Online Support Group for Parents Bereaved of a School Aged Child (Aged 4 - 16 years)

6 March 2025, 19.00 – 20.30

Online via Zoom

We’re sorry but this online support group is now fully booked. We do give priority to those who have not attended a group before and we do sometimes have cancellations so if you would like to attend please email us at events@tcf.org.uk to go on the waiting list. Thank you.

These groups are suitable for parents who have been bereaved for at least three months. If your loss is more recent (under three months), we encourage you to contact our helpline for one-to-one listening support on 0345 123 2304 – our helpline team are all bereaved parent volunteers.

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As parents we experience both joy and challenges as we watch our children leave infancy behind. They grow and change, perhaps begin infant, primary and secondary school and make their childhood and/or teenage friendships. Tragically, when our child dies, our dreams for the life that our child has ahead of them is shattered. Their dying brings unspeakable sadness, devastation, intense pain, shock and loneliness. It might not seem possible that it is even real – it is so out of the natural order for our child to die before us. It is not easy to adjust to life without our beloved child, and it will take us time to find our way through this pain and heartbreak.

This occasional online group offers parents bereaved of a child between 4 and 16 years old an opportunity to share together and find understanding and empathy. While in the group we acknowledge the cause of our child’s death, our focus will be on the profound impact of our loss and how we navigate life in its aftermath. The group offers a space to connect with other parents, share experiences, and find reassurance and comfort in mutual support.

What parents have said in a previous group:

“... we all had a chance to talk about how we felt, in a supported environment It was so good to hear that others feel the same things I do about a child who has died. The same questions about how to manage milestones and family and friends and comments. It is so helpful to know I am not alone, even though we are all physically isolated behind our screens.”

“I have previously attended my local group and was a bit apprehensive about attending an online group however I was pleasantly surprised and found it helpful.... To know you are in an environment of others who just “get it” is really comforting.”

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

This online support group is for parents who are bereaved of a child from the age of 4 - 16 years.

To ensure the group remains as supportive as possible, we limit the number of attendees. Once you book, you will receive further details and the Zoom link closer to the meeting date. If you do not receive the link by the day of the meeting, please check your spam or junk folders. For any queries, please contact info@tcf.org.uk.

When you book for this group, you will be directed to a webpage where we ask you to share some details about your bereavement including whether you are already receiving support from our charity. We appreciate the strong need to share what has happened particularly in the early months and years of our loss – however, to ensure we keep our groups as safe and supportive as possible, we ask that everyone shares the time equally during the sessions, We ask too that no graphic details are shared given these can be triggering and traumatising for everyone.

We kindly ask that you join the group using a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet to ensure the best experience. If you use a mobile phone, you may not be able to see all other participants in the session which can detract from the group experience for you and for other attendees. We ask too that you keep your video on throughout the session.

Please note that our online support groups are facilitated by bereaved parent volunteers who are not professionals. What we hope to offer is a uniquely warm, understanding, and supportive space led by parents who have also experienced the loss of a child and have found connection and hope through The Compassionate Friends.

Since spaces are limited, please book via this webpage to secure your place. Bookings can only be made online. If the session is full, priority will be given to parents who have not attended a Compassionate Friends online support group before.

For any further questions, please contact events@tcf.org.uk.

Please note: This group is for bereaved parents in the UK only. If you are joining from outside the UK, please email us at events@tcf.org.uk for further guidance.

If you are very newly bereaved:
Please note that our online support groups are not suitable for parents who are very newly bereaved. In the early weeks when we are experiencing such raw, vulnerable grief, online support can’t offer the physical presence, comfort and reassurance needed. In some situations, we may contact you to determine if our online group is the right support for you at this time even if you are more than 3 months’ bereaved.

For any further questions, please contact events@tcf.org.uk