Supportive Retreat Weekend for Parents in Early Bereavement

28 February 2020, 16.00 – 1 March 2020, 14.00

The Ammerdown Centre, Bath

THIS RETREAT IS NOW FULL. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON OUR WAITING LIST CALL US ON 0345 120 3785 OR EMAIL US AT info@tcf.org.uk

This supportive retreat weekend is especially for those parents who are in the first few years of bereavement. The timescale is not fixed, but please note that the weekend is for those who feel they are still in the acute early phase of grief.

(If you are bereaved more than 3 years please call us on 0345 120 3785 or email info@tcf.org.uk to discuss whether the weekend will be appropriate for you - thank you so much).

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

The two days will be a mixture of discussions and 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 in the early months of this raw and overwhelming grief for our child.

Feedback from parents who have been at previous weekends...

"A wonderfully therapeutic weekend - such a safe place to be ourselves, wear our broken hearts on our sleeves - a time for our masks to fall and just be the grieving parents that we are."

"There was such a feeling of togetherness and mutual support which is so important for parents who have lost a child".

"The volunteers were truly wonderful; facilitating workshops, rounding us up for meals but, most especially, as true compassionate friends; I felt they were there to listen and console, giving hugs liberally while I talked about my son or cried.
I came away with so much!

Most importantly, I came away with new friends within what I now think of as my Family of Compassionate Friends. I came away with some insight, some new perspectives, and new ways to help and look after myself. It's so good to know you are there, and that I have friends who truly understand".

"Whilst this is a club that none of us want to join, being around people that understand, being able to talk openly and frankly about your child without people looking away, and just being able to cry without fear of judgement has been immensely liberating... If you've not been to one of these events, please go, you won't regret it".

"We were encouraged to tell our stories, to talk about our beloved children, laugh and cry if we wished. And that is what made the weekend so special, we have all lost someone we love unconditionally so we have an innate understanding of one another. We may differ in how we cope with our grief but with gentle guidance from the supportive volunteers and by just being together... we came to understand we are not alone in the dark."

"It may sound inappropriate to say of a bereavement week end but it was truly amazing".

The venue

The Ammerdown Centre is a Retreat Centre nestling in woods next to a stately home, surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens and parkland, with a beautiful chapel in its midst. The whole place is steeped in peace and tranquillity. No traffic noise, only birdsong! Yet, it is only 12 miles from Bath and is easy to access, with ample free car parking on site.

Ammerdown is not meant to be a 5-star hotel. Rooms are simple but very comfortable, most with ensuite facilities. The staff are dedicated to making us warmly welcome, and the home-cooked food is of a high quality.

(Please note that although Ammerdown is a Christian Centre it is open to people of all faiths and none, and the supportive weekend we run here for The Compassionate Friends has no religious content).

There is a railway station in Bath, and it is easy to get a bus from the station to the short distance to Radstock. We can arrange to pick you up from Radstock bus station which is just 1.5 miles away from Ammerdown.

Read more about The Ammerdown Centre.

Costs

The price per person is as follows

· For donating members of TCF - £235 per person for the weekend

· For non-donating members of TCF the cost is £265 per person for a standard room. (This includes one year donating membership of The Compassionate Friends).

These rates cover full board from Friday afternoon tea through to Sunday lunch. There will be a licensed bar (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.

Bursaries - there are some full and part-bursaries available to help cover the cost of the weekend for parents in need. Please contact us at 0345 120 3785 or info@tcf.org.uk for a bursary application form before 24 January 2020.

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 retreat. (We will be running two TCF retreats for bereaved adult siblings later in 2020).

Feeling unsure?

If you would like reassurance or to talk through anything about the weekend please contact Sharon on 0345 120 3785 or email her at events@tcf.org.uk

Cancellations

Should you need to cancel your booking please do so by 17th January 2020 and we will refund your payment, less a £25 admin fee. After this date, we are sorry but our charity is 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.