UK Helpline: 0345 123 2304 | tcf.org.uk We may agree to go, but decide to let everyone know that we may have to leave with little warning. Contact with family and friends who are prepared to accept that we will not be very good company at times can be very helpful. On the other hand, we may find that some friends cannot cope with our situation. Over time, or sometimes very quickly, many of us find that our social circle changes. It can be helpful to take some control over our social life. Some of us find it beneficial to join clubs, groups or associations. These do not have to be related to our grief. Doing activities that we enjoy or would like to learn in company with others can help prevent us from becoming isolated. Volunteering can also be a good idea, when we feel ready. Social media We can write about our child on social media. People who know us can offer their support and comments. This can be very encouraging. On the other hand, not everyone who uses social media will care about us or our child. We can waste a lot of energy getting into a spat or dealing with unkindness. If we find that social media is getting us down, we can block the offending people or at least ignore them. Sometimes we might choose to step away for a while. Finding support Other bereaved fathers While some of us are comfortable opening our hearts to others and talking about our deep sorrow, many of us do not find this comes naturally at all. It may help to spend time with other bereaved fathers. Being in their company will strengthen us. It is good to know that we stand together. In particular, fathers who have been bereaved for some months or years know the landscape of grief and can act as a guide for us. In the future, we might even become a mentor to another man whose child has more recently died. The Compassionate Friends (TCF) One place where we can meet bereaved parents, and fathers specifically, is The Compassionate Friends. TCF organises meetings, walks and other social activities, both in person and digitally, some exclusively for fathers. There are also private Facebook and WhatsApp groups.
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