29 tcf.org.uk TCF NEWS | SUPPORTIVE EVENTS Exeter mini-retreat & support day Early this year in June, 25 bereaved parents came together at a central Exeter venue to join a day of peer support. We spent the day talking and sharing with each other finding comfort, friendship, understanding and hope. A delicious lunch was provided by the local WI. Peer support like this can really help to know we are not alone and that we are there for one another as we find ways to cope after the death of our precious children. A huge thank you to the volunteers and staff members (pictured left to right) who supported on the day: Carolyn, Teresa, Elaine, Jancis, Claire, Alison, Ruth and Yvonne. Bernadine, Serena’s mum, has written about her experience of the day: “My name is Bernadine and I’m grieving for my beloved daughter, Serena, who took her life in June 2022. When I received the email regarding the retreat day in Exeter I thought the day would be perfect to coincide with the second anniversary of Serena’s death, which was Sunday 23rd June 2024. I decided to go to Exeter for a long weekend and duly booked my coach and hotel to travel to Exeter from Buckinghamshire where I live. The 9 hour coach journey there didn’t deter me, as I was very motivated to meet up with volunteers and other bereaved parents. I have already attended 2 of the weekend retreats in Birmingham and Northampton which I found to be both comforting and friendly. I travelled overnight on the coach, arriving at my hotel in the early hours with just enough time for a couple of hours sleep. I got ready for the day and my taxi picked me up to get me there for 10am. I was greeted with a huge smile and a hug from two of the TCF volunteers at the door. I instantly felt a warm welcome. Coffee, cake and biscuits were being served. I was given a lanyard and programme for the day. I knew straight away I was in the company of people I had longed to be with, as only they could understand what it is to be a bereaved parent. A lovely lady approached me as I sat down with my coffee and we introduced ourselves and she asked me if she could join me. Of course, I said and we got talking about our precious children. At 10 am we all gathered in a large room for the opening words. The group was much smaller than the weekend retreats, there must have been about 30 people. It was lovely but very sad for the reason that brought us together. Then afterwards there was a choice of three groups for discussion topics. The smaller groups were very personable and nice. Then after the discussion groups finished another tea break and then another choice of discussion group.
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