Compassion Autumn Winter 2023

10 tcf.org.uk COMPASSION | NATIONAL BEREAVED PARENTS DAY National Bereaved Parents Day On 3rd July it was National Bereaved Parents Day and this year’s theme was “You Are Not Alone”. #youarenotalone . Members of TCF were invited to write about what had made them feel less alone and below are a few of the answers to that question. We’ve tried to select contributions which cover a wide range of ideas from reading to writing poetry, walking, enjoying the peace of an allotment, painting beautiful stones and, above all, finding companionship and understanding with other members of TCF. Every single contribution is interesting, and worth reading, and the ones not included here will feature in the next two editions of Compassion. We hope you find something to interest and inspire you. Catherine and Rory “ The TCF library has been a great resource I discovered in the early days after losing our little boy Rory. Mary selected some books she felt were a good starting point for early grief including Upright with Knickers On, a brilliant and comforting book to help navigate losing a child. Being able to read about other parents who have lost a child and how they navigate the days, months and years has been a lifeline. Seeing others being able to survive after the worst has happened has been a comfort when the grief feels all encompassing. Elizabeth and her daughter “ Our walks that run around the country are invaluable to bereaved parents. Elizabeth goes on walks with her support group and says they have helped her to cope. What has helped me in the last 14 months since my beautiful daughter died is The Compassionate Friends support group that I belong to, and the walks that the lovely Terry organises in London. The support group, along with my bereavement counsellor, have been a lifeline for me and, without them, I don’t know how I would have coped. You can request your own personalised selection by emailing library@tcf.org.uk or visit tcf.org.uk/library