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New Derbyshire bereavement support day

On Saturday 15 February a newly one-day supportive event in Chesterfield, Derbyshire was held for bereaved parents. It was run by Jan and a small team of volunteers - Mike, Pat, Lorna and Sue. We have had some wonderful feedback from the day - it is so good to see what a difference peer-to-peer support can make to grieving parents - finding out we are not alone, and that our feelings and reactions are 'normal' in our far-from-normal situation.

Sharing some of the feedback with you here...

“Just a note to thank you for yesterday. I found it a revelatory and widening experience and so liberating to be able to talk with, and listen to, others… a really outstanding occasion.” J

“I'm so glad I came …You were right once we walked in there was a warm welcome and we suddenly felt safe. It was like a sense of belonging, away from the real world. I needed that day as I did not feel alone anymore.

It was so nice to be with people who cared and knew what we were going through. Not going mad or doing silly things, it is all part of this awful situation we have all been through. It was so nice just to laugh as I have forgotten what that was like, eat nice food and have unlimited hugs.

Unfortunately as you said we are now back with the daily struggle, but surviving, after the support we had on Saturday… you have really helped L and I”. D

“Listening to others and talking openly without having to be brave was cathartic it also made me realise how far I have come”. J

“What a brilliant day you put on. I thought you pitched if perfectly. Thank you so much …It’s a tough task to organise a day that brings people together from all and any walk of life, who just happen to have this one tragic thing in common.

Recognising the grief and utter sadness in the room is only half the story. Gently describing how it ‘might’ feel and opening up that conversation so that others can engage with it, truly helps people to understand that they are not alone and that their random thoughts are not ridiculous or an indication that they are losing their mind.

It’s good to create an opportunity like this, to help build on a person’s comprehension of what has happened and to hear the stories that others tell. Only then can someone start to develop tiny coping strategies that will aid them on their journey.” G

If you would like to join us at a supportive walk, day or weekend go to EVENTS to find out more.