Simi Valley Hospital is forming afternoon and evening bereavement support groups for those who have experienced the death of a loved one.

Both groups will meet every Thursday at the Simi Valley Hospital Aspen Outpatient Center conference room, 2750 N. Sycamore Drive, Simi Valley.

The first meeting for both groups will be Aug. 17 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 8:30 p.m. There is no charge to attend either group.

The groups will be facilitated by Chaplain Ron Hyrchuk, hospital director of spiritual care services, who has more than a decade of experience in helping others work through the death of a loved one.

"Individuals who are suffering from a loss need a safe place to give expression to their feelings, their questions and emotions," said Hyrchuk. "Though the pain can feel overwhelming, the wounds are not visible to others. It feels like their world has come apart and yet they are expected to 'get over it,' 'move on' or 'start over.' The process of healthy grieving, recovery and healing can take a very long time."

For more information, call the chaplain's office at (805) 9556225.