Supportive Weekend Retreat for Parents Bereaved by Suicide or Substance Use

14 November 2025, 15.00 – 16 November 2025, 14.00

Hinsley Hall, Leeds

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This supportive retreat weekend is especially for those parents whose child has died by suicide or substance use. Please be aware that we will be giving priority to those who have not attended one of our weekend retreats previously. 

All parents bereaved for 6 months or more are welcome to attend this retreat, however if there is demand for places, priority will be given to parents up to 10 years bereaved.

This is a unique opportunity to come and meet with others who understand the pain of the loss of a beloved son or daughter to suicide or to drug or alcohol use. Here you can immerse yourself in the comfort and warmth of a dedicated team of bereaved parent supporters.

The weekend will be a mixture of grief focused sharing sessions and self-care activities, and an opportunity to spend a few days away with people who truly understand what it means to be a parent bereaved in these particularly difficult ways.

The weekend will start at 5pm on Friday 14 November 2025, with tea, coffee and cake will be available from 3pm. The retreat weekend will finish after lunch around 2pm on Sunday 16 November 2025.

What others said about a previous retreat:

“Just on my way back home from the retreat in Leeds bereaved by suicide or substance use. Thank you so much for putting on this retreat. It’s my second one and it was so sensitively run and organised.”

“It was my first retreat and although I was emotionally very tired by the end it was well worth it. I met so many lovely people and found the talks, workshops and self-care activities so helpful and supportive. It’s a lifeline in this heartbreaking situation.”

“The warmth and love is very special and I am super grateful to have met everyone and to have shared that connection. It couldn’t have been done without the wonderful volunteers who facilitated each group, whilst managing their own personal grief at the same time.”

“Thanks so much for providing me with the opportunity to attend the suicide and substance use retreat which I was very pleased and grateful to accept. The loss was palpably present - so important in a human world that does its best to deny it altogether-but so was the life that overflowed throughout the proceedings.”

 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

COSTS

The cost of the weekend retreat is £295 per person.

This rate includes all meals, accommodation and activities from Friday afternoon tea through to Sunday lunch. This supportive event is subsidised by The Compassionate Friends. 

We ask for full payment at time of booking.

(There are a limited number of double and twin rooms available. Please indicate on the booking if you would like a double room. Priority for doubles will be given to couples booking together).  

There are bursaries for complementary places on the retreat for those who would be unable to attend without financial assistance. Priority for bursaries will be given to those who are newly bereaved or have not attended a retreat weekend or support day before.

If you wish to apply for financial help, please request a bursary application form at events@tcf.org.uk. Closing date for completed bursary applications is 19 September 2025.

Unfortunately, TCF is unable to cover travel costs.

CANCELLATIONS

If you need to cancel your place, please do so by 10 October 2025 and we will be able to refund your place, less a £25 admin fee. After that date we are afraid that our charity is unable to offer any refunds.

THE VENUE

Hinsley Hall is a Grade II listed building located in the Headingley Hill Conservation Area of Leeds. It was built in 1868 and after extensive modernisation and refurbishment it opened as a hotel, conference and pastoral centre in 1999. Hinsley Hall sits within attractive landscaped grounds, which creates a peaceful setting while still providing great facilities.

For more information about Hinsley Hall please click here

There is a licensed bar on site (at additional cost).

(Please note that although Hinsley Hall is a Catholic Centre, it is open to people of all faiths and none. The supportive weekend we run here for The Compassionate Friends has no religious content).

GETTING THERE

Located approximately 3 miles from Leeds Railway Station, it is also easy to access by car from major motorway routes and has ample free car parking on site.  There is a bus that runs from Leeds Railway Station direct to Hinsley Hall. Burley Railway Station is also a short distance away (approximately 5 minutes’ drive or 17 minutes on foot).  

You can find directions to Hinsley Hall here 

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If your loss is within the last 6 months, we ask that you wait a little longer before accessing our support events. Our Helpline on 0345 123 2304 is here if you would like to talk with a volunteer who is there to listen and empathise. 

Please note that our supportive events are run by bereaved parent volunteers. Our volunteers are not professionals and so what we offer is a uniquely warm, comforting and supportive retreat organised and facilitated by parents who have also experienced the loss of a child and have found understanding and empathy themselves through The Compassionate Friends.

Feeling unsure?

If you would like to talk through anything about the weekend or further information, please contact Beth or Sharon, our Events Team, on 0345 120 3785 or email events@tcf.org.uk

PLEASE BOOK HERE