Designfreebies free InDesign newsletter template 2

Autumn 2020 - TCF Newsletter | www.tcf.org.uk 3 Over the summer we ran our first virtual Information and Training event for those interested in setting up and facilitating a TCF support group. It was a privilege to be with our new volunteers located all over the UK- some already supporting through TCF, others new to volunteering but considering starting a support group either in person or online. Topics covered included the processes and practicalities of starting a group, finding group members, self-care, active listening skills, issues around appropriate self- disclosure, and language and terminology. We finished the course by looking at group dynamics and some of the challenges (and rewards) that can come up in support group situations. This was the first time we have run our training online and, instead of a full day, the programme was split over 2 Saturday morning sessions. Although nothing replaces face-to-face, in-person contact, this Zoom environment seemed to work well and many volunteers appreciated not having to travel to attend. It was really so great to meet everyone and share together our experiences of groups and peer group support. Joining TCF volunteers in the sessions, we were pleased to welcome Donna and Nicola from the Bodie Hodges Foundation, a charity offering support in the East Midlands area after the death of a child. Donna is mum to Bodie, who died aged 10 months and is the inspiration for the Foundation in his name. Nicola is not a bereaved parent but runs the bereavement support for the Foundation. Both shared their reflections on the training with us. Online Group Training “I attended the online facilitator training to give me an insight into what it means to run a peer support group and how to do this well within the TCF model. The training was really beneficial as it covered key areas that every group facilitator needs to consider. The sessions were friendly and interactive and worked well over zoom with everyone being able to contribute in a safe environment. I would recommend this training to others who are considering running peer support groups. I now have the confidence to set ground rules and keep my groups focused on grief work in a structured way which I would not have considered before this training” . Donna Hodges, Founder, Bodie Hodges Foundation “I recently attended the TCF online group facilitation training to help in my knowledge and understanding of how best to set up and run a successful bereavement groups for families bereaved of a child. I am a professional who has been working in bereavement support for many years and the opportunity to train with TCF was great, I know they run many successful bereavement groups across the UK. I hoped the training would be of great value to me and support my aims of setting up support groups within my area. What was beneficial for me both personally and professionally was being in this training session with parents and siblings with lived experience of death of a child, brother, or sister. Hearing their stories and for some the impact that group support has made on them the hope and togetherness it can bring to the bereaved was immensely powerful. The training covered a range of topics from set up and ground rules, beginnings, middle and endings, to managingmore difficult situation and group dynamics, there was always time for questions and reflection. I felt overall this was a very well led training session which offers a great insight in how to ensure bereavement groups are set up with clear aims and objectives, that they are organised and most importantly offer a place of safety and hope for families facing the most difficult times”. Nicola Rhodes, Lead Child and Family Bereavement Practitioner, Bodie Hodges Foundation