Gentle Guidance When
You Need It Most

Welcome. Whether you're processing loss, stepping into peer support, or facilitating healing through creative presence, you're not alone. Below are trusted tools, companioning guidance, and practical resources aligned with Maker:Grief's heart-centered approach.

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• Companioning & Peer Support Principles

What is Companioning?

A grief-centered approach rooted in Alan Wolfelt's philosophy: walking with someone-just as they are— without fixing, advising, or minimizing grief.

• Introduction to Companioning the Bereaved by Dr. Alan Wolfelt (PDF) - an accessible primer on grief companioning Grief and Loss Center for Loss 

• Peer Companioning Handout (Maker:Grief) - Downloadable guide to sitting with grief through presence and creative making (self-authored based on our model)

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Postvention Guides & Support Structures

Essential for individuals and communities coping with suicide loss:

• Suicide Postvention Toolkit (Fairfax County) - A clear, downloadable toolkit on safe communication, commemoration, and grief support protocols.

• National Guidelines for Postvention (SPRC) - A  resource outlining community and organizational best practices 

• TAPS Suicide Postvention Model​

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Peer-Led Grief Support Options

• Online & Local Support Groups (Grief and Loss In Motion / Trumbull County LOSS Team) - Informal peer-led circles sharing stories, support, and validation in a safe setting Grief and Loss 

• Volunteer & Companion Training Opportunities - Several peer and LOSS volunteer roles available, including grief companions trained via programs like NAMI Ohio and TAPS Grief and Loss. Our favorites:

  • Light After Loss​

  • loss community services 

  • Griefwords Library

 

Immediate Support & Crisis Response

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Available 24/7 via call, text, or chat for free, confidential support in the U.S.

• AFSP's Suicide Loss Support Resources - AFSP's Suicide Loss Support Resources - Includes support groups, book recommendations, survivor stories, and local chapter directories

 

Recommended Reading for Grief Survivors

Trusted books offering guidance, hope, and validation after suicide loss:

• After Suicide Loss: Coping with Your Grief - by Jack
  Jordan & Bob Baugher

• The Gift of Second: Healing from the Impact of Suicide - by Brandy Lidbeck

• Reaching Out after Suicide: What's Helpful and
  What's Not - by Linda H. Kilburn AFSP 

• Understanding Your Suicide Loss- by Dr, Alan Wolfelt

 

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If you are...

Supporting a peer

Grieving suicide loss

A facilitator or community leader

Feeling overwhelmed...

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Remember,

You don't need to be a clinician to companion with compassion. 

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