Northumberland Support Day

7 September 2024

Riding Mill Hall, Near Newcastle upon Tyne

Booking for this support day is now closed. If you would like to attend please contact us at info@tcf.org.uk before 4 pm on Friday 6 September. Thankyou. 

Do come and join us at this peer-to-peer supportive day in Northumberland for bereaved parents. 

This will be a unique opportunity to be together in a safe place to hear from and share with others who have experienced the loss of a child. The venue - Riding Mill Hall -  is just a short (5-10 minutes) walk from Riding Mill train station, which is 18 miles west of Newcastle and a 35 minute journey by train from Newcastle. There is on-street parking close to the venue.  The day will run from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday 7 September. 

You might wish to stay the night before at a local B&B or in Newcastle if you live more than an hour or two away. All bereaved parents - whether you are in the early years of your loss, or have been longer bereaved - are warmly welcome.

Come and meet with others who understand the pain of grief for a beloved child and immerse yourself in the comfort and warmth of a dedicated team of bereaved parent volunteers. This support day will be a mixture of sharing sessions and activities which you are free to participate in as much or as little as you want.

The cost for the day will be £25 per person - including refreshments, a light home-cooked lunch and all workshops and activities.

Bursaries - there will be some bursaries available to help cover the cost of the day for those experiencing financial hardship. Please contact us on 0345 120 3785 or email us to ask for a bursary application form.

Here’s what people have said who attended the support day last year:

“Thanks for organising such a welcoming and reflection provoking day. It’s been such a relief to find that I’m not the only one to be bereaved and have the feelings and thoughts that I have.”

“Everybody was lovely. I need not have worried.  I thought that people’s stories would be difficult and triggering but actually it was very supportive. Not what I expected. It was nice to spend the day amongst people who ‘get it’.”

“I’m really pleased I came. Being with other bereaved parents is always good and today I’ve felt safe and understood. Thank you.  And the food was delicious!”

“The support day was excellent! Barbara and Lucy organised the day, welcoming us all with warm smiles and encouragement. The group discussions were very helpful and informative. And the food was delish! In the afternoon there was yoga, massage, a walk and crafts.”

***

We are sorry but if your loss is within the last 3-4 months, we think it would be best to wait a little longer before accessing this support day. We hope that you will be able to access our in-person group support in future months. In the meantime, we ask you to contact our Helpline on 0345 1232304 to talk with another bereaved parent and for support and empathy.

Please note that our support days are run by bereaved parent volunteers. Our volunteers are not professionals and so what we offer is a uniquely warm, comforting and supportive day 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.