Online Support Group for Parents Bereaved of a Child with Complex Needs or Disabilities

6 May 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.

***

ABOUT THE GROUP

To be bereaved of a much-loved child is heart-breaking. Our child may have had additional needs such as learning difficulties, physical disabilities, mental health issues, neurodiversity, multiple health problems, a lifelong disability, complex needs, or a disability following an injury or illness. We may have been grieving already, in some respects. We may have already experienced the pain of watching our child deteriorate in health, or their health may have fluctuated over the years. 

There may have been uncertainty in the lead up to our child’s death. It might have appeared likely, or it might have been unexpected. Whether or not it was anticipated, it still might have come as a complete shock. We may have the sense that there was never enough time to say our goodbyes and create precious memories.

Please note our sharing together in this group will not focus mainly on the cause of death of our child but very much on the impact of our loss.

The group will offer you an opportunity to talk and share with other parents.

What parents have said after an earlier group:

‘...it was such a lovely feeling to meet other people, without judgement, to discuss issues that might be hard to discuss with others who have not been on this journey. I felt I really understood/connected with the other parents and that they understood me when I spoke. It felt validating, helped to ease the loneliness and shone a light on the different circumstances we were each experiencing from our trauma.’

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

This online support group is for parents who are bereaved of a child who had complex needs or disabilities. 

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