Supportive weekend retreat for bereaved parents, siblings (18 years+) and grandparents (National Gathering)

26 January 2024 – 28 January 2024

Sedgebrook Hall Hotel, Northampton

This retreat weekend is now FULLY BOOKED. If you would like to go on the waiting list please email our events team. Thank you. 

A retreat weekend for bereaved parents, siblings (18 years+) and grandparents with others who have experienced and understand the pain of child or sibling loss. All are welcome wherever you are located in the UK. 

This supportive retreat weekend (previously called the 'National Gathering') offers a warm and supportive 48 hours away in safe surroundings. This is a special time to be together and an opportunity to 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 2024 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 supportive retreat weekends...

"A weekend full of remembering our loved ones, crying, talking, listening, laughing, caring, hugging, and supporting each other. A quote from one of the guest speakers that resonated with me, “I prefer the company of the broken hearted – for their hearts are larger”. Without doubt, one of the most inspirational events I have ever been to".

"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 retreat or have any questions about the weekend, please feel free to contact any of us at info@tcf.org.uk or on 0345 120 3785.

We are very much looking forward to meeting you at the retreat 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 £260 per person for the weekend, full board with accommodation, all meals and all workshops and sessions from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. For non-donating members the cost is £290 per person (this includes one year's donating membership of TCF). 

Some full and part-bursaries are available for those experiencing financial hardship or on low incomes. Please call (0345 120 3785) or email us to ask for a bursary application form.

Getting there

Sedgebrook Hall Hotel is approximately 15-20 minutes drive from Northampton train station (around 6 miles or so). Taxis are available or, if you arrive on Friday afternoon, we can pick you up from the station. There is ample free car parking at the hotel. 

Cancellations

Should you need to cancel your booking please do so by 20 December 2023 and we will refund your payment, less a £25 administration fee. After this date we are sorry but we are unable to offer any refunds.

BOOK HERE FOR THIS EVENT