Online Support Group for Bereaved Fathers (Men only please)

11 March 2025, 19.00 – 20.30

Online via Zoom

We’re sorry but this online support 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.

These groups are suitable for parents who have been bereaved for at least three months. If your loss is more recent (under three months), we encourage you to contact our helpline for one-to-one listening support on 0345 123 2304 – our helpline team are all bereaved parent volunteers.

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The death of our child affects us as no other death can. However deeply we have loved anyone else who has died, we now face a loss that is outside the natural order of things. We are devastated as the unthinkable has happened: our child has died and we are still alive. Every parent must endure this terrible ordeal of grief when their child dies, but how we as fathers and men deal with our feelings can differ from how mothers and women grieve.

Historically, society held different expectations for men and women’s emotions; women were allowed to cry in public, while men were expected to hold back their tears. As adult men facing overwhelming emotions, we may feel pressure to suppress our grief in order to protect those around us. But we too need the space to express our sorrow and to acknowledge the deep pain we carry. 

Many men find it helpful to connect with others who have experienced a similar loss. Conversations focus on how grief affects us and our relationships with our family and friends, the differences in how men and women grieve, returning to work, combatting isolation, finding ways to cope, honouring and remembering our child and more. 

This is an opportunity for bereaved fathers to connect online, share our emotions, and find mutual understanding, reassurance and support.

Some feedback from dads that have attended previous groups:

‘...a safe space that I can use to voice my grief with other fathers.’

‘Having a group dedicated to bereaved dads was so positive. To share insight and experience with other men created a feeling of being noticed and heard. We are often the overlooked party in grieving for a child as we are there to support and help our loved ones, but this gave us a voice and a safe place to discuss and express how much we hurt too. The format was relaxed yet well run and I have no hesitation in recommending TCF and this service to anyone who needs it.’

‘Thank you so much for always being there for us grieving dads too.’

‘The men’s group had a different energy to it. I think Men are more ready to open up with just men.’

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

This online support group is only for fathers bereaved of a child.

To ensure the group remains as supportive as possible, we limit the number of attendees. Once you book, you will receive further details and the Zoom link closer to the meeting date. If you do not receive the link by the day of the meeting, please check your spam or junk folders. For any queries, please contact info@tcf.org.uk.

 When you book for this group, you will be directed to a webpage where we ask you to share some details about your bereavement including whether you are already receiving support from our charity. We appreciate the strong need to share what has happened particularly in the early months and years of our loss – however, to ensure we keep our groups as safe and supportive as possible, we ask that everyone shares the time equally during the sessions, We ask too that no graphic details are shared given these can be triggering and traumatising for everyone.

We kindly ask that you join the group using a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet to ensure the best experience. If you use a mobile phone, you may not be able to see all other participants in the session which can detract from the group experience for you and for other attendees. We ask too that you keep your video on throughout the session.

Please note that our online support groups are facilitated by bereaved parent volunteers who are not professionals. What we hope to offer is a uniquely warm, understanding, and supportive space led by parents who have also experienced the loss of a child and have found connection and hope through The Compassionate Friends.

Since spaces are limited, please book via this webpage to secure your place. Bookings can only be made online. If the session is full, priority will be given to parents who have not attended a Compassionate Friends online support group before.

For any further questions, please contact events@tcf.org.uk.

Please note: This group is for bereaved fathers in the UK only. If you are joining from outside the UK, please email us at events@tcf.org.uk for further guidance.

If you are very newly bereaved:
Please note that our online support groups are not suitable for parents who are very newly bereaved. In the early weeks when we are experiencing such raw, vulnerable grief, online support can’t offer the physical presence, comfort and reassurance needed. In some situations, we may contact you to determine if our online group is the right support for you at this time even if you are more than 3 months’ bereaved.

For any further questions, please contact events@tcf.org.uk