TCF News Autumn 2022

Autumn 2022 - TCF Newsletter | www.tcf.org.uk 6 A round up of recent retreat weekends June this year saw the return – after 3 years – of our retreat weekend for parents bereaved by suicide or substance or alcohol use at the beautiful venue of Woodbrooke in Birmingham. It was wonderful to be back again – welcoming back parents who had attended in previous years and meeting those who were new to a supportive retreat. Andrea attended this retreat and she wrote to us: It was my first experience of a TCF retreat and I really didn’t know what to expect. I was very appreciative of both the offer of a lift from the station, despite my delayed arrival and the very warm welcome - so thoughtful in helping me to feel more comfortable. I thought the idea of the small groups and sitting together for dinner was a really good one - many thanks to Gina for her kindness. Without that it would have been easy to feel overwhelmed. I found reading and signing up for the groups was all rather busy and confusing on the Friday evening but maybe that was just me. It all seemed to fall into place by the Saturday morning. I was glad of the structure in place and the emphasis on respect and confidentiality. I think my favourite sessions were Taking the Inward Road - I could listen to Sangeeta all day! And also Finding Meaning on the Sunday with some thought provoking suggestions. I am glad I took advantage of the opportunity to have a 1 to 1 therapeutic session - although upsetting I felt there was support available if I had needed it. The accommodation and food were wonderful. I came away with my head full but what I can pull out now is the full realisation that our family is so not alone in having to bear this loss and that others are not only surviving but living their lives. I feel more hopeful for the future. I am also very grateful for the warmth and compassion of TCF. Beautiful and tranquil Woodbrooke