FARMINGTON – As part of the Franklin County expansion, the Program for Grieving Children and Teens will hold its first eight-week session beginning Wednesday, Oct. 12, at Franklin Memorial Hospital. The program provide support for children and teenagers, ages 3 to 18, who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, relative or friend. Each of the eight sessions will run from 7 to 8 p.m.

Founded in 1998, A Program for Grieving Children and Teens is co-sponsored by St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice and Franklin Community Health Network and serves families from Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford and northern Cumberland counties at no charge.

Children meet weekly in groups for age-appropriate activities, games, art and other forms of self-expression. Adults meet at the same time to support one another and discuss ways to best meet their families’ needs. Groups are led by volunteers who have completed a 27-hour training.

To enroll in the program, a parent or adult support person should accompany a child or teen. Grandparents are also encouraged to participate.

Preregistration is required so families can meet with program volunteers before the session begins.

In addition to sessions during the year, the program offers educational resources to the community and one-day workshops.

For more information about the program or to preregister, contact Joan Spitzform, bereavement assistant, at Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, 777-7740 or 1-800-482-7412, ext. 1460.