Online Support Group for Parents Bereaved in the Last Three Years

9 October 2024, 19.00 – 20.30

Online Via Zoom

We’re sorry but this group is now fully booked. We do give priority to those who have not attended a group before and we do sometimes have cancellations so if you would like to attend please email us at events@tcf.org.uk to go on the waiting list. Thank you.

 

PLEASE NOTE THESE GROUPS ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR PARENTS BEREAVED UNDER 3 MONTHS. PLEASE CONTACT THE HELPLINE FOR LISTENING SUPPORT ON 0345 123 2304 IF YOU ARE UNDER 3 MONTHS BEREAVED

When you book for this group you will be directed to a new web page which asks you to tell us about your bereavement/s. We ask you for details of your bereavement/s so we can make the group as helpful as we can for you. 

ABOUT THE GROUP

There is nothing more devastating for a parent than the death of our child, whatever their age or whatever the cause. Unfortunately, some of us have to face this terrible tragedy. We may feel overwhelmed by our feelings as we face the dreadful task of learning to live without our son or daughter.

This occasional online support group is for parents who have experienced the loss of a son or daughter in the last 36 months. Please note our sharing together in this group will not only focus on the cause of death of our child but very much on the impact of our loss.

The group will offer you an opportunity to talk and share with other parents.

Because of the pandemic you may also not have had the opportunity to avail of the normal rituals that can offer comfort, for instance having friends and families around. Investigation and legal processes may have been delayed; you may be feeling isolated with your grief as friends and families may feel unable, or have been wary of, being in touch.

You would be warmly welcome to join us to share these, and any other topics you would like to discuss, around losing a son or daughter over the last three years.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

This group is primarily for anyone who is bereaved of a child within the last 36 months. 

We do apologise but this online group is not suitable for anyone bereaved 3 months or less. If you are under 3 months bereaved please contact the Helpline on 0345 123 2304 for listening support.

To keep the group as helpful as possible, we limit the number of attendees. Please note we give priority to parents who have not attended an online group before.

Once you book you will receive more details and the Zoom link closer to the meeting date. Just a reminder to check your spam or junk email folders if you haven’t received the link for the online meeting by the day of the meeting. Please contact info@tcf.org.uk if you have any questions or queries.

Please can we ask that you join the group using a desktop computer, a laptop or a tablet if possible. We do apologise if you join a Zoom sharing session using a mobile phone you may not be able to see the other participants in the group.

Please note that these online events are run by bereaved parent volunteers. Our volunteers are not professionals and so what we offer is a uniquely warm, comforting and supportive online group 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.

Group numbers will be limited so do please book via this web page to secure your place. We can only take bookings online and if we are fully booked priority will be given to those parents who have not attended a Compassionate Friends online support group before. 

Please contact events@tcf.org.uk if you have any questions or queries.

Please note this group is for bereaved parents in the UK only – if you want to join from abroad please contact us on events@tcf.org.uk

What parents have said after an earlier group:

‘I found it easier to empathise with other parents at a similar stage in the grief journey.’

‘The (facilitators) were very welcoming and made sure to put people at ease as much as possible.’

‘...it was such a lovely feeling to meet other people, without judgement, to discuss issues that might be hard to discuss with others who have not been on this journey. I felt I really understood/connected with the other parents and that they understood me when I spoke. It felt validating, helped to ease the loneliness and shone a light on the different circumstances we were each experiencing from our trauma.’