18 May 2019

Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre, Birmingham

THIS RETREAT IS NOW FULL PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE PUT ON A WAITING LIST

A one-day overnight retreat for bereaved brothers and sisters aged 18+

Please join us for a supportive weekend from lunchtime Saturday 18th May until after lunch Sunday 19th May 2019 for bereaved adult siblings.

This will be a unique opportunity to meet in a safe place and share with others who have experienced the loss of a sibling early in life. In a relaxed and comfortable environment, with a lakeside setting, you can find support and understanding, strategies to cope with life after loss, and build resilience for the future.

The cost for the weekend - including all accommodation, meals and activities from Saturday lunch until after lunch on Sunday is £95.

There are also some options for shared rooms at £50 per person.

We would love to see you there! Places are limited so please do book early.

Please note that our weekend retreats are run by bereaved sibling volunteers. Our volunteers are not professionals and so what we offer is a uniquely warm, comforting and supportive two days organised and facilitated by siblings who have also experienced the loss of a brother or sister and have found understanding and hope themselves through The Compassionate Friends.

 

About Woodbrooke

Woodbrooke is approx. 5 miles south of Birmingham city centre. If travelling by train, travel to Birmingham New Street station, and either take a taxi or 61 or 63 bus direct to the door of Woodbrooke, or one of the regular trains to Selly Oak station (10 minute train journey).

For more information about the retreat venue visit the website at www.woodbrooke.org.uk.

Please note that Woodbrooke is an alcohol-free building. Alcohol is not permitted in any of the public areas (although there will be the opportunity to visit a local pub on Saturday evening for those who wish). Smoking is permitted in the allocated smoking area in the grounds.

N.B. Although held at Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre, this is NOT a religious event.

See what people said who came last year:

"For the first time (since losing my brother) I was in a room full of people who understood me. I could talk to people without fear of judgment, without the fear of making people uncomfortable or having to filter myself when things got awkward. I was surrounded by people I didn’t have to explain myself to because they had been through the loss of their best friend, brother or sister. They knew the pain and we realised in those moments, when we bared our souls to each other and cried our hearts out, it was ok that we were broken. It was ok that we might never be fixed because at least we weren’t alone. We finally had each other. "

"This weekend has changed me as a person. I’ve met some of the bravest and most inspiring people I’ll ever meet. The people who understand the pain and heartbreak of losing a sibling, who are there to listen as well as share their sibling’s stories. These people I hope to continue to call friends. I can’t explain how amazing it is to talk to other people who have been through the same experience and won’t judge you because they understand everything you are saying. Thank you so much to The Compassionate Friends for organising the retreat and I look forward to seeing everyone again next year."

"I found the weekend so helpful and peaceful, and actually felt comfortable and safe at the retreat. I felt like I finally fit in somewhere."

"Being able to relate to so much of what people shared and having space to reflect on different perspectives, gave me a lot to take away."

"I did the unthinkable... I walked into a room full of strangers and left with lots of hugs and tears and great memories. Thank you so much for the retreat, I didn't realise how much I needed it."

If you would like more information about the weekend please contact events@tcf.org.uk

If you are interested in joining our private Siblings Facebook group please contact Emma at emmaandow@icloud.com or Hayley on hayleypinkerfield@yahoo.co.uk

If you would like to make a donation toward the weekend and our work with bereaved families please use this link www.tcf.org.uk/donate or add a bursary fund donation when you book.

CANCELLATIONS
Please note that if you need to cancel your place, please do so by 12th April 2019 and we will be able to refund your place, less £25 admin fee. After that date we are afraid that our charity will be unable to offer any refunds.