North East England Supportive Weekend for parents, grandparents and siblings: POSTPONED to 2021

22 May 2020 – 24 May 2020

Park Head Hotel, County Durham

DUE TO CORONAVIRUS THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED

More details of the new date will follow.

Please keep checking our website for our plans to stay connected online.

 

Come and meet with others who understand, and immerse yourself in the comfort and warmth of a dedicated team of bereaved parent supporters.

The weekend will be a mixture of discussions and informal activities which you are free to participate in as much or as little as you want. Most of all, this is an opportunity to spend a few days away with people who truly understand what it means to be a bereaved parent.

 

Location

The Park Head Hotel is situated on the outskirts of Bishop Auckland and easily accessible from the A1, in the heart of County Durham. The Park Head is renowned for its friendly atmosphere, service and delicious locally sourced homemade food. We can arrange lifts from Bishop Auckland station if you are coming by train.

Costs

For donating members of TCF the weekend cost is £199 per person.

For non-donating members of TCF the weekend cost is £229 per person (including one year’s donating membership of TCF).

These rates cover full board from 4.00 pm Friday afternoon through to Sunday lunch.
A licensed bar is available (at additional cost).

We ask for full payment at time of booking. If this causes you hardship please let us know and we may be able to help.

There are some BURSARIES available to fund all or part of the costs of the weekend to those experiencing financial hardship. If you would be interested in applying for one of these, please ask us for a bursary application form.

This weekend is primarily for bereaved parents. Adult siblings would be welcome to attend if accompanying a parent (and willing to share a room) but there will not be a separate sibling programme at the weekend.

Here are some comments from parents who have attended recent supportive weekends …

“It has been wonderful being with people who understand and be able to share our stories and lovely memories of our lovely children.”

“This has truly been a weekend of compassion and friendship...Being amongst recently bereaved parents, but with the kindness, support and wisdom of those further along the path was exactly the right mix.”

“A wonderful, caring atmosphere. All the volunteers made us all feel so welcome and loved, with our children at the very heart of this gathering.”

“...everything was well run and done so in a very sympathetic way. All the people attending, including those from compassionate friends, were all bereaved parents or siblings. It mattered not if you became upset or cried. Everyone there knew how we felt. No masks were put on or had to be put on.”

Feeling unsure?

If you would like reassurance or to talk through anything about the weekend please contact Liz Leake on 07957 412771 (if no answer please leave a message and Liz will get back to you) or email liz.tcf@gmail.com.

CANCELLATIONS
Should you need to cancel your booking, please do so by 24 April 2020 and we will refund your payment less a £25 deposit. After this date, we are sorry but we are unable to offer any refunds.

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