TCF News, Summer 2022

Summer 2022 - TCF Newsletter | www.tcf.org.uk 8 Glasgow support day In March 2022 we held our first ever support day in Glasgow for parents bereaved by suicide or substance use. Shae shared with us her reflections on the day. “Just seeing the volunteers who were bereaved also and had survived…gives me the strength to think I can get to a better place too”. Shae writes… “I've just attended the day in Glasgow for parents bereaved by suicide, and would like to say an enormous thank you, to TCF and to those who gave up their time to organise and run the day. I lost my daughter to suicide in January 2021 and going to this event in Glasgow felt like a chance to escape and share and learn from others how to survive. Actually, it turned out to be this and more. We were all welcomed so warmly by the amazing volunteers, who are all also sadly bereaved. The venue was warm and bright and we were offered drinks and pastries on arrival. Then I was introduced to some absolutely lovely parents at a table, and then after a chat, we all broke into rooms and started to talk. It's an unfortunate position to be in, to attend one of these events, but I'm so glad I did go. It feels like a weight has lifted off my shoulders. It's not just me that hides in supermarkets, or finds it difficult now in family situations! I also learnt coping strategies and just seeing the volunteers who were bereaved also and had survived, and were helping us, gives me the strength to think I can get to a better place too. At the end we exchanged contact details and I now have a few phone numbers and emails of parents I can contact if I need someone to talk to who really understands. I know I'll always miss my beautiful daughter and I know there will be many times when I still can't cope. But I'm so thankful for TCF for running these events. I will attend again”. The weekend of 6 - 8 May saw the return, after 3 years, of the Scottish Gathering of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents in Stirling. Over 100 participated in a weekend of empathy, understanding, support and care. Thank you to the amazing volunteer team - Clare, Karen, Marion, Sharryn, Janice, Mandy, Maureen, Hugh, Ruby and Val - for organising this hugely supportive, long-awaited weekend. Here is just a little of the lovely feedback from attendees at the weekend. "I felt so understood, safe and held, to be around people who really got it....That even though life goes on, what we carry inside is something different and that we will never be the same. Deep grief and trauma changes you. I found hope that is also ok and the new me can be ok. Different but that’s ok". J, bereaved sibling "It was my first TCF gathering. I made the right decision to meet our compassionate friends. Everyone is so kind, supportive, I’m ever so grateful for the comfort and support on this painful journey". A, bereaved parent "My first time to a TCF gathering and it’s every bit as special as everyone said it would be. Thank you for all the hard work involved in creating such a safe space for us to ‘be’ and supporting us all at the Scottish Gathering this weekend". K, bereaved parent Scottish Gathering returns Read a full report on our website here: tcf.org.uk/scottishgatheringreport2022