group keeps Peddycord motivated to continue leading the sessions.
“It’s the idea that you are not alone, that everybody is feeling very similar things,” he said. “There may be things that some of the guys have not been able to feel comfortable sharing, but they find that they’re not alone in that.
“It is a rewarding feeling leading the group, knowing that I am giving back to society. I know that other people have helped me get to where I am and I can now turn around and help others.”
While he goes into each meeting with an outline of topics, Peddycord allows the session to go in whatever direction attendees would like it to, in terms of what they are dealing with and the emotions they may be feeling on that day.
“We start the very first session by going around the room and everyone has about five or 10 minutes to tell their story about what’s happened to them and what brought them to the group,” said Peddycord. “One person will say something and the next person shares that they felt the same way and all of a sudden it becomes accepted that you are not alone.”
The group will meet on six consecutive Tuesday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. from August 5 through September 9 at the Franciscan Hospice House in Indianapolis.
“I try to explain how grief affects people differently, speaking from my own experience,” said Peddycord. “I think by doing that, they get the idea and realize this is open to them if they want to join the group.
“Those who attend can see where others have been and where they are now. This is certainly a process and they can benefit from it.”
The group is open to men who are grieving over the death of a loved one. It is free, but registration is required. To register, call (317) 528-2636.
The Franciscan Hospice House is located at 8414 Franciscan Lane in Indianapolis.