National UK Retreat and Gathering

13 January 2023, 16.00 – 15 January 2023, 14.00

Sedgebrook Hall Hotel, Northampton

We warmly invite all bereaved parents, siblings (18 years+) and grandparents to this supportive retreat weekend in the Northamptonshire countryside with others who have experienced and understand the pain of child or sibling loss.

BOOKING FOR THIS RETREAT HAS NOW CLOSED.

The UK Gathering Retreat Weekend returns offering a warm and supportive 48 hours 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. We have not been able to be together for some time now so this weekend will be a time that we can share our memories and love, and talk about how we really feel, in the company of others who share and understand our feelings.

For our weekend together in January 2023 we are returning to comfortable Sedgebrook Hall, taking sole occupancy of the entire hotel for the whole weekend. For a couple of days we will meet and share together, finding understanding, empathy and support from each other, meet up with old TCF friends as well as make new ones.

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 feelings you are experiencing are shared. At our weekend together you don't have to pretend and cope on your own. For a couple of days we will travel our paths together, perhaps with others we have met before, while also making firm friends to keep in touch with when we are back home. Please note that adult siblings (18+ years) are very welcome with or without parents.

A time for you

Although we will be offering you a range of supportive, active 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 craft, therapies and writing workshops; physical activities like walking together, sharing sessions and discussion groups; a remembrance and candle lighting event and talks by guest speakers. 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 contact any of us at info@tcf.org.uk or on 0345 120 3785.

Late in 2022 and again in early 2023, 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 welcome, comfortable, safe and supported as we possibly can.

What are the costs?

For donating members of TCF the cost is £245 per person for the weekend, full board from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.
For non-donating members the cost is £275 per person (this includes 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 will be available here shortly or can be obtained by emailing or calling us (info@tcf.org.uk or 0345 120 3785). However, we recommend that you are with us for the whole weekend to get the most out of the 2 days together.

Cancellations

Should you need to cancel your booking please do so by 1 December 2022 and we will refund your payment. After this date we are sorry but we are unable to offer any refunds.

BOOKING FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED.

or download this booking form and send to us with your payment.