31 tcf.org.uk Jackie Hewitt In 2017 I lost my eldest son, Guy, to an accidental overdose, and I stepped overnight into the world of a being a bereaved parent. Although there had been painful times of “anticipated loss” over the years, as Guy experienced many mental health difficulties and substance difficulties, the finality of his loss was still a terrible shock. I found TCF to be gentle and supportive and a local group extended huge compassion and support to both me and my mother (which lifted a weight for me). My first retreat was an intense experience but vital to me safely connecting and beginning to explore the depths of child loss. I have volunteered at several retreats and help co-facilitate the online group for parents bereaved through alcohol and substance use. My personal and professional values are strongly aligned with TCF. I am honoured to be able to “give back” through being a trustee and to help others as they enter this shared world of child and sibling loss. I have worked in both the corporate international and UK mental health charity sectors, taking on strategic and operational leadership roles and active involvement in management restructures and business transformation processes. I have experience of building strong stakeholder relationships across all aspects of an organisation and am familiar with submitting funding bids and reporting to commissioners and donors on service reach, impact and outcomes. I am a BACP accredited counsellor and have a small private practice, supporting clients through change and loss. A full list of our trustees can be found at tcf.org.uk/trustees A list of TCF’s staff team can be found at: tcf.org.uk/staff TCF NEWS | NEWS FROM AROUND OUR CHARITY Meet our new staff team member Beth Blenkinship joined the TCF staff team earlier this year as our Events Manager, working with Sharon Rose who has moved to the role of Events Assistant. The events team looks after our in-person and online supportive events. Here Beth tells you a little about herself: “I joined TCF in January 2025 and oversee the management and administration of our in-person and online supportive events, including retreats, support days, walks, and online groups. Having recently relocated to London from the northwest of England, I bring lots of experience in community and events roles, having worked with various organisations such as local government, housing associations, and charities. Additionally, I founded and ran a youth arts charity for 12 years, that used the performing arts to help young people develop their skills, abilities, and confidence. Now based in southwest London, in my spare time I volunteer at a local theatre, providing administration support and as an usher. When I'm not volunteering, you'll likely find me in the audience, as I love experiencing a wide range of productions.
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