TCF News, Autumn 2021

Autumn 2021 - TCF Newsletter | www.tcf.org.uk 7 “ The Grief Companion Scheme was established to offer support to newly bereaved parents who live in areas of the UK where we are unable to offer peer support through an existing local contact or support group. A grief companion can provide one-to-one contact for up to a year for parents who are in their first or second year of bereavement and who have lost a child from one month old up to an adult child. Our grief companions are volunteer bereaved parents who are at least 3 years bereaved. They are not counsellors, but they offer an opportunity to share your grief and experiences. They will 'walk alongside' you and be a listening ear and an understanding friend. Over 133 newly bereaved parents have now been supported by a grief companion since the start of the Scheme. Many of these go on to become enduring friendships, and grief companions tell us that they feel privileged to offer this connection to parents who might otherwise be feeling isolated and alone. If you would like to be considered for a grief companion and have been bereaved of a child for less than two years, please contact our helpline on 0345 123 2304 or by email to helpline@tcf.org.uk . At present we are seeking more bereaved fathers who would be willing to become a volunteer grief companion. If you are a bereaved dad and at least three years bereaved you will find additional details and an application form at tcf.org.uk/ volunteergriefcompanion . This can be a helpful way to start to volunteer with TCF and to honour your child. “ because I know it takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there and tell a group of strangers what’s happened and how you are feeling. It’s heartwarming seeing people share photos of the different ways they remember their siblings on birthdays/anniversaries and how they honor them. It’s a good feeling knowing that I am doing something useful to help other bereaved siblings. The support and kindness from other volunteers from the charity has also been really touching, What has been the most challenging? I read the group posts every day and sometimes that is difficult because of the many tragic stories that are shared especially when those involved are so young. It can be hard because although I know from my own experience that no one can take away the pain, I always wish I could do more to help. Are there any areas of volunteering you would like to develop? I would like to organise meet ups again soon, because connecting with others in person is so important. How do I relax? A bath whilst listening to therapy or health related podcasts, walking/running outdoors, yoga and sometimes a Netflix binge! A listening ear and an understanding friend Grief Companions “I had lost all meaning and purpose to life … now I can celebrate (my son’s) life and be thankful that he lived to 17. Because someone else talked to me about what it’s like to lose a child, this is how I’ve come to terms with it. I hope to become a grief companion in the future. Having a grief companion has been brilliant”. O, a newly bereaved parent. “What an amazing, life sustaining support this is!”. H, a grief companion. Funded by The National Lottery