National Gathering 2018

2 November 2018 – 4 November 2018

Sedgebrook Hall Hotel, Northamptonshire

THIS WEEKEND IS NOW FULLY BOOKED. Please contact us at info@tcf.org.uk or 0345 120 3785 if you wish to attend as we may have a few places come available. Thanks so much.

A supportive weekend with others who understand for bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents.

You are warmly invited to our National Gathering - a warm and supportive weekend away in safe surroundings. This is a special time to spend with memories of your precious son or daughter, brother or sister, or grandchild who has died. Whether your loss has happened recently, or some time ago, here with us you can share your memories and love, and talk about how you really feel, in the company of others who share and understand your pain.

We are, once again, returning to comfortable Sedgebrook Hall, taking sole occupancy of the entire hotel for the whole weekend. For a couple of days we shall travel this path together whilst making friends to keep in touch with when we are back home.

A weekend of comfort, support and hope
Being together with others who have also experienced the pain of losing a much-loved son or daughter, sibling or grandchild, can give you the hope that the despair and anguish you may now feel is shared €“ at the Gathering you don€™t have to put on a brave face and cope on your own. For a couple of days we will travel our paths together, whilst also making firm friends to keep in touch with when we are back home.

A time for you

Although the organisers of the Gathering will be offering you a range of supportive and creative activities, these are entirely optional. If you wish to spend your weekend chatting with others, enjoying the hotel facilities and surroundings or having quiet time on your own, you can. Nothing is expected.

However, if you would like to, you can take part in discussion groups; art and writing workshops; a sharing session to which you can bring a piece of music or a poem that has special meaning for you; a remembrance and candle lighting event and a special room where photos and memories of your child or sibling can be displayed. Please do remember all activities are optional. You only do, or attend, what you are comfortable with.

Here are some comments from parents who came to previous gatherings...

"A lovely weekend spent focusing on all of our beautiful, amazing children..."

"I leave so incredibly nurtured and supported and feeling just that bit stronger and better able to keep going."

"The minute I arrive, I feel like I am entering a different place, where I can say Edward's name over and over again... just an amazing feeling that I hold on to until the next time."

If you are feeling unsure...

If you would like to speak to someone before booking for the weekend, or have any questions about the Gathering, please feel free to call Gina on 07873 211172 or Liz on 01759 303341 or e-mail them at info@tcf.org.uk.

In October, we will write to you with the programme for the weekend and a reminder of things you may wish to bring along with you.

We are very much looking forward to meeting you at the weekend and we will try to make you feel as comfortable, safe and supported as we possibly can.

What are the costs?

For donating members of TCF the cost is £220 per person for the weekend, full board from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.
For non-donating members the cost is £250 per person (to include one year's donating membership of TCF).

Some full and part-bursaries are available for those experiencing financial hardship. Please call (0345 120 3785) or email us to ask for a bursary application form.

It is also possible to attend the Gathering on Saturday only, Sunday only, or to extend your stay to include Thursday and/or Sunday evenings (B&B only or evening meals as an optional extra). A cost sheet for these additional options is available here or by emailing or calling us (info@tcf.org.uk or 0345 120 3785).

Should you need to cancel your booking please do so by 28th September 2018 and we will refund your payment. After this date we are sorry but we are unable to offer any refunds

Adult siblings (18+ years) are welcome with or without parents.

Book online here or download this booking form and send to us.